Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians reads like a letter from a concerned parent who wishes to share wisdom--and a warning--with his or her children. For Paul has received some disturbing news about the people he knows well and loves. Therefore, this first letter reflects Paul's own suffering as well as his desire to have the Corinthians change their ways.

As Paul continues his Second Letter to the Corinthians, his words express many different emotions. One might even break the letter down into sections that give an image of Paul as a man who is angry, compassionate, forgiving, loving, and sorrowful. In this second letter we are provided a glimpse of the passion of Paul, a man with many moods and emotions.

As you study these letters written by St. Paul, the church of Corinth exemplifies the fact that arguments have always existed among the people of God. Though these arguments are familiar to the Christian journey, we are reminded in these letters that the Holy Spirit is with us and will work through us--and that our deepest call is to love God and one another.