Challenging verse-by-verse teaching of scripture from www.versebyverseministry.org A verse-by-verse teaching through Paul's first letter to the Corinthian Church Stephen Armstrong Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth is addressed to a church rife with sexual immorality, pagan worship and vestiges of Greek cultural influence. The letter combines extreme patience with firm correction as the Apostle pleads with the believers in Corinth to set aside the fleshly, sinful practices of their earlier lives and chart a new course as Christians. Along the way, Paul contends with various doctrines, heresies and church practices including the misuse of spiritual gifts, eternal rewards for believers, treatment of the physical body, rules for marriage and divorce, and numerous other hot topics - for both the church then and today. This course has been completely revised and updated from the original version. https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians en-us no (c)2014 Verse By Verse Ministry International Verse By Verse Ministry International letters@versebyverseministry.org Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:07:40 -0600 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:07:40 -0600 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss letters@versebyverseministry.org https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_lesson_1a 1203 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 1A - Divisions Paul writes to Corinth having heard of divisions and other concerns. Sun, 11 Aug 2013 22:06:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_1b 1204 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 1B - The Word of the Cross Paul could never be accused of making the cross of Christ void in his preaching of the Gospel. Sun, 18 Aug 2013 22:17:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_1c 1208 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 1C - Boasting in the Lord Not only did the Lord craft the message of salvation in a foolish-sounding way, but He also used it to attract a foolish audience. Sun, 25 Aug 2013 18:53:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_2 1212 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 2 - The Foolish Messenger Having established that God used a foolish message and attracted a foolish audience, now Paul teaches that the messenger was also weak, though not without power. Sun, 01 Sep 2013 19:46:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_3a 1215 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 3A - Carnal Christians The church is prideful about their spiritual wisdom, but Paul says they are fleshy and unable to receive the spiritual truths God is offering. Sun, 08 Sep 2013 21:10:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_3b 1225 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 3B - The Test Paul tells the church to prepare for a coming test in which every Christian's work for Christ will be judged. Sun, 29 Sep 2013 19:42:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_4a 1230 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 4A - Opposite World While the Corinthians church was busy congratulating itself for its worldly association, the Apostles were suffering for Christ, so Paul asks who is the greater? Sun, 06 Oct 2013 22:21:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_4b 1235 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 4B - Obeying Authority Paul admonishes the church of Corinth for their arrogance and unwillingess to accept his authority. Sun, 20 Oct 2013 22:10:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_5 1240 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 5A - Removing Sin Paul deals with the reports he has received concerning the church, beginning with the church's condoning of sexual immorality. Sun, 27 Oct 2013 21:31:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians_2013_lesson_5b 1243 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 5B - Associations The church is commanded to avoid immoral believers, but we are NOT to avoid immoral unbelievers in the world. Sun, 03 Nov 2013 21:04:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-6a 1270 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 6A - Going to Court Believers in Corinth were taking their fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord to Greek courts, which Paul says was a sin. Sun, 10 Nov 2013 09:12:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-6b 1272 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 6B - The Body Matters Believers have nothing in common with unbelievers, so we must separate outselves and keep ourselves holy, including abstaining from immoral behaviors. Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:59:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-7a 1273 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 7A - Marital Relationships Part 1 Paul addresses the questions posed by the Corinthian church, beginning with the boundaries of marital relations. Sun, 24 Nov 2013 20:04:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-7b 1274 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 7B - Marital Relationships Part 2 Paul advises believers about marriage with an unbeliever. Sun, 08 Dec 2013 20:17:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-7c 1275 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 7C - Marital Relationships Part 3 Our desire for a spouse may compete with our call to serve the Lord. Sun, 15 Dec 2013 20:20:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-8 1276 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 8 - Liberty vs. Self-Restraint (Part 1) Paul begins his answer to the Corinthians' second question concerning exercising liberty in love. Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:22:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-9a 1277 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 9A - Liberty vs. Self-Restraint (Part 2) Paul defends his authority and his right to forgo his liberties as an apostle. Sun, 29 Dec 2013 20:23:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-9b 1278 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 9B - Liberty vs. Self-Restraint (Part 3) Paul exercised self-restraint to demonstrate love and to earn eternal reward through more effective ministry. Sun, 05 Jan 2014 20:26:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-10a 1280 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 10A - Liberty vs. Self-Restraint (Part 4) Using Israel as an example, Paul teaches that giving into one desire of our flesh is a recipe for greater sin in the future. Sun, 12 Jan 2014 20:27:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-10b 1279 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 10B - Liberty vs. Self-Restraint (Part 5) Paul applies the principles of liberty to the specific question of whether to eat meat sacrificed to idols. Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:02:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-11a 1281 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 11A - Traditions vs. Liberty (Part 1) When liberty comes into conflict with time honored traditions, Paul asks the church to consider the message they send. Sun, 26 Jan 2014 21:48:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-11b 1288 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 11B - Traditions vs. Liberty (Part 2) The tradition of the Lord's Supper carries strict requirements for the form and message. Mon, 03 Feb 2014 17:01:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-12a 1309 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 12A - One Spirit, Forever Paul opens his teaching on spiritual gifts with a foundational truth. Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:41:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-12b 1319 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 12B - A List of Gifts Paul describes nice spiritual gifts found in the body of Christ. Sun, 16 Feb 2014 11:00:00 -0600 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-12c 1331 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 12C - Serving the Weaker Every member of the body is needed, and the weaker members are the most important since they give purpose to the gifts. Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:38:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-13 1339 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 13 - Desiring the Greater Gifts All members of the body are equal, but Paul teaches not all spiritual gifts are created equal. Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:36:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-14a 1342 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 14A - Love is Eternal Paul emphasizes the eternal importance of love over temporary experiences like faith, hope and spiritual gifts. Mon, 24 Mar 2014 21:11:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-14b 1348 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 14B - Edify the Gathering All gifts exist to edify the gathering, so if a gift lacks the ability to edify another, it must remain private in its use. Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:02:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-14c 1351 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 14C - The True Purpose of Tongues Why did the Lord give the church a gift with so little potential to edify. Paul explains. Sun, 06 Apr 2014 19:27:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-14d 1358 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 14D - The Respectful Gathering Our gathering exists to offer opportunity for the body to serve one another in their gift with respect. Sun, 13 Apr 2014 20:55:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-15a 1362 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 15A - The True Gospel Paul begins his teaching on the resurrection by reminding the Corinthian church of the true gospel. Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:48:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-15b 1368 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 15B - Arguments for Resurrection The Corinthians held to a self-contradictory view of resurrection, including denying eye witness testimony. Sun, 27 Apr 2014 20:29:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-15c 1378 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 15C - A New Adam Paul moves to explaining Chrst as the first fruits of resurrection and the rest of the schedule for resurrection. Sun, 18 May 2014 19:29:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-15d 1386 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 15D - A Contradictory Behavior Paul defends the truth of resurrection by highlighting two examples where the Corinthian church was acting in ways that contradicted their rejection of resurrection. Sun, 25 May 2014 17:27:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-15e 1393 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 15E - Sowing a Body Paul explains the manner of resurrection using various examples, including the sowing of a seed, and ends in revealing a New Testament mystery. Sun, 08 Jun 2014 18:13:00 -0500 https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/1corinthians-2013-lesson-16 1397 Stephen Armstrong https://media.versebyverseministry.org/images/bible_study_images/1Corin_square.jpg https://versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/first-corinthians 1 Corinthians Lesson 16 - Giving to the Body The church asks Paul how to contribute to the needs of the saints, and Paul's explanation may surprise you. Sun, 15 Jun 2014 23:52:00 -0500