August 2010

First Corinthians is a pastoral letter to a spiritually troubled church. Paul wants this church, divided by of the arrogance of its more powerful members, to work tighter for the advancement of the gospel. He wants them to drop their divisive one-upmanship, build up the faith of those who are weak and witness effectively to unbelievers. Despite the stern tone of the letter, Paul is thankful to God for the Corinthians and has a deep personal affection for them. Because of this love for them and for the purpose of God’s glory, Paul wants the Corinthians to become a well-constructed dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.