1 Corinthians by James Rochford (2018)

Paul exemplifies God's grace by foregoing what he is owed by those people to whom he brought the gospel and becoming like those people to better love them. As Christians, we are called to do likewise: to belong to the culture around us, for the sake of bringing the gospel into it.

Paul uses athletic imagery to encourage Christians to reach for more in their walks with God. He indicates that rewards await us in heaven as we strive and succeed in our work for God. This teaching covers godly reasons for setting realistic goals and working hard to meet them in your walk with God.

Paul encourages the Corinthians to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites, including idolatry, sexual immorality, ingratitude, and self-righteousness. These practices sapped their spiritual vitality, as they do ours today, but this passage offers us ways to restore our walks with God.

James discusses the biblical view of women and how this stands apart from many cultural and religious beliefs.

Paul speaks to the Corinthian church about the way they are worshiping, particularly in regards to their prophesying and their speaking in tongues. Paul urges them to conduct themselves in an orderly manner to win people to Christ rather than to drive people away. A detailed exploration of the gift of speaking in tongues is included.

Does it matter if Jesus rose from the dead? The apostle Paul argues that it's of utmost importance and central to our Christian lives! Can we know if the resurrection actually happened? A variety of evidence is presented, including from sources outside of the Bible: Josephus, Lucian, and Tacitus.

What happens after death? What will the afterlife be like? What will our resurrected bodies be like? The apostle Paul gives an overview of what's coming after death for those who believe in Jesus Christ.

The church in Corinth was struggling with greed, factions, and immaturity. The apostle Paul addresses these issues encouraging them to take up a collection for others with guidelines about grace-based giving. He urges them to work together, not favoring one leader over another and giving them principles of coming under authority. And he ends urging them to grow in their faith and love.