Chapter Links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,

Chapter 1 - Greetings and Praise for the Corinthians
From God’s Church in Rome to God’s Church in Corinth. To you who are called and made holy by the will of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. May you have grace and peace in abundance from God Almighty through Jesus Christ.

¹Brothers and dear friends, because of the unexpected disasters and setbacks that we have had, we realize that we are delayed in addressing the concerns that have caused conflict in your body. A few stubborn and selfish individuals have been doing rebellious things in your church. This is very out of place for those who are the chosen of God. These selfish individuals are getting the others all upset. Your reputation was once respected and valued by others, but now it has been ruined. ²It used to be that those who had spent time with you spoke highly of your steady and righteous faith. Did they not admire your sensible and patient devotion in Christ? Did they not speak highly of your wonderful hospitality? Did they not compliment you about your wisdom and knowledge? ³Because you did all things without favoritism. You followed God’s law. You submitted yourselves to your leaders. You showed respect to the elder brothers in your body, as you should. You emphasized to the young that they be modest and have a good attitude.  And you made sure that the women followed through on their responsibilities - that they had a good attitude, a clear conscience, and loved their husbands as they ought. And you taught everyone to be obedient, to take care of their family, and to manage their household.

Chapter 2 - Praise of the Corinthians Continued
¹You were all humble and free of arrogance. You were submissive rather than demanding. You would rather give than receive. You were content with how God supplied for your needs. You listened and followed God's word, and made sure to store His word in your hearts. What grieved God also grieved you. ²As a result, you were all richly blessed with peace, and you were anxious to do good. A generous pouring of the Holy Spirit was on you all. ³Being full of God's wisdom, with motivation and with a pure confidence, you reached your hands out to God Almighty, humbly asking Him to be gracious if you had unwillingly committed any sin. ⁴Day and night you anxiously thought of your fellow humanity, that the chosen of God might be saved with fear and a good conscience. ⁵You were genuine, lived simple lives, and were not angry with each other. ⁶Rebellion and division were unthinkable to you. You grieved over the sins of your neighbors, and considered their faults to be yours. ⁷You didn't neglect doing what is right, but were always ready to do good works. ⁸Clothing your life in truth and honor, you did everything for the Lord. His commandments were written on your hearts.

Chapter 3 - The Poor State of the Corinthian Church After Rebellion
¹Every kind of honor and happiness was given to you, and so what is written became true, "He who I love ate and drank, grew and became fat and kicked."_a ²As a result there was jealousy and envy, strife and rebellion, persecution and disorder, war and captivity. ³So men were upset, the worthless against the honored, the disrespected against the respected, the foolish against the wise, the young against the old. ⁴Because of this, righteousness and peace are now far from you. Each man has forgotten the fear of the Lord, and has become blind in the faith of God. He does not follow God's commandments or act like a Christian, but instead follows his own wicked lust, going back to unrighteousness and jealousy. This is the way that death itself came into the world.
_{a. Deut 32:15}

Chapter 4 - Historical Examples of Jealousy
¹For it is written, "In the course of time Cain brought some of his crops as a sacrifice to God, and Abel brought some of his fat sheep - the firstborn of the flock. ²God approved of Abel and his sacrifice, but He was not pleased with Cain and his offering. ³This upset Cain, and he felt dejected. ⁴God said to Cain, Why are you upset and dejected? If you made your offering with good intent, but didn't understand my instructions, did you sin? Settle down. ⁵You can have your offering back and own it again. ⁶But Cain said to his brother Abel, Lets go to the field over there. And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. "_a ⁷You see brothers, jealousy and envy brought about a brother's murder. ⁸Because of jealousy, our father Jacob ran away from his brother Esau. ⁹Jealousy caused Joseph to be persecuted to death, and to become a slave. ¹⁰Jealousy caused Moses to run away from Pharaoh King of Egypt, when he heard his own conutryman say, "Who made you judge and ruler over us? Will you kill me, like you killed the Egyptian yesterday?" ¹¹Because of jealousy Aaron and Miriam had to live outside the camp. ¹²Jealousy took Dathan and Airam down to hell alive, because they were rebellious against God's servant Moses. ¹³Because of jealousy, David was hated by not just the Philistines, but also by king Saul of Israel.
_{a. (Gen 4:3-8)}

