The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written to the Christian community in Corinth, where the Gospel was first preached by the Apostle Paul during his second missionary journey, around 50 A.D. While living and working in the city, Paul preached in the synagogue until opposition arose. He was brought before the Roman governor, Gallio, by some of the Jews, but the charges against him were dismissed. Paul remained in Corinth for approximately eighteen months, teaching and establishing the Church there (Acts 18:1–17; 1 Cor. 2:3).
Paul maintained a close relationship with the Corinthian Church after his departure, although their relationship was at times troubled by misunderstandings, doubts, and disagreements on both sides. Nevertheless, Corinth remained a Church for which Paul had a deep affection and concern.
The entire letter addresses, either directly or indirectly, a number of doctrinal, moral, and practical problems that were affecting the Corinthian Church. Paul responds to divisions and disagreements among the believers (1:11), issues of immorality (Chapters 5–6), and questions concerning marriage, food, Christian worship, spiritual gifts, and the Resurrection.
Throughout the Epistle, Paul calls the Corinthians back to the unity of the Church and to a life centered on Christ. He emphasizes that Christian faith must be reflected not only in what believers profess, but also in how they live, worship, and relate to one another. His teaching ultimately points the Corinthians toward love, holiness, unity, and faith in the Resurrection of Christ.