Chapter 1

1:7-8 - Paul tells the Corinthians to be good until "the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." So he expected Jesus to return within their lifetimes.

* This part of verse 8 reads, "Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."  This is referring to the white throne judgment in Revelation.

* Paul never gives a timetable for Jesus' return and he never says it will be soon.

1:14-16 - Poor Paul is confused. First he says that he baptized no one. Well, except for Crispus and Gaius. And maybe Stephanus and his household. He can't remember if he did it to anyone else.

* This is simply a phrase referring to Paul and his recollection concerning baptism.  He doesn't remember baptizing any others.

* Paul never says he didn't baptize anyone and he never implies that he is confused.  However, he does say that he baptized none of the Corinthians except Crispus and Gaius.  He also recalls baptizing Stephanus.  He never says "maybe" about Stephanus' baptism.

1:19 - Paul says God will destroy wisdom and understanding, even though Proverbs (4:7) says God greatly values these attributes.

* The verses before and after this one clearly indicate that Paul is comparing and contrasting God's wisdom with human wisdom.  God will "destroy" the wisdom of the people who do not have wisdom from God.

1:21 - God saves fools and is pleased with their foolishness.

* 1 Corinthians 1:21 reads, "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."  This is an ironic statement.  The people who are not filled with godly wisdom are wise in their own eyes and they think that preaching is foolishness.

1:27 - God has "chosen the foolish things of the world."

* 1 Corinthians 1:27 reads, "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."  God is sovereign.  Therefore, when He allows something to happen, it has been said that He did it.  God has let the foolish things of the world confound the people who are wise in their own eyes.

Chapter 2

2:2-5 - If you are to be a good Christian you must try to know nothing.

* These verses are understood by reading the first verse in this chapter.  It reads, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God."  Paul came to them like a regular person and not like a holier-than-thou person who talks in big words and tries to impress people.

2:8 - Paul says the "princes of this world" crucified Jesus. But according to the gospels, there were no princes involved with Jesus' execution.

* This Greek word for "prince" is better translated "ruler."

2:15 - If you want to be "spiritual" then you must disobey Jesus (Mt.7:1) and judge everyone and everything.

* Paul is correct about judging.  Jesus was also correct.  See John 7:24.

* This Greek word for judge, in Matthew 7:1, is better translated "condemn."  Jesus commands us to make righteous judgments, not based on appearances.  Incidentally, people make judgments all of the time: let's go here, this is wrong, I'll watch this on TV, etc.  It is the condemnation that Jesus forbade because only He can condemn a person - and this happens when they die - he condemns them based on their rejection of Him.

Chapter 3

3:17 - If you defile the temple of God (your body), then God will destroy you. I don't know how you could defile your own body, but if you manage to do it somehow, God will kill you.

* This Greek word for "destroy" shouldn't be taken literally.  It means "ruin."  If a person defiles their body (by choosing sin and refusing to repent), then God will bring them to ruin.  Their spiritual life will be destroyed.

3:17 - Does Hell exist? No.

* God destroying someone does not confirm or deny Hell's existence.

3:18-19 - Christians who want to be wise must become fools. But then they'll have a problem since fools shall not stand in the sight of God (Ps.5:5).

* Verse 19 compounds the point that Paul is comparing and contrasting the two types of wisdom.  It reads, "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."

Chapter 4

4:10 - Christians are "fools for Christ's sake" and therefore shall not stand in the sight of God (Ps.5:5).

* Paul is referring to the opinion of ungodly people.  "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

4:16 - Paul establishes his own cult by telling others to follow him.

* Verse 15 indicates that Paul is referring to earthly role models.  He tells them that they may have "ten thousand instructors," but not many "fathers" or "mentors."  Therefore, Paul tells them to imitate him (as he imitates Christ).  Paul never told anyone to follow him instead of Christ.  He simply wanted people to love and follow Christ and he would be their mentor.

Chapter 5

5:1-5 - Paul, judging from rumors alone, complains that there are fornicators among his followers in Corinth; he is even worried that some have had sex with their fathers' wives. He says that those who have done these things should be expelled from their community and that they will later be sent to hell.

* Paul never mentions rumors.  However, he said that there are reports of fornication.

* Paul implies that unrepentant sinners should be removed from among them.

* Paul mentions that the people should let the unrepentant sinners be subject to the Devil for their sins, so they may repent and turn to God, again.

5:3, 12-13, 6:2-3 - Paul, contrary to the admonition of Jesus against judging (Mt.7:1, Lk.6:37), judges others and advises his followers to do likewise.

* Paul is correct about judging.  Jesus was also correct.  See John 7:24.