Chapter 5 - Recent Examples of Jealousy - The Martyrdom of Peter and Paul
¹Let us set aside the examples from long ago, and look at some of the recent heroes of the faith - some great examples from our own generation. ²Because of jealousy and envy, the greatest and most righteous disciples of the Church have been persecuted and put to death. ³For example, look at the Apostles. ⁴Peter endured much suffering because of the unrighteous jealousy of others. When he was finally put to death, he received the glory that was due him. ⁵Because of jealousy, Paul also received the reward of enduring patiently. He was in prison seven times. He also had to flee and endure stoning. After preaching in the East and the West, he received the deserved acclamation which was the reward of his faith. ⁶He taught righteousness to the whole world, and went as far west as he could. After giving his testimony to the rulers, he was put to death and removed from the world. He went to heaven, proving himself to be a great example of patience.

Chapter 6 - Women Martyred
¹To these holy living men there was harvested a great number of the chosen of God. They were abused and tortured as victims of jealousy. They are a courageous example to us. ²Because of jealousy women were persecuted. As Danaids and Dircae_a, they suffered cruel and unspeakable torments. These women were strong in their faith, and finished the race. Though weak in body, they received a noble reward. ³Jealousy has separated wives from their husbands, and has changed what our father Adam said, "She is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh."_b ⁴Jealousy and conflict have destroyed great cities, and uprooted strong nations.

_{a. In Greek mythology, Dircae and the daughters of Danaus were tortured to death. Romans used Christians to reenact these torture scenes.
b. Gen 2:23}


Chapter 7 - The Corinthians are Encouraged to Repent
¹Dear friends, we write these things not only to caution you, but also to remind ourselves. We struggle just as you do. The same trials await both of us. ²So then let us set aside trivial and silly concerns, and instead shape our character to the glorious and respected example that we have been called to. ³Let us pay attention to what is good, pleasing, and acceptable in the sight of Him who made us. ⁴Let us fix our eyes on the blood of Christ, and see how precious it is to the Father, because being shed for our salvation, it also brought the grace of repentance before the whole world. ⁵Let us look to the generations before us, and see how from age to age the Lord has made it possible to repent, for those who desire to follow Him. ⁶Noah preached repentance, and those who listened were saved. ⁷Jonah preached of the impending destruction of Nineveh. But the Ninevites repented of their sins, prayed to God for pardon, and received salvation - even though they were aliens to God's covenant.

Chapter 8 - God Desires Repentance
¹The preachers of God's grace have by the Holy Spirit spoken of repentance. ²The Sovereign Lord himself has spoken of repentance, promising that: ³"As I live says the Lord, I do not desire the death of the sinner. I would rather he repents."_a ⁴And He also with mercy declared: "Repent O house of Isreal of your evil deeds._b Say to the children of my people, your sins go from heaven to earth. They are redder than scarlet and blacker than sackcloth. But if you turn to Me with your whole heart, and say 'Father!', I will listen to you as I would to a holy people."_c ⁵And in another place he says: "Wash and be clean. Put away the evil deeds of your soul. Get them out of my sight. Stop your wicked ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Protect the fatherless. Help the widow. Come let us reason together says the Lord. Though your sins are like crimson, I will make them white like snow. And though the be like scarlet, I will make them white like wool. And if you are willing and listen to me, you shall eat from the good of the land. But if you refuse and do not listen to me, the sword shall destroy you. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken these things."_{d
a. Ezekiel 33:11
b. Ezekiel 18:30
c. Isaiah 1:18
d. Isaiah 1:16-20}

Chapter 9 - Examples of the Faithful
¹Therefore let us obey His good and glorious will, humbly asking Him for mercy and kindness. Let us fall down before Him, and leave ourselves at His mercy. Let us set aside pride, conflict and jealousy. These lead to death. ²Let us consider those whose flawless ministry give examples of His excellent glory. ³Let us look at the example of Enoch. He was found to be righteous, was raptured to heaven, and did not suffer death.⁴Or look at Noah, who was found to be faithful. Through his ministry he preached new spiritual birth to the world. Through Noah the Lord saved the animals, which went into the ark in agreement.

