1 CorinthiansНамуна

The First Letter to the Corinthians gives us a glimpse into the inner life of a young church—vibrant, chaotic, full of questions and challenges. Corinth was a major port city in ancient Greece: a commercial hub, religiously diverse, and known for its liberal lifestyle—in many ways comparable to a modern metropolis like Hamburg. It was in this setting that a young church was learning what it meant to live as Christians in a secular environment.

Paul writes this letter after receiving troubling news. People connected to a woman named Chloe had told him about quarrels, divisions, and many uncertainties in the Corinthian church. What he writes in response is not just a theological treatise but a personal, concrete, and passionate pastoral letter. He addresses many topics: divisions, sexuality, worship, the use of freedom, spiritual gifts, the Lord’s Supper, the resurrection—and always with one central question: How does the gospel shape your life, both individually and as a church?

Paul isn’t just concerned with correcting bad behavior; he’s aiming for the positive transformation of believers’ lives according to God’s will. What makes this letter so remarkable is how clearly it shows that the gospel is not only the starting point of faith but also the measure for everyday life. Again and again, Paul argues: If Christ died and rose for you, then that changes how you relate to one another, how you make decisions, how you use your freedom—everything.

As you read this letter, you’ll notice how surprisingly relevant its themes still are. It’s about true discipleship in a culture that thinks very differently—and about how we can walk together as a church despite our differences.

Throughout the letter, Paul will address many things that aren’t going well in Corinth. But he begins with gratitude. Gratitude that this church even exists. Gratitude that Jesus has already given them everything they need to be the church.

Paul gives them a powerful assurance: Jesus himself will sustain them and ensure that they stand blameless on the day of Christ. He reminds them that they are “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.” This means they have been set apart by God through faith in Jesus Christ and chosen for a special purpose. It's not a badge for perfect people but a statement of identity in Christ. What counts is not their performance but Christ’s faithfulness. No matter what issues Paul will address later in the letter—this gratitude and assurance form the foundation of everything he says.

For reflection:
What are you thankful for when it comes to your church?