10 Interesting Facts About 1 Corinthians in the Bible

The book of 1 Corinthians is one of Paul’s most personal and powerful letters to the early church. It is full of encouragement, correction, and timeless wisdom for believers today.

1. Written by the Apostle Paul

Paul is clearly identified as the author. He also reminds the church that his calling came from God, not man.

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother. — 1 Corinthians 1:1

Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? — 1 Corinthians 9:1

2. Addressed to a Divided Church

The church was split into factions, each following different leaders. Paul reminds them that Christ is the foundation.

Now I beseech you, brethren... that there be no divisions among you... but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. — 1 Corinthians 1:10

For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? — 1 Corinthians 3:4

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 3:11

3. Deals with Moral and Ethical Issues

Paul strongly addresses a case of sexual immorality and calls the church to holiness.

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you... And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned. — 1 Corinthians 5:1–2

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body... therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. — 1 Corinthians 6:18–20

4. Gives the Famous “Love Chapter”

1 Corinthians 13 defines true love—selfless, enduring, and never failing.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up... Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. — 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. — 1 Corinthians 13:13

5. Explains the Use of Spiritual Gifts

Paul explains that all spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit and are meant to help the whole church, not just the individual.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. — 1 Corinthians 12:4–6

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. — 1 Corinthians 12:7

6. Teaches on the Lord’s Supper

Paul reminds believers that the Lord’s Supper is sacred and should be taken seriously.

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you... For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. — 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. — 1 Corinthians 11:28

7. Affirms the Resurrection of Jesus

Paul teaches that the resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins... and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day. — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. — 1 Corinthians 15:20

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast... forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. — 1 Corinthians 15:58

8. Warns Against Pride and Boasting

Paul reminds them not to boast in men or themselves but in the Lord.

That no flesh should glory in his presence... He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. — 1 Corinthians 1:29, 31

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? — 1 Corinthians 4:7

9. Provides Practical Advice for Marriage and Singleness

Paul offers wisdom for both married and single believers, urging each to honor God in their situation.

For I would that all men were even as I myself... I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. — 1 Corinthians 7:7–8

But as God hath distributed to every man... so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. — 1 Corinthians 7:17

10. Ends with Encouragement and Love

Even after correcting them, Paul ends the letter with a call to strength, faith, and love.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. — 1 Corinthians 16:13–14

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. — 1 Corinthians 16:23–24

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