Chapter 10 - The Obedience of Abraham
¹Abraham was called "God's Friend". He was found to be faithful because he obeyed God's word. ²Through obedience he left his home country, his relatives, and his father's house. By leaving a poor land, a weak family, and a low regarded house, he inherited the promises of God. ³God said to him, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house. and go to the and that I will show you. I will make you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be blessed. I will bless those you bless you, and curse those who curse you. In you all of the families of the earth will be blessed."_a ⁴Later on after Abraham seperated with Lot, God said to him, "Lift up your eyes, and look from where you are now. Look to the north, the south, the east, and the west. I will give you all the land that you see, to you and to your children forever. ⁵I will make your descendants as numerous as the dust of the earth. If anyone could count the dust of the earth, they could count your children as well."_b ⁶And again scripture says that, "God brought Abraham out and said to him, Look up to heaven and count the stats. See if you are able to number them. Your descendants will be numerous like that. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."_c ⁷Because of Abraham's faith and hospitality, a son was given to him in his old age. In obedience, he offered his son as a sacrifice to God on one of the mountains that He showed him.
_{a. Genesis 12:1-13
b. Genesis 13:16
c. Genesis 15:5-6}

Chapter 11 - The Examples of Lot and His Wife
¹Lot was saved from Sodom because of his hospitality and goodness, this when all the area surrounding Sodom was destroyed by fire. The Lord made it clear that He does not abandon those who place their hope in Him. But those who abandon Him will be punished and tormented. ²Lot's wife came with him, but she came with reluctance and disagreement. As a result, she became a pillar of salt which she is to this day. This is so all will know that those who are double minded and doubt the power of God bring God's judgment upon themselves. They are a warning to all generations.

Chapter 12 - The Example of Rahab
¹Because of her faith and hospitality, Rahab the prostitute was saved. ²Joshua the son of Nun sent spies to Jerico. The king of that land knew that the men had come to spy on his country. He sent out men to catch them, so when they were caught they could be put to death. ³Rahab was hospitable and welcomed the spies. She hid them on the roof of her house under the flax stalks. ⁴When the men sent by the king arrived, they said to Rahab, "The people sying on our land went inside your house. Bring them out, this is the order of the king."_a Rahab replied, "The men who you are looking for came here, but left right after. They are now on their way."_b And she pointed them in the opposite direction. ⁵And she said to the spies, "I certainly know that the Lord your God has given you this city, because the fear and terror of you has come upon all who live here. So when you have taken the city, save me and the house of my father."_c ⁶And they said to her, "It will be like you have asked. As soon as you know that we are coming, gather all of your family under your roof. They will be saved. But anyone who is outside of your house will be destroyed."_d ⁷They also gave her a sign that she should hang outside of her house, a scarlet rope. They showed, therefore, that through the blood of the Lord there will be redemption for all who believe and place their hope in God. ⁸My dear friends, notice that Rahab had not only faith, but also prophecy.
_{a. Joshua 2:3
b. Joshua 2:4-7
c. Joshua 2:9,12
d. Joshua 2:17-19}

Chapter 13 - A Humble Attitude
¹Therefore brothers, let us be humble. We should set aside all arrogance, pride, foolishness, and anger. Let us do what is written. For the Holy Spirit says, "The wise man should not boast in his wisdom, nor the strong in his strength, nor the rich in his wealth. But let him that boasts boast in the Lord, seeking him and doing judgment and righteousness."_a We should especially remember the words of Jesus. ¹He said, "Have mercy, so that you may receive mercy. Forgive, so that you may be forgiven. As you do, so will it be done to you. As you give, so will it be given to you. As you judge, so will you be judged. As you show kindness, so will you be shown kindness. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you."_b ³With this commandment and these principles, let us orient ourselves so that we humbly walk in obedience to His holy words. ⁴For the holy word says, "On who shall I look? Is it not the one who is meek, mild, and trembles at My words?"_{c
a. Jeremiah 9:23-24
b. Luke 6:36-37
c. Isaiah 66:2}

