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King James Bible - New Testament 1 Corinthians
1 and 2 Corinthians are Paul's letters to the church in Corinth. These letters deal with the basic tenets of Christianity. He writes from captivity in Rome.
Paul beseeches the Corinthians to be united in the body of Christ. The church should not be divided because God must not be divided. Paul is there to preach the word of God to Jews and Gentiles. He says that he came after God revealed himself to him. They have the life of Christ to live by. Paul says that he can only truly speak of that which is physical not spiritual. God increases the physical world without the work of man. The only foundation for a man to build on is Christ. Whoever destroys the church will be destroyed by God. Everyone in a different sect of the Church is still a part of the whole body.
Paul says that there may be stewards of God. Stewards must be faithful. Kings may still rule with faith in God. A man may be rich as long as God is more important than money. He tells them that he sent Timotheus to teach them but he will come himself when he can. He tells them that there are fornications among them; they do not mourn their sins but exult in them. He warns the people to not keep company with the wicked.
Paul shames the sinners and tells them to remember that they are a part of the body of Christ. Hence, a harlot ought not be attached to the body. It is good for a man to be married; everyone can avoid fornication in this way. Paul says that circumcision doesn't matter, what matters is keeping the commandments of God. A virgin will be condemned for sex if she does not marry. Married people may please each other. It is still sacred to have sex when married.
Paul reports that sacrifices given to idols may be touched as long as the one's heart belongs to God. Paul affirms that he is an apostle. He says that God cares for the apostles. A man who preaches the Gospel must live by it. Paul says that he is weak and therefore preaches to the weak. He begs the followers of Christ to keep the commandments. Idols mean nothing but sacrifices should not be made to them. Whoever makes such sacrifices should be shunned. Gentiles and Jews are to be treated the same. They should follow Paul as he follows Christ. The Lord of every man is Jesus. A woman is to pray with her head covered.
Paul remains concerned about divisions in the church. He recounts the process of the Last Supper and Communion. This is how people may become one with God. A man may speak of God or Jesus but they all speak of the same. Everyone is a part of the same body.
Men and women of the church should work according to their ability. Charity is good and not in vain. Everyone should be charitable. "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." 1 Corinthians, 13:11-12. Paul says this to show that now that the people know of Christ, they should act differently than they did when they were ignorant. Prophets speak to men of the things that will improve them. Men should speak only what is pure, like the prophets. The church should come together. Women should be silent in church; everything should be performed decently.
The Gospel must be declared to all people. There were many apostles before Paul and he declares that he is the last and the least. Everyone will be redeemed in Christ. All flesh in the world is different but all flesh of men is the same. Paul promises that he will come to Corinth. He salutes them and ends his letter.
