Paul continues to explain his life as an Apostle and justifies his approach to the gospel and the church in Corinth. he wants to re-build his relationship with them. He then went on to teach them not to be ‘yoked’ with unbelievers which in that context meant not to be involved with temple worship and other gods.

Paul teaches about what happens to a Christian immediately after death. He compares our life now to living in a tent whereas our future home is permanent. To die is to be immediately in God’s presence. We are assured of this by the Holy Spirit in us.

Paul had received God’s mercy and had believed. Not all who hear respond. Some down grade Jesus as a good man or teacher. The real Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Paul experienced much trouble and persecution but counted it as nothing when compared to the future life after resurrection and in eternal life.

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 explained his method of reaching all the people he met in his mission to the Gentiles. He identified with them so he could preach the gospel to them. Paul described the Christian life as a race with a prize at the end - eternal life.

Paul continues his teaching about idolatry and specifically eating food offered to idols. He teaches that there is no power in the food itself but in participating in the worship of idols by eating food known to have been offered for sacrifice. It is important to consider the witness to others.

As part of his teaching about the gifts of the Spirit, Paul uses the imagery of the church being like a human body in which all parts work together and are equally important.

Paul continues his teaching about the resurrection and specifically what will happen for believers when they die and then when Jesus comes again. He describes the resurrection body that believers will experience.

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.

Paul introduces the reality of spiritual warfare that every Christian faces together with the resources that God provides to fight against the enemy. Roman soldiers are guarding him and he uses their armour to explain these resources.