stians towards non-Christians.

+A Former Epistle.+--Previous to the one now called
"The First," had been written to the Corinthians (1
Cor. 5:9) and "it appears that the church had replied and
requested further explanation and instruction on certain
points" (5:11; 7:1; 8:1; 12:1; 16:12).

+Place and Time.+--This Epistle was written during
Paul's long stay in Ephesus (Acts 19:10; 1 Cor. 16:19)
and the date is in all probability 57 A.D.

+The Supremacy of Christ+ over all parties, His love as
the touchstone of all service, and His resurrection are
the great subjects of this Epistle.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1. Salutation and thanksgiving (1:1-9).

2. Correction of divisions of party spirit (1:10-4:21).
It having been reported to Paul that four parties
were striving for mastery in the church and there was
great contention; he rebukes the party spirit, sets forth
the principles of his teaching, and declares that Christ
alone is the center of the Christian system. Faith stands
not in the wisdom of men. The only foundation is in
Christ.

3. Correction of moral disorders (ch. 5-7). In
consequence of the close contact of the church with
heathendom grave moral evils found their way into the
fold. (a) The case of an incestuous person, Paul writes
that such a person is to be expelled because the leaven of
evil separates men from Christ. (b) The sin of going to
law in heathen courts. Christians ought to settle their
own disputes. (c) Sins of the body. No man should
commit a sin as his body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.

(d) Advice concerning marriage. The purpose of the
gospel is not to antagonize but to Christianize the natural
relations between society and the believer.

4. Correction of social and ecclesiastical misconceptions
(ch. 8-14). (a) The question of eating of meats
offered in idol worship is decided on the ground of love
rather than knowledge. (b) The preacher of the gospel
has the right to be supported by the church. (c) The
true Christian liberty to be observed in the matters of
eating and drinking. The proper celebration of the
Lord's Supper. (d) The use and abuse of spiritual gifts.

(e) The greatness of love (ch. 13) The touchstone
of all is love. (f) The end to be sought in every spiritual
gift is the edification and upbuilding of the church.

5. The true doctrine of the resurrection (ch. 15),
Paul lays great stress upon this doctrine. "If Christ be
no