02/20/2026
Bible-in-a-Year Study
Join us on Wednesday, February 25th at 6pm MST on Zoom for a discussion of 1st Corinthians (entire book) and
2nd Corinthians 1-6.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83992764281
Overview
1 and 2 Corinthians are letters written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, a diverse and often divided Christian community. These letters address church unity, moral challenges, spiritual gifts, leadership, suffering, and the nature of true Christian love.
Authorship
Traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. These letters were written to guide, correct, and encourage the Corinthian believers in their faith and communal life.
Date Written
1 Corinthians was likely written around AD 53–55 from Ephesus.
2 Corinthians was written shortly afterward, around AD 55–56, likely from Macedonia.
Purpose of the Letters
1 Corinthians addresses divisions, moral issues, worship practices, and questions about spiritual gifts and resurrection.
2 Corinthians defends Paul’s apostleship, encourages generosity, and speaks deeply about suffering, reconciliation, and God’s strength in weakness.
Major Themes
Unity in Christ; Christian Love; Spiritual Gifts; Holiness; Generosity; Strength in Weakness; Reconciliation.
Key Passages to Watch For
1 Corinthians 12–13 (Spiritual gifts and the “Love Chapter”);
1 Corinthians 15 (The resurrection of Christ);
2 Corinthians 5:17 (New creation in Christ);
2 Corinthians 12:9 (Power made perfect in weakness).
United Methodist Perspective
From a United Methodist viewpoint, these letters speak powerfully about grace shaping community life.
Prevenient Grace: God continues to work within imperfect communities.
Justifying Grace: Believers are made new in Christ.
Sanctifying Grace: The church grows in holiness through love, accountability, and spiritual maturity.
Social Holiness: Faith is lived out in unity, generosity, and mutual care.
1 & 2 Corinthians invite United Methodists to pursue unity, practice love above all, and trust God’s power even in human weakness.
