Highlighting the Bible, Part IX: 1 and 2 Corinthians

A. Hanson, NYC 2014

Paul's first and second letters to the Corinthians are part of an ongoing conversation with the community at Corinth.  It is theorized that Paul wrote an earlier letter to this community, and these letters continue conversations.  They are an interesting snapshot into the lives, concerns, disagreements, hopes, and joys of these early churches.  Portions of 1 Corinthians are often read at weddings because of the focus on love.

The following passages from 1 and 2 Corinthians do not appear in the lectionary:

1 Cor 4 (The Ministry of the Apostles; Fatherly admonition)

1 Cor 5 (Sexual immorality defiles the church; Sexual immorality must be judged

1 Cor 6:1-11 (Lawsuits among believers)

1 Cor 7:1-28 (Directions concerning marriage; The life the Lord has assigned; The unmarried at the Widows)

1 Cor 7:32-40 (more discussion about marriage, love, and honor in relationships)

1 Cor 9:1-15 (The rights of an apostle)

1 Cor 9:24-27 (talking about enslaving the body to belief)

1 Cor 10:14-33 (command to flee from the worship of idols; Do all to the glory of God)

1 Cor 11:1-22 (Head Coverings; Abuses at the Lord's supper)

1 Cor 11:27-34 (Partaking of the Supper unworthily)

1 Cor 14 (Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues; Orderly Worship)

1 Cor 15:12-18 (The resurrection of the dead)

1 Cor 15:27-58 (more commentary on the resurrection; what happens to the physical body after resurrection)

1 Cor 16 (The collection for the saints; plans for travel; Final messages and greetings)

2 Cor 1 (salutation; Paul's thanksgiving after affliction; postponement of Paul's visit)

2 Cor 2 (more about Paul's visit; forgiveness for the offender; Paul's anxiety in Troas)

2 Cor 3:1-11 (Ministers of the new covenant)

2 Cor 5:1-5 (we know that our earthy dwellings will not endure)

2 Cor 6:11-18 (the Temple of the living God)

2 Cor 7 (Paul's joy at the church's repentance)

2 Cor 8:1-6 (Encouragement to be generous)

2 Cor 8:16-24 (commendation of Titus)

2 Cor 9:1-5 (the collection for Christians at Jerusalem)

2 Cor 10 (Paul defends his ministry)

2 Cor 11 (Paul and the false apostles; Paul's suffering as an apostle)

2 Cor 12:11-21 (Paul's concern for the Corinthian church)

2 Cor 13:1-10 (Further warning to examine their lives of faith)