Paul begins this letter by thanking God for his Corinthian brothers and sisters. In numerous places he reminds them that he is on the same level as them relationally as members of the body of Christ, although he had been given authority over them in the presentation of the gospel through his God-given apostleship- and even in this he exemplifies taking the lowest place among his brothers. Paul pleads with the Corinthians, and reminds them that they are together being sanctified in Christ. Paul also reminds them that throughout his ministry he has always focused on the cross of Christ.
Paul is bold in addressing the believers in this church. He is not worried about being judged by the Corinthians because he understands that God will judge the hearts of men. Therefore, he is direct with them, speaking the truth, and shaming them for the sinful practices of sexual immorality, disunity, misuse of the Lord’s Supper, and others. Yet he does so in a loving way, warning them for their souls’ sakes and for the sake of the glory of Christ and the unity of the Church of which they were part, addressing them as his “beloved children” (4:14).
Paul addresses their specific questions and concerns while constantly reminding them of their identity in Christ and their place in the Body of Christ. Further, he calls them to honest and humble discipline within the body, in order that the unity of the church would be upheld. Therefore, Paul admonishes them to be humble, to be sensitive to weaker brothers, and to seek the wellbeing of others and esteeming them greater than themselves. Paul models for them the servant attitude they ought to have for the sake of the gospel, so that others in the church would be encouraged and strengthened, and that unbelievers would be wooed to Christ.
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