Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Book: 1 Corinthians
Chapters: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 ·

The Corinthian Church contained some Jews, but more Gentiles,
and the Apostle had to contend with the superstition of the one,
and the sinful conduct of the other. The peace of this Church
was disturbed By false teachers, who undermined the influence of
the Apostle. Two parties were the result; one contending
earnestly for the Jewish ceremonies, the other indulging in
excesses contrary to the Gospel, to which they were especially
led By the luxury and the sins which prevailed around them. This
epistle was written to rebuke some disorderly conduct, of which
the Apostle had been apprized, and to give advice as to some
points whereon his Judgment was requested By the Corinthians.
Thus the scope was twofold. 1. To apply suitable remedies to the
disorders and abuses which prevailed among them. 2. To give
satisfactory answers On all the points upon which his advice had
been desired. The address, and Christian mildness, yet firmness,
with which the Apostle writes, and goes On from general truths
directly to oppose the errors and evil conduct of the
Corinthians, is very remarkable. He states the Truth and the
will of God, as to various matters, with great force of argument
and animation of style.