This is one of at least 3 letters Paul writes to the church at Corinth (two of which are in the Bible.) It was likely written in the mid-50’s by Paul while he was in Ephesus. He has a pastoral relationship with the Corinthians and he is writing in response to specific things that he has heard about regarding them. Corinth was established at the foot a mountain called Acrocorinth. Being a Roman city with a deep Greek history as well as being exposed to heavy port traffic that brought a variety of people and their religious practices to the area, there was no shortage of gods or people to worship. It was also a wealthy city with a diverse sexual appetite to mirror its population of travelers and deity options. 

 

Remember this context as you read through  both the letters to the Corinthians. Even though Jesus turned the world right-side up with his teachings, those who remain to follow still live in the upside down world He came to save. Themes like how to live as a united group of followers, what it means to serve, to be wise, to be married, to live righteously, to resolve conflict; these are all things that will face those trying to follow Jesus within the fallen world that remains as God’s patience for more to be saved is extended.