Paul opens his letter by greeting the church at Corinth and explaining that the letter is in response to a letter from Chloe expressing concern for the church. Problems with leadership and baptism are addressed in this episode.

Paul explains that the only foundation a church should be built upon is the gospel of Jesus. There can be false teaching which is the responsibility of the leaders of the church. If what they have built is wrong it will be destroyed; if it is good they will receive a reward.

Paul defends himself from accusations made by some members of the Corinthian church. He has authority as an Apostle and did not ask for payment from the church for preaching the gospel.

This is the earliest recorded account of the resurrection of Jesus, given by Peter to Paul and now given by Paul to the Corinthian church to give them hope. These are the historical facts.

Paul gives four guidelines as to how to give financially to the Kingdom of God. He then gives greeting mentioning some of those with him who are part of his team of workers.

The leadership of a church is very important. It includes apostles, pastors and teachers, evangelists and prophets. All are under the authority of the original Apostles through Scripture.

Despite being in prison facing a death sentence, Paul opens his letter by reminding the church of all the blessings they have. He writes of God’s initiative in salvation but also the need for each Christian to make a decision. God is working out His purposes.

Paul explains that salvation means that God’s Holy Spirit comes into your life bringing the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and placed him at the right hand of the Father with all that that implies.

Paul was in prison because of his calling to take the gospel to the gentiles. When Christ came, what had been promised to Abraham about the Jews being a blessing for all nations, came into being. This was a ‘mystery’ that is still being fulfilled today.

Paul prays that the Ephesians will know how wide, how long, how high and how deep God’s love is so that they can be strengthened in their faith and understanding of God.