Paul’s often-quoted first letter to the Corinthians addresses the issues that arose when early Christians lived in community. Those problems in the first century are remarkably applicable to those of Christian communities in the twenty-first century. This letter was written about twenty years into Paul’s ministry and work among the Gentiles. The Corinthians’ divisiveness and separation ran counter to Paul’s vision of the fulfillment of God’s promised new age.
This study offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of being in community where members are as likely to disagree on some questions as they are likely to agree. It also helps learners think about living in the world beyond the Christian community.