* This Greek word for judge, in Matthew 7:1 and Luke 6:37, is better translated "condemn."  Jesus commands us to make righteous judgments, not based on appearances.  Incidentally, people make judgments all of the time: let's go here, this is wrong, I'll watch this on TV, etc.  It is the condemnation that Jesus forbade because only He can condemn a person - and this happens when they die - he condemns them based on their rejection of Him.

5:5 - Pauls delivers someone's body to Satan so that his flesh can be destroyed and his soul saved.

* This Greek word for "deliver" is also translated "surrender" or "yield."  Paul is simply saying that they should let this person go, so they can see and discover the error of their ways, repent and believe, trust, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and become saved.

Chapter 6

6:6-7 - A believer should not sue another believer in court.

* This is correct.

6:9-10 - Can thieves go to heaven? No.

* This list of sins isn't mentioned to say these particular sins are unforgivable.  In fact, the scriptures tell us that the only thing that is unforgivable is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (e.g. unbelief).  This list of sins is revealing what separates people from God.  It is telling us that sinners need salvation and without it, they will go to Hell.

6:9-11 - Paul lists ten things that will keep you out of heaven, including homosexuality and being "effeminate."

* This Greek word for "effeminate" is better translated "catamite" or "homosexual."

* Paul is simply listing some sins.  Even one sin warrants a person unrighteous and unworthy of Heaven.  A sinner needs forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.  Therefore, Paul is illustrating how these people needed forgiveness.

6:12 - Everything is lawful to Paul, and he submits himself to no law.

* This verse reads, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."  Paul is simply saying that he won't be captured by anything.  For example, Paul won't spend too much time exercising, but you could apply this to yourself and insert any hobby here.  Exercising is good for the body.  However, he won't be so captivated by bodily exercise that he neglects his spiritual life and lets it become an addiction or idol for him.

6:15-16 - Paul asks if he should "take the members of Christ, and make them members of an harlot?" He further asks, "Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body?" I didn't know that.

* There is a play on words when the word "members" is used.  Even in English, we see there are "members" (like fingers, arms, etc.) on our body and there are also "members" in a church.

* Christians are parts of the "body" of Christ.  The word "body" is used like "members."  We have different talents and are all essential parts of this body.  Think metaphorically and this will make sense.

* A husband and wife become one flesh.  Marriage is a covenant with God and He joins a man and a wife.  Therefore, when a person marries a harlot (or embraces a sinful relationship, activity, etc.), he or she is becoming joined with sin.

Chapter 7

7:1-2 - Paul would prefer that no one marry. but he says "to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife."

* In these verses, Paul never recommends that a person avoid marrying.  However, he does recommend that a man avoid touching a woman.

* Verse 2 clearly states that people should be monogamous.

7:5 - Paul wishes that men and woman would abstain from sex, but tells them to "come together" to avoid being tempted by Satan.

* In this verse, Paul clearly tells married couples that they should only, temporarily abstain from sex, in order to fast and pray.  He also tells them to come together and continue their sexual relationship.

7:7 - Paul's advice not to marry is contrary to that given in Gen.2:18 and Pr.18:22.

* In this verse, Paul's personal wish is that people remain like him: unmarried and completely focused on the things of God; loving God, loving others, doing ministry, etc.  However, he never forbids marriage.

7:9 - Finally, after discouraging marriage for eight verses, Paul concedes that "it is better to marry than to burn."

* Paul gives a very reasonable reason to get married: to stay sexually pure.  He never says this is the only reason to get married, though.

7:12 - "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord." Really? So this stuff is in scripture but is not inspired by God?

* The Bible contains all kinds of literature.  Some of it is poetry.  Some of it is historical narrative.  Not every word is doctrine.  Therefore, in this verse, Paul indicates that he is giving some wise advice, but not necessarily doctrine that all must obey.

7:15 - Paul contradicts Jesus by allowing divorce when the 'unbelieving' partner chooses to leave.

* This passage never mentions divorce.  This passage does address abandonment and bondage, though.  Paul is stating that a believing person is not held in bondage if an unbelieving spouse abandons them.

7:18 - Paul says those who are circumcised should "not become uncircumcised." (It's pretty hard to undo.)

* True.

7:21 - Slaves should not desire their freedom.

* This verse never uses the word "slave."  However, it does use the word "servant."  Paul is simply saying not to worry about leaving their occupation if they become saved while being employed as a servant.

7:23 - Slaves should not desire their freedom. Yet they should not be the servants of men. Go figure.

* This verse warns against people that may be tempted to sell themselves.