Chapter 14 - Follow God rather than Evil Men
¹Therefore brothers, it is good and correct that we should obey God. We should not follow those who are arrogant, rebellious, and have fashioned themselves as leaders because of their jealousy. ²This is not just a small risk, but a dangerous one. We should not we give ourselves over to the purposes of men who intend to cause argument and rebellion. They want to separate us from what is good. ³We should be kind to one another, following the same pattern of compassion and mercy of Him who made us. For it is written, ⁴"The kind-hearted will inherit the land. The innocent will be left to live there. But the guilty will be completely destroyed from it."_a ⁵And scripture also says, "I saw the ungodly man excelling and shooting up like the cedars of Lebanon. But when I went by again, he was not there. I looked for him and could not find him. Stay innocent and value righteousness, for the peaceful man will be remembered."_{b
a. Proverbs 2:21-22
b. Psalm 37:35-37}

Chapter 15 - Do Not Follow Liars
¹Therefore, let us follow those who demonstrate peace with godliness, and not those who merely pretend to desire it. ²For scripture states, "These people honor me with their words, but their heart is far from me."_a ³It also states, "With their mouths they bless, but with their hearts they curse._b ⁴It also states, "They flattered God with their words, but lied to Him with their tongues. Their hearts were not right with Him, and they were not faithful to His covenant._c ⁵For this reason, let the lying lips be silenced, because they speak sinfully against the righteous._d Again, may the Lord destroy all lying lips, the boasting tongues of those who say, Let us praise ourselves; we own our lips. Who is lord over us?_e ⁶Because the weak are oppressed, and the poor groan, "I will now rise up says the Lord. I will keep him safe. I will confidently protect him."_{f
a. Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8
b. Psalm 62:4
c. Psalm 78:36-37
d. Psalm 31:18
e. Psalm 12:3-4
f. Psalm 12:5}

Chapter 16 - Christ's Example of Suffering
¹For Christ is with those who are humble, and not with those who elevate themselves over his flock. ²Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Scepter of God's majesty, did not come with a display of pride or arrogance, although he might have done so, but instead came in a humble manner, just as the Holy Spirit said he would. ³For He says, "Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? We declared our message in his presence. He was as a child, like a root in thirsty ground. There was no beauty or majesty that would attact us to him. Rather, his appearance was plain, compared to the appearance of other men. He was a man of sorrow and suffering, and familiar with grief: a person who people didn't want to look at. He was despised and not considered valuable. ⁴He carried our sins and suffered for our sakes, but we assumed that his toil, suffering and affliction were his own fault. ⁵But he was wounded for our sins, and was bruised for our wickedness. We received peace because he took our punishment, and by his wounds we were healed. ⁶We all like sheep have gone astray, each person has gone his own way. ⁷ And the Lord gave Him the punishment that we deserve. In the middle of his suffering he did not complain. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, like a sheep before her shearer is quiet, he did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and deprived of justice. ⁸He has no descendants to speak of, because his earthly life was taken away. ⁹He was put to death for the sins of my people. ¹⁰He was buried like the wicked, but with a rich man's grave at death, though he had done nothing violent, nor had he been deceitful. And the Lord was pleased to wound him and make him an offering. ¹¹If the Lord makes his life and offering for sin, he shall see a long lived offspring. ¹²And the Lord desires to take away the suffering of his soul, to show him light, and to form him with understanding, to justify the Just One who is a good servant to many. And he will carry their sins. ¹³Because of this, he will inherit many, and will divide the wealth of the strong; because his soul was given over to death, and he was counted with the transgressors. ¹⁴And he bore the sins of many, and for their sins he was given over._a ¹⁵And again he says, "I am a worm and not a man, I am scorned and despised by the people. ¹⁶All who saw me mocked me; they spoke with their lips, they shook their heads, saying, "didn't he rely on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him. If the Lord wants him, let him have him!"_b ¹⁷You see, dear friends, this is the example that has been given to us. If the Lord humbled himself, what should we do, we who through him have been brought under the yoke of his grace?
_{a. Isaiah 53
b. Psalm 22}

Chapter 17 -

About First Clement:

Clement of Rome was an early Church father. Roman Catholics consider him to be one of the first popes. He is believed to have died around AD 100. It is possible that he personally knew some of the apostles such as Peter and Paul. He wrote a letter to the Corinthians around the year AD 96. This may be close to the time that John wrote the book of Revelation. While not considered the level of scripture, the letter is well respected, and was frequently read in the early church, particularly in the area near Corinth.

Clement notes the martyrdom of Peter and Paul in chapter five.  An interesting side note is Clement's comment on the legend of the Phoenix (chapter 25). He clearly takes the legend literally, and uses it as an analogy to the resurrection.