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.

Paul answers specific questions from the Corinthian church about pagan worship and the culture that surrounded it. The importance of Christians being separate to the pagan culture around them was, and is, important for the benefit of all.

Paul used several Old Testament examples from the exodus and the Israelites' time in the desert to demonstrate how dangerous it is to mix Christianity with the worship of idols.

Paul addresses cultural problems that arise in the Corinthian church. Head covering was a symbol of marriage, and the length of hair was important to that culture. Paul refers to Genesis 2 as a basis for understanding Christian marriage.

Becoming a Christian involves a change in attitudes and life empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is necessary to put off the past life in order to put on the new life.