Although Jewish families had been celebrating God's rescue of His people from Egypt (Exodus 12:24-28) for almost 1500 years before Jesus, His Last Supper was different. Using the Passover bread and wine, Jesus explained what He had previously taught about His body and blood (John 6:53-56). The disciples experienced the poignancy of that meal just before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:17-30). But Paul was not present at the Last Supper, nor did he consult with the church leaders until after the Lord had taught him (Galatians 1:15-19; Galatians 2:1-2).
 

Much of the world is preoccupied with making money, friends and fame. However good their achievements, 'It is the presentation which counts', they say. It is easy to carry that principle into the Christian life; play-acting holiness and worship ... like the Pharisees who earned Jesus' disgust (Matthew 23:27-28). They could not see themselves as God sees them because they did not listen to the Spirit of God.
 

In Corinth there were many gods in different temples. Each one was supposed to have power in a particular area: love, fertility, communication or war; but the stone statues had no personality and no power. But God who is a real person with real power, is in charge of everything. When Corinthians trusted in God the Son they received God the Spirit. Indeed, belonging to Christ is only possible because of the indwelling presence of the Spirit (Romans 8:9).
 

As people believed in Jesus, churches formed. But how should the believers relate with each other? Although Paul had been teaching in Corinth for a year and a half (Acts 18:11) the secular and pagan religious culture was still deeply rooted, giving rise to the problems which 1 and 2 Corinthians addressed. They were saved but immature and worldly, individualistic and self-seeking (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). They saw the church as a club for their enjoyment, rather than a family being coordinated together in worship, transformed lifestyle and service by Jesus Christ.