Instructions for the Unbaptized Group

With 1 Cor. 6.12-20 Paul makes the transition to what follows, beginning at 1 Cor. 7.1. From 7.1–15.58 Paul is responding mostly to concerns about which some persons had written him. His response to various problems in 7.1–11.34 is directed to the unbaptized converts. The plural form of the verb ‘wrote’ in 7.1 indicates that Paul received the letter from some group, almost certainly from among the baptized leadership, which may have included Chloe's people (1.11).

Several itinerant missionaries worked with the converts at Corinth. Timothy, Paul's regular co-worker, had been sent to Corinth to remind the brotherhood of Paul's ways in Christ (1 Cor. 4.17). Apparently, Paul had sent him back again and was expecting his return with news from the assembly. Converts are ‘not to let anyone treat him with contempt but send him on his way in peace’ (16.10-11). Apollos, for whom Paul shows respect, had already been in Corinth, and Paul was urging him to return (16.12).

There were resident co-workers of Paul at Corinth. Stephanas, who was among the first converts in Achaia, and two others had brought Paul news that set his spirit at ease. These men had probably stationed themselves (etaxan heautous; 1 Cor. 16.15) at Corinth for service to the holy ones and brought news to Paul (16.17). They apparently returned to Corinth with Paul's reply and with his directives: All converts are to subordinate themselves (hupotassō; literally, ‘put oneself in a lower rank’) to his co-workers and to all others who serve as they do (16.16) and ‘Give recognition to such men’ (16.18).