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 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 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.

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.

There were many divisions in the Corinthian church which became obvious at their celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Paul addressed this by referring back to how Jesus set up the sacrament of Communion.

Paul gives a practical framework to encourage orderly worship that incorporates the unplanned interaction of god through the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues.

Paul continues to speak practically about how to live the Christian life. He encourages the believer to put off the old life and put on the new. Jesus is the supreme example - what would He do? Thanksgiving is a major part of spiritual warfare and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

In seeking to build up the church, Paul addresses the vulnerability of the church to opposition. As Christians we should rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. We should not seek to revenge opposition but be kind to those who persecute us.

Paul states that government is God’s plan for society. Despite the different forms of government, Christians should respect and honour those in authority who are under God’s sovereignty. Christians should pay their taxes and pray for those in authority.

Paul encourages his readers to believe that they have moved from a life in slavery to sin to living in God’s grace. He refers to baptism which clearly shows dying to the old life and rising up to new life. We need to count ourselves dead to sin.