Pastor Jasmine Brady | Bible Reading Podcast Episode #98 | November 17, 2025

The letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians, penned by the Apostle Paul, are foundational texts in the New Testament that offer crucial insights into the early Christian church’s struggles with unity, morality, and authority. Chronologically, these letters predate the Gospels, with 1 Corinthians written within 25 years of the resurrection.

Paul wrote these letters to the churches in Corinth, a significant port city known for its wealth, commerce, Greek philosophy, and unfortunately, its rampant immorality. Corinth was notorious to the point that the term “to corinthianize” meant engaging in sexual immorality, largely due to the great temple of Aphrodite there which encouraged the cultic practice of prostitution. Paul’s primary concern in both letters is addressing serious problems within the church, responding to questions, and maintaining a standard of holiness.

The Sequence of Communication

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians were part of a complex and emotional correspondence, demonstrating that 1 Corinthians was not the first letter he wrote to them.

1 Corinthians: Correcting Behavior and Establishing Order

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians while he was in Ephesus. The primary focus of this letter is correcting behavior and establishing proper order, wisdom, and service to the body of Christ.

Key Themes and Structure (1 Corinthians)

The structure of 1 Corinthians addresses numerous internal and external issues faced by the community:

• Divisions and True Wisdom (Chapters 1–4): Paul addresses splits within the church. He encourages unity, stating that even though they met in different house churches, they were one body.
• Moral and Legal Problems (Chapters 5–6): Given the pervasive immorality of Corinth, Paul speaks poignantly against sexual immorality and addresses legal disputes among believers.
• Marriage and Celibacy (Chapter 7): Paul responds to questions the Corinthians had about these subjects.
• Food Idols and Christian Liberty (Chapters 8–10): This section addresses the tension between exercising Christian freedom and being sensitive to the consciences of others.
• Order of Worship (Chapters 11–14): Paul provides instructions on proper conduct during worship. Notably, women were praying and prophesying publicly in 1 Corinthians 11:5, with Paul only discussing head coverings but not forbidding them from these public roles.
• The Resurrection (Chapter 15): A comprehensive section defending and detailing the resurrection.
• The Last Supper/Communion (1 Corinthians 11:23–26): Paul preserves this Eucharistic tradition, emphasizing that this practice was important almost from the conception of Christianity, written down within 25 years of the resurrection.
• House Churches: Because Christianity was illegal until Constantine changed the law, Christians could not hold property or build worship structures. They met secretly in people’s homes, led by figures like Chloe, Gaes, and Stephanas.

2 Corinthians: Reconciliation, Weakness, and Divine Power

2 Corinthians was written very closely in time to 1 Corinthians, between 55 and 56 AD. The tone of this letter is deeply emotional and personal because Paul felt remorse that his previous correction had caused hurt and pain.

Key Themes and Structure (2 Corinthians)

The main focus of 2 Corinthians is healing a relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church and defending his authority against critics.

• Paul’s Ministry and Reconciliation (Chapters 1–7): Paul pleads for reconciliation.
• Collection for Jerusalem (Chapters 8–9): Paul attempts to gather money to send to the Jerusalem church to aid them.
• Defense of Apostolic Authority (Chapters 10–13): Paul addresses criticisms from “super apostles” regarding his authority, appearance, and speaking skills. He seeks to affirm his right to speak to them about these matters.
• Ministry through Suffering: The portrait of Christian ministry here is different from 1 Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians, ministry is painted as being about suffering, weakness, and divine power working through frailty.

Similarities and Differences

Both letters are essential for understanding early Christian theology and practice.

Three Core Similarities:

1. Both emphasize the core message of Jesus and him crucified.
2. Both are concerned for unity and holiness.
3. Both address Paul’s apostolic care and authority.

Both perspectives—ministry as order and ministry as suffering—are necessary aspects of the Christian life.