Questions for Research and Discussion

1. Spend some time delving into what kind of city Corinth was during Paul’s day. How might this information help you as you read and interpret 1 Corinthians?
2. Give a detailed account of the Corinthian correspondence, giving special attention to where 1 Corinthians fits within that timeline.
3. Discuss how Baur understood the divisions in the community in Corinth. Do you think Baur’s proposal is cogent or are there other ways to understand the disunity in Corinth?
4. How are marriage and divorce discussed in 1 Corinthians? What difficulties might there be in applying Paul’s ideas about these issues to our current day?
5. Outline 1 Corinthians 12–14. Give special attention to issues regarding spiritual gifts and worship. Also, how does 1 Corinthians 13 fit within this context?

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