Paul looks forward to his third visit. Paul encourages church discipline which hopefully will lead to repentance and forgiveness and re-joining the church. He challenges his readers to consider their own behaviour and morality and to repent humbly. Restoration is important.

Paul has emphasised that the true Apostles are just ordinary men with weaknesses. He was caused much emotional pain by the Corinthians. Apostleship is clarified. Paul had performed miraculous signs which was further proof he was a true Apostle. Despite all the difficulties Paul loved the church and wanted to visit them again even though his visits had been difficult.

Paul carefully organised a team of helpers to transfer the large collection to Jerusalem safely. Church finances can be at risk. Great care needs to be taken. Each church chose representatives to go with the money. Paul encourages richer churches to help poorer churches.

Paul makes refernce to a ‘painful visit’ he had made to Corinth which involved church discipline. He teaches that the purpose of discipline is to bring forgiveness and restoration.

Paul tackles a case of incest in the Corinthian church. He explains the need to deal with sin within the church. Jesus had taught how to put church discipline into action. The man in Corinth needed to be put out of the church although there would always a way back into the church.

In Corinth, members of the church were in dispute with each other and instead of resolving the issues with the help of church leaders, they were taking the argument to the law courts.

In Corinth, Aphrodite - the goddess of fertility - was worshipped. Paul explained that to join with prostitutes would have a spiritual effect. As Christians, our bodies belong to the Lord.

Paul addresses several questions about marriage and divorce that have been raised by the delegation from the church in Corinth. He explains that marriage is a commitment for Christians and divorce can only happen for those whose partner has either been unfaithful sexually, or as an unbeliever asked for the divorce.

Paul’s principle for Christian discipleship is to accept the circumstances you are in rather than seek to change them - even if they are difficult. God can use you in those circumstances. He applies this to relationships, circumcision and slavery.

Paul continues to answer specific questions about relationships. He encourages both marriage and singleness. He states that where a choice is possible, Christians should marry Christians.