7:25 - "Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment." So this is just Paul's opinion and is not divinely inspired scripture?

* Paul is simply saying there is nothing in scripture regarding this issue and Paul was using God's direction and teaching from His Holy Spirit within Paul as a guide.

7:27 - Paul advises (contrary to Pr.18:22) those that are "loosed from a wife" not to get married again.

* Proverb 18:22 is referring to a person's wife and how finding a wife is a good thing.  However, Paul is telling people that they can choose to either stay single or get married.  He never says finding a wife isn't a good thing.  He is telling people from his experience, that there is no shame in being single and in fact, a person can spend more energy and life on doing God's work without distraction if they remain unmarried.

7:29 - Paul, like Jesus and the other New Testament writers, expects the end to come soon. "The time is short." So there's no time for sex, anyway, since the world will be ending soon.

* Paul simply says, "the time is short."  He never says anything about the end of the world or Jesus' return.  Life is short.  Concentrate on God, first.

Chapter 8

8:6 - How many gods are there?

* There is one, uncreated God.  There are many idols and things that people turn into "gods."  This correlates with the scriptures.

8:13 - Do as Paul says, not as he does. Don't eat meat.

* Paul loves people and would give up his freedoms for them.  This verse states, "Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble."

Chapter 9

9:1 - In an apparent reference to his supposed encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul asks, "Have I not seen Jesus?" Well, if we can believe Acts, he didn't. That account says he was blinded and saw no one (Acts 9:8).

* This Greek word for "see" is better translated "experienced."  Paul had an experience with Jesus.  Metaphorically, he saw Him and his eyes would be forever opened.  Literally, he was blinded by this meeting for several days.

9:9-10 - Paul quotes Dt.25:4, "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." That sounds like a nice humane law. Until Paul explains it, that is. He asks, "Does God care about oxen?", and then answers his own rhetorical question by saying, "Hell no. The law is for our sakes." According to Paul, God doesn't give a damn about animals.

* Paul explains his point in verse 10.  It reads, "Or does He say it altogether for our sakes?  For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope."

* God cares about animals.  However, He cares about humans the most.  We were created in His image and we are offered forgiveness, redemption, and salvation.

Chapter 10

10:7 - Don't be an idolator. If you do, God will make you sit down to eat and then rise up to play.

* This verse never says that God made them sit, eat, rise, and play.  This verse quotes Exodus 32:6 and records what the people chose to do.

10:8 - Paul claims that God killed 23,000 in a plague for worshipping Aaron's golden calf, but Numbers (25:9) says that he killed 24,000.

* Numbers 26:62 corroborates 23,000 people dying from the plague alone.

* Numbers 25:9 is referring to 24,000 people because Phineas had 1,000 leaders killed.  They were infected with the plague, but were hung, too.  See Numbers 25:4 for evidence of this.  Numbers 25:9 says 24,000 people died of the plague because it combined the 23,000 and the 1,000, who were all plagued, even though 1,000 of them died by hanging, too.

10:9 - If you tempt Christ (How could you tempt Christ?), then you will die from snakebites.

* Tempting Christ means sinning and tempting Him to judge you with punishments.

* This verse never tells readers that they will die from snakebites.  However, this verse does mention that some people had died from snakebites; which was their punishment for disobedience.

10:10 - If you murmur, then you'll be destroyed by the destroyer (God).

* God is not the destroyer.  God can employ angels to render His judgment.

10:11 - Paul says that the end of the world will come during his lifetime.

* This English phrase "the ends of the world are come" is better translated "the last age is come."  They were living in the church age and it is the last age.  The age of creation, the age of the judges, the age of the kings, and the age of the prophets had come and gone.

* Paul never says or implies that the end of the world will come during his lifetime.

10:20 - Gentiles sacrifice to devils. If you have gentile friends, then you are friends with devils.

* Gentiles do their good deeds for anyone except God.  Therefore, their sacrifices are made in the Devil's name.  A person is either for God or against Him.  There is only one way to make sacrifices for God: to recognize Him and do them specifically in Jesus' name.

10:23 - Everything is lawful to Paul.

* This Greek word for "all" is used to designate everything within a framework.  It doesn't mean sinful and foolish things.  It is referring to all good things.

10:25 - Paul says you can eat anything you like, contrary to the laws given in Dt.14:7-8.

* The laws in Deuteronomy were given for the ancient Israelites and were not part of the New Covenant.  Therefore, Paul was correct.  See Matthew 15:11 for more evidence of this.

10:33 - In Galatians (1:10) Paul says, "If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." In this verse he says, "I please all men in all things." Therefore Paul is not the servant of Christ.

