THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS
1 Corinthians 1:1-31
Key Verse: 1:18
Who wrote this letter, and to whom is it written (1-2)? Why does Paul introduce himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus? According to verse 2, what are the characteristics of the church of God? Why does Paul emphasize these things? What was his greeting to them (3)?
On what basis does Paul give thanks for the believers in Corinth (4-7)? How did they receive their spiritual gifts (6; cf. Ac 18:8-11)? Read verses 8-9. What does he believe about their future? How could he believe this (9)?
What is Paul’s appeal to them (10)? Think about the degree of unity Paul urges. What contradictory report had he heard about them (11)? Over what were they quarreling (12)?
In what sense was their quarreling so serious? How did Paul bring them back to the proper perspective (13-16)? What was the focus of Paul’s ministry (17)? Why did he emphasize the cross of Christ here?
What are the two responses to the message of the cross (18)? How does God deal with human wisdom (19-20)? How does God work to save people (21)? Why does Paul talk about human wisdom and God’s wisdom here (17)?
Read verses 22-24. What characterized Jewish and Greek culture? Despite this, what did Paul keep doing (23)? What was his confidence (24-25)?
What kind of people were the Corinthians when they were called (26)? Why did God call people like them (27-29)? How and by whom had they been changed (30)? Why did Paul mention these things to them (31)?