Straight from my Bible chapter intro:
"The church in Corinth serves as Biblical 'Exhibit A': It shows evidence of enormous potential in troubled times and of great promise amid chaos. Planted within one of the most culturally diverse cities of the ancient world, the church finds it difficult to keep the negative influences of society at bay. There is division and disorder that threaten to tear the church apart. As you read 1 Corinthians, notice how Paul's words overflow with the tough love of a godly leader."
In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul really doesn't waste any time. After a short but warm introduction, he immediately launches into his dual purpose of encouraging and also righting wrongs.
Encouragement: "I always thank God for you", "in him you have been enriched in every way", "you do not lack any spiritual gift", "He will keep you strong to the end", and so on.
Correction: "I appeal to you...that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you", "some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrel among you", etc.
Paul concludes this first chapter with a discussion of wisdom and foolishness. The Gospel of Christ is "foolishness to those who are perishing", and a "stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to Gentiles". We see that "the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength". Of course, God has no foolishness or weakness, but we can see Paul's point. God is so incomparably greater than anything man can imagine. So much so that He chooses the weak, lowly and foolish of the world to accomplish His purpose. Those who think they are great had better think again in light of the greatness of the Living God. "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord".
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