* In Galatians 1:10, Paul is referring to obeying people above God.  He is saying that He has decided to obey God, first.

* In 1 Corinthians 10:33, Paul is referring to winning people to Christ by abstaining from abusing his freedoms and liberties.  This verse is better understood by reading from the beginning of the chapter, or at least from verse 31.  1 Corinthians 10:31-33 reads, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

Chapter 11

11:3 - Paul says "the head of the woman is the man," meaning that the women are to be subordinate to men.

* The beginning of this verse says that the head of the man is Christ.  Husbands are to obey God.  When they do this, their wife can trust them and follow their lead.

11:3 - According to Paul, Jesus is subordinate to God; therefore, Jesus cannot be God. But this contradicts many verses implying that Jesus is God.

* The triune God is one.  God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit work in unity and submit to one another.

11:5-6 - Women must cover their heads in church.

* Paul is talking to the Corinthians.  He is emphasizing something that was important for them to do because of their culture.  This statement isn't made to all women.

11:6 - If a woman refuses to cover her head, then her hair must be cut off.

* 1 Corinthians 11:6 reads, "For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn.  But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered."  This verse is saying that a woman's head should be covered in public.  This was the societal norm for some places at this time.  If the woman didn't want to cover her head, then she should be shorn.  However, if being shorn was a disgrace for that custom, then she should be covered and not shorn.

11:7-9 - Men are made in "the image and glory of God," but not women; they are "the glory" of men. Paul concludes that women are made from and for men.

* This verse never says that women were not made in the image of God.  In fact, Genesis 1:27 clearly states that men and women were created in God's image.

* These verses correlate with Genesis 2:23.  The woman was made from the man.

* Genesis 2:18 states that the woman is the man's helper.  This also correlates with this passage in 1 Corinthians 11:7-9.

11:10 - Every women should have power on her head because of the angels.

* This verse can be understood by reading the verse before it. Verses 9 and 10 read, "Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels." There are various opinions on this cryptic verse. It appears to be referring to a woman's devotion to her husband and the covering on her head being a symbol of authority over fallen angels that may want to defile her.

11:14 - It is unnatural and shameful for a man to have long hair.

* This verse was written to the Corinthian men.  In their culture, it was a shame for men to have long hair.

11:27, 29 - Those that "eateth and drinketh unworthily" will go to hell.

* Paul is describing communion.  Eating the bread and juice that are symbolic of Christ's sufferings are an action instituted at the Last Supper.  This communion is only for believers.  Unbelievers were taking communion and getting sick and dying.  Therefore, Paul gives them a warning.

11:30 - Those who eat and drink unworthily often get sick and die.

* This was just explained.

Chapter 12

12:31 - Paul says that we should break the tenth commandment (Ex.20:17, Dt.5:21) by coveting "earnestly the best gifts."

* This Greek word for "covet" is better translated "desire."  A better translation of this phrase is: "earnestly desire the best gifts."

Chapter 13

13:7 - Contrary to the advise given in Proverbs (14:15) and First Thessalonians (5:21), Paul recommends that we believe everything.

* This Greek word for "all" refers to everything within a framework; not everything in the universe.  Paul is telling the readers that love trusts righteous people and our righteous God.

13:8 - "Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail." Paul prophesies that all prophecies will fail. But since this itself is a prophecy, it also will fail (if the prophecy is correct), making it it a false prophecy.

* Paul is referring to future prophecies; not his and not biblical prophecies.

13:11 - Paul says we should "put away childish things" (like believing in the bible?), yet Jesus said one must become childish in order to go to heaven (Mt.18:3, Mk.10:15, Lk.18:37).

* Children have many different personality traits and qualities.  In this verse, Paul is comparing childish thoughts and understanding to immaturity.  He is emphasizing that he used to be immature like a child, but now he has put away childish things.

* Jesus was emphasizing the need to have faith like a child.  Children can have intuitive faith that is real and strong.  For instance, they can wholeheartedly trust their righteous parents.  Therefore, Jesus is telling people that they need to imitate these, positive qualities of children.

* Two metaphors can be extended to numerous other things and a simple dichotomy can be revealed as congruent.  For instance, we can use a rock.  One person can say, "Be immovable, like a rock, in your stand against sin."  Another person can say, "Don't be like a rock that sits there and does nothing."  Both statements are biblical and both are talking about a rock.  However, neither of them contradict because they are both talking about different qualities of the rock.

Chapter 14

14:20 - Unlike Jesus, who told his followers to become like little children (Mt.18:3, Mk.10:15, Lk.18:17), Paul tells his followers to "be not children in understanding."

