Discover how to live in a culture at odds with your faith with this Free Study Guide of 1 Corinthians from Luther Seminary

First Corinthians is an ancient letter, but the questions it raises still feel surprisingly current.

The church in Corinth was trying to follow Jesus in the middle of a culture that often pulled them in another direction. They disagreed with one another as they struggled with questions of ethics, worship, leadership, and community. They wanted to know what the gospel really meant in their daily life.

And if we’re honest, those questions probably still sound familiar:

• How should you live faithfully in a culture that does not share your confession of faith?
• How can a church remain united when people disagree?
• What does it mean to honor one another as members of the body of Christ?
• How does the gospel shape our choices, practices, and relationships?
• Where do Christians find hope when the world feels divided and uncertain?

You’re not alone in asking these questions. First Corinthians has helped Christians wrestle with them for centuries.

That’s why we created this study guide.

Written by Luther Seminary faculty, Enter the Bible: 1 Corinthians helps you explore Paul’s letter in a clear, approachable way. This guide breaks down the major themes and questions of 1 Corinthians so you can better understand what was happening in the Corinthian church, why Paul responded the way he did, and what this letter still has to say to followers of Jesus today.

You’ll discover:

• A simple overview of the setting and purpose of 1 Corinthians
• Clear explanations of Paul’s teaching on Christian unity, ethics, worship, and hope
• Helpful context for understanding the struggles of the Corinthian church
• A deeper look at what it means to live out the gospel in community
• A resource you can use on your own or with a small group

Whether you’re reading 1 Corinthians for the first time or returning to it with new questions about faith, church, and life in a divided world, Enter the Bible: 1 Corinthians is designed to be approachable, thoughtful, and useful.

Luther Seminary created this guide as part of our mission to help people engage the Bible with confidence, honesty, and curiosity free of charge. Use the form below to tell us where to send your free study guide.