Corinthians (Ko-rĭn'thi-anz), The Epistles to. These two epistles discuss questions arising out of the application of the gospel to the ordinary affairs of life. I. The first epistle was written by Paul at Ephesus, about a.d. 57, when the apostle received intelligence respecting the Corinthian church, through the family of Chloe, 1 Corinthians 1:11, and a letter requesting advice, 7:1, probably brought by Stephanas, 16:17. Factions had risen in the church, some using Paul's name and some those of Peter, Apollos, and of Christ, in bitter contentions. Paul endeavors to restore harmony among them. He directs them as to the best method of Christian beneficence, and closes with friendly greetings. II. The second epistle was called forth by intelligence received through Titus, at Philippi. Paul learned of the favorable reception of his former letter, and the good effects produced, but that a party remained opposed to him—accusing him of fickleness in not fulfilling his promise to visit them; blaming his severity toward the incestuous person; and charged him with an assumption of unwarranted authority. In his reply he answers all these objections; enlarges upon the excellence of the new covenant, and the duties and rewards of its ministers, and on the duty of the Corinthian Christians in charitable collections. He then vindicates his dignity and authority as an apostle. He closes by urging them to penitence, peace, and brotherly love. The second epistle probably was written a few months after the first.