Book of 1 Corinthians — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: 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.

The book of 1 Corinthians is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 16 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 55. The central theme running throughout 1 Corinthians is congregation life & unity — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in 1 Corinthians

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

Notable Passages in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 1:18

Paul's observation that 'the word of the torture stake is foolishness to those perishing, but to us being saved it is the power of God' highlights the contrast between worldly wisdom and Jehovah's wisdom.

1 Corinthians 13:13

The conclusion that 'the greatest of these is love' establishes love as the supreme quality Jehovah wants to see in every congregation member's life.

1 Corinthians 15:3–4

Paul's summary of the core good news — that Christ died, was buried, and was raised — shows the resurrection as an indispensable pillar of Christian faith.

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?

How to Study 1 Corinthians with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 16 chapters of 1 Corinthians in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, 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.

Consider reading 1 Corinthians as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

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)
  • New Testament 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 just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into 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

Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures

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