The first four chapters of 1 Corinthians contain some important clues about the practical situation in the Corinthian congregation, and also provide examples of Paul's considerable skill as a rhetorical strategist. They are no less important, however, for what they disclose about the overall theological orientation of this letter. In particular, the apostle's comments about knowing God (e.g., 1.21; 2.8,11,14) and belonging to Christ (e.g., 1.9; 3.23) introduce themes that are also prominent in succeeding sections.

As regards the first of these, it is worth noting that the word “God” appears almost as frequently in 1 Corinthians 1–4 as in all of the remaining twelve chapters. The letter is addressed to “God's church as it is present in Corinth” (1.2), whose members are understood to be, collectively, “called” and “chosen” by God (1.2, 9, 24, 26, 27, 28), recipients of God's grace (1.4), and beneficiaries of God's faithfulness (1.9). They are subsequently described as God's “field” (3.9), God's “building” (3.9), and God's “temple” (3.16–17). In an important expository section, 1.18–2.16, Paul writes of the wisdom and saving power of God, and refers to his preaching “the mystery of God” (2.1, NRSV). Accordingly he characterizes himself and other ministers not only as “servants of God” (3.9) but also as “stewards of the mysteries of God” (4.1). Then in drawing this first part of the letter to a close he refers to the power of “God's reign” (4.20).