The Flow of 1 Corinthians

This is the fullest overview of 1 Corinthians I’ve posted – You’ll notice I’ve tried to draw attention to the important links between the beginning and the ending, as well as demonstrate the rhythm of the middle (ethical) section…

Chapters 1-4: The Cross Confronts Divisive Autonomous Boasting in Corinth

• Foundational apostolic proclamation of the gospel: The message of the cross received in Corinth with faith, but in danger of vanity: 1:21-24; 2:1-5; 3:10-11; 4:1-2,15.  (Potential vanity illustrated in squabbling over baptism in relation to apostles: 1:13-17)
• Powers conspire and subject, yet are doomed: 1:18-29; 2:6-9; 3:18-20
• Apostolic cruciformity endured as ordeal: Dishonour, deprivation, labour, death: 2:2-3; 3:5; 4:9-13 (including ‘arena’ image: 4:9)
• Natural or Spiritual: The call for obedience: 2:10-3:4
• Victory longed for: 4:8

Chapters 5-7: The Cross Applied I: Your Body Belongs to the Lord

• A: 5:1-13: Sexual Immorality (the refusal to judge)
  • B: 6:1-11: Greedy exploitation (an apparent inability to judge)
• A1: 6:12-7:40: Sexual Immorality, the body, marriage

Chapters 8-14: The Cross Applied II: Discern the Body

• A: 8:1-13: Meat offered to idols (using rights to endanger weaker brothers & sisters)
  • B: 9:1-27 Paul’s example/defence (foregoing rights for others & self)
• A1: 10:1-11:1: Meat offered to idols (foregoing rights for self and others)
• A: 11:2-16: I praise you for keeping the traditions I passed on (public worship)
  • B: 11:17-22: I do not praise you (in both v17 and v22)
• A1: 11:23-34: I passed on to you what I also received (tradition of Lord’s Supper)
• A: 12:1-31: Gifts within the body (mutual interdependence)
  • B: 12:31-13:13: Love
• A1: 14:1-40: Gifts (for ordered edification of the whole)

Chapter 15: The Resurrection Confronts and Resolves Autonomous Boasting in Corinth

• Foundational apostolic proclamation of the gospel: The message of the death and resurrection received in Corinth with faith, but in danger of vanity: 15:1-11, 12-19.  (Potential vanity illustrated in baptism in relation to ‘dead’ apostles: 15:29-31)
• Powers subdued and punished: 15:20-28
• Apostolic cruciformity endured and vindicated: 15:8-11, 30-32, 58 (including ‘arena’ image: 15:32)
• Natural or Spiritual: The promise of exaltation: 15:42-49
• Victory claimed and its accomplisher acclaimed: 15:54-58