Book of 1 Corinthians — New World Translation Study Guide

Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 16 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 55 · Theme: Congregation Life & Unity

Summary of the Book of 1 Corinthians

Paul addresses serious problems in the Corinthian congregation — divisions, immorality, misuse of spiritual gifts, and doubts about resurrection — calling them to restore unity and love as a body of Christ.

Why the Book of 1 Corinthians Matters Today

First Corinthians addresses problems in a congregation troubled by division, immorality, idol-food, marriage questions, and confusion about spiritual gifts and the resurrection. The principles Paul applies are directly relevant today: maintaining unity, exercising discipline, settling disputes within the congregation rather than in courts (1 Corinthians 6:1–7), and the centrality of love (chapter 13). The detailed argument for the resurrection in chapter 15 — 'if Christ has not been raised up, our preaching is certainly in vain' — is foundational for the JW understanding of the hope held out to anointed ones and to the great crowd.

Key Verses in 1 Corinthians

• 1 Cor 1:18
• 1 Cor 13:13
• 1 Cor 15:3–4

Notable Passages in 1 Corinthians

Study Questions for 1 Corinthians

As you read the book of 1 Corinthians, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

1. What does Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts in chapters 12–14 teach about the proper use of gifts in the congregation, with love as the most essential quality?
2. How does Paul's description of love in chapter 13 — patient, kind, not jealous, not seeking its own interests — challenge us to examine our relationships within the congregation?
3. What does Paul's thorough defense of the resurrection in chapter 15 teach about why the resurrection hope is central to the Christian faith?
4. How does Paul's counsel on settling disputes between brothers (chapter 6) reflect the importance of maintaining congregation unity and not airing problems before the world?
5. What does Paul's instruction about the Lord's Evening Meal (11:23–26) teach about its significance, proper participation, and the frequency with which it is observed?

Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians

Who wrote the book of 1 Corinthians?

Paul the apostle wrote 1 Corinthians around 55 CE in Ephesus during his third missionary journey.

When was the book of 1 Corinthians written?

First Corinthians was written approximately 55 CE in Ephesus, in response to reports of divisions and immorality in the Corinthian congregation and to written questions they had sent Paul.

What is the main theme of 1 Corinthians?

First Corinthians addresses congregational divisions, immorality, marriage, idol-food, the Lord's Evening Meal, spiritual gifts, the centrality of love, and the certainty of the resurrection.

How to Study 1 Corinthians with JW Study

Track your progress through all 16 chapters of 1 Corinthians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Reading Plans That Include 1 Corinthians

The book of 1 Corinthians is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

• NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
• Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
• Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
• Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Read all 13 letters of the apostle Paul, from Romans to Philemon, in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
• Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

• Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
• Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
• Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
• Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
• The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
• The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
• What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
• What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
• God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
• Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
• The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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