1. 1 Corinthians – Background and Setting (Acts 18) 1.Location Seaport City – harbors for East and West Destroyed in 146BC and then rebuilt in 44BC as Roman Colony Important for commercial enterprise 2.People Diversity of people – Greeks, Romans, Jews Freedmen from Rome looking for wealth Money and Sex (“korinthiazo” – act like a Corinthian”)

2. 3.The Church Racially diverse but more Gentile focused Socioeconomic differences – wealthy and poor members Challenge and struggle of “living in the world” 4.Paul’s relationship with the Church Paul invested a lot of time, care, and love into Corinth The church did not feel the same way about him – questioned his authority and ministry Paul is trying to speak into their lives but they are resistant

3. Reminders as we begin this letter and look more closely at this “messy church”: Jesus loves His Church A LOT Jesus loves His Church A LOT Jesus loves the City A LOT Jesus loves the City A LOT Jesus wants His Church to reflect Him, not the culture we live in Jesus wants His Church to reflect Him, not the culture we live in