Epistles to the Corinthians

Corinthians, Epistles to the, two letters written by St. Paul to the Christians of Corinth and forming the 7th and 8th books of the New Testament. The First Epistle, believed to have been written at Ephesus (c. A.D.55), is the longer, and is important for the light it throws on the problems, discipline, and organization of the early Church. The letter was prompted not only by questions raised by the Corinthians, but by Paul's awareness of divisions among them. The Second Epistle, according to modern scholars, may be a combination of two letters written at different times. It is an impassioned defense of Paul's work and authority as an apostle.

See also: Bible; New Testament.