The members of the church at Corinth were surrounded by idolatry and sensuality of the most alluring form. While the apostle was with them, these influences had but little power over them. Paul's firm faith, his fervent prayers and earnest words of instruction, and, above all, his godly life had helped them to deny self for Christ's sake rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin.

Menigheden i Korint var omgivet af afgudsdyrkelse og sanselighed i dens mest besnærende skikkelse. Så længe apostlen var hos dem, havde denne påvirkning kun ringe magt over dem. Paulus faste tro, hans inderlige bøn og alvorlige og formanende ord og frem for alt hans gudfrygtige liv havde hjulpet dem til at fornægte sig selv for Kristi skyld hellere end nyde syndige glæder.