Who is the author of 1 Corinthians?

Introduction

First Corinthians stands among the most widely recognized New Testament writings, addressing various doctrinal, behavioral, and communal topics within the early church. It has profoundly shaped Christian thought and practice through themes of unity, spiritual gifts, love, and the resurrection. While multiple views have arisen across academic discussion, the overwhelming consensus—supported by both internal text and external testimony—identifies the apostle Paul as its author.

Scriptural Evidence for Pauline Authorship

One of the clearest indicators of authorship emerges from the opening verse itself. According to the Berean Standard Bible, the letter begins: “Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes...” (1 Corinthians 1:1). This signature is consistent with other Pauline letters (e.g., Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:1), where Paul identifies himself by name, references his apostleship, and often mentions companions involved in the ministry.

Later in the same letter, there are personal references that strongly point to the apostle. For instance, Paul recounts his personal interactions with the Corinthian community: “Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1). This direct, first-person language aligns with Paul’s known mission in Corinth, recorded in Acts 18:1–11, placing him as the likely and explicit author.

Historical and Manuscript Evidence

Early manuscripts maintain strong uniformity in attributing 1 Corinthians to Paul. Existing papyri, like P^46 (the Chester Beatty Papyrus, often dated around the late 2nd or early 3rd century), contain portions of 1 Corinthians and consistently title the letter as the work of Paul. There is no manuscript tradition suggesting an alternate author.

Additionally, historical context regarding Paul’s time in Corinth anchors the writing of 1 Corinthians to a plausible framework. Archaeological findings, such as the Gallio Inscription at Delphi (dated around AD 51–52), confirm a timeline that corresponds well with Paul’s recorded stay in Corinth. This chronological anchor point lends further credibility to the historical authenticity of Paul’s authorship.

Testimony of the Early Church Fathers

The external witness of early church fathers also attests to Pauline authorship. Clement of Rome, writing at the close of the first century (c. AD 95–97), alludes to themes found in 1 Corinthians and attributes the exhortations to the apostle Paul. Later influential figures—like Irenaeus (2nd century) and Tertullian (late 2nd to early 3rd century)—similarly uphold Pauline composition. These early testimonies align with the internal references, creating a strong historical chain linking the epistle to Paul.

Literary and Thematic Profile of the Apostle Paul

Stylistically and thematically, 1 Corinthians mirrors the hallmark of Pauline writing. Arguments regarding church order (chapters 11–14), correction of moral issues (chapter 5), and instructions on marriage (chapter 7) fit with his broader pastoral concerns. Its theological emphases—particularly on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ (chapter 15)—strongly resonate with the apostle’s central gospel message, also evident in Romans and Galatians.

Paul’s familiar pattern of personal greetings, frank rebukes, theological exposition, and practical application recurs throughout 1 Corinthians. He uses rhetorical questions (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:1–12) and addresses specific congregational struggles, reflective of his pastoral care. The style, vocabulary, and theology are consistent with other undisputed Pauline works such as 1 Thessalonians and Romans.

Conclusion

Multiple lines of evidence converge to affirm the apostle Paul as the author of 1 Corinthians. Internally, the letter identifies him by name, details personal interactions with the Corinthian church, and exhibits the literary features characteristic of his letters. Externally, manuscript evidence and the unbroken testimony of early church leaders align to support Pauline authorship. This unified witness from Scripture, historical context, and early Christian consensus provides a thorough and compelling foundation for concluding that Paul, under divine inspiration, composed 1 Corinthians.