* Children have many different personality traits and qualities.  In this verse, Paul is comparing childish thoughts and understanding to immaturity.  He is emphasizing that he used to be immature like a child, but now he has put away childish things.

* Jesus was emphasizing the need to have faith like a child.  Children can have intuitive faith that is real and strong.  For instance, they can wholeheartedly trust their righteous parents.  Therefore, Jesus is telling people that they need to imitate these, positive qualities of children.

* Two metaphors can be extended to numerous other things and a simple dichotomy can be revealed as congruent.  For instance, we can use a rock.  One person can say, "Be immovable, like a rock, in your stand against sin."  Another person can say, "Don't be like a rock that sits there and does nothing."  Both statements are biblical and both are talking about a rock.  However, neither of them contradict because they are both talking about different qualities of the rock.

14:33 - Paul says that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. But Exodus (15:3) says that God "is a man of war."

* God has a multi-faceted character.  God is at war with those that reject Him.  God is at peace with those that love Him.

14:34-35 - Women are commanded by Paul to be silent in church and to be obedient to men. He further says that "if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in church."

* These verses were directed to certain, Corinthian women.  They were disrupting church and being unruly.  Therefore, Paul told them to be quiet, quit disrupting church, and ask their husbands questions if they were unclear on spiritual matters.

14:38 - Paul says that the ignorant should stay ignorant.

* Paul is basically telling people that choose to be ignorant that they may stay ignorant to their own peril.  He never says they "should" stay ignorant.

14:39 - The tenth commandment forbids coveting (Ex.20:17, Dt.5:21), but Paul highly recommends it.

* This Greek word for "covet" is better translated "desire."  A better translation of this phrase is: "earnestly desire the best gifts."

Chapter 15

15:3-4 - These verses claim that the scriptures prophesied that Jesus would suffer, die, and be resurrected from the dead. But where are the prophecies that are referred to here? Hosea 6:2 perhaps? But this verse refers to the people living at the time (hence "us") and therefore cannot be fulfilled by the the death and resurection of Jesus.

* Paul is referring to two, major types of Christ that were illustrated in the Old Testament.  1) Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights.  Incidentally, this was the sign that Jesus gave the Pharisees of His divinity.  2) Isaac was as good as dead for the three days that Abraham traveled after he was told to sacrifice his son.  There are many similarities between these two types and Jesus Christ.

* See Psalm 16:10 for a prophetic word about Christ's resurrection.

15:5 - Paul claims that Jesus was first seen by Cephas and then by all twelve apostles (including Judas) after Judas' suicide and before Jesus' resurrection. It should be noted that this was before Matthias was selected to replace Judas.

* This verse simply says Cephas saw him before the rest of the twelve.  It never mentions the women, so Paul simply omits them.

* In this verse, Paul simply called Matthias one of the twelve.  He was surely with the apostles and was named one shortly after Jesus ascended to Heaven.  Since Paul wrote this epistle after Matthias was chosen, he simply called him one of the twelve.

15:6 - Paul claims that Jesus appeared to more than five hundred believers before his ascension. But Acts (1:15) says that after the ascension the number of believers "were about a hundred and twenty."

* This verse says that Jesus appeared to 500 brethren at once.  In Acts 1:15, there were simply 120 disciples present when Peter stood up and spoke to them.  This verse never says that there were only 120 disciples and it never says that Jesus only appeared to 120 disciples.

15:8 - In an apparent reference to his encounter on the road to Damascus, Paul says, "And last of all he was seen by me." But Acts (9:5) says he saw no one because he was blinded.

* This Greek word for "see" is better translated "experienced."  Paul had an experience with Jesus.  Metaphorically, he saw Him and his eyes would be forever opened.  Literally, he was blinded by this meeting for several days.

15:14, 17 - Paul says, "If Christ be not raised from the dead, your faith is in vain." But many were raised from the dead before Jesus. So what's the big deal.

* Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies.  He was in the correct lineage to be the Messiah.  Furthermore, He was perfect and the Son of God.

15:16 - "If the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised." But many bible verses say that there is no afterlife.

* Except for the passages in Ecclesiastes, these Old Testament verses regarding death are simply stating that there is no more earthly life after death.  They are also stating that the spiritually dead will remain spiritually dead.

* The verses in Ecclesiastes are the words of a man (likely Solomon) who is living a life away from God.  Therefore, these words are simply opinion and not necessarily aligned with scriptural truths.  In fact, they are decidedly unbiblical because the author is defiantly living a carnal life and arriving at wisdom that is not from God.

15:22 - Does Hell exist? No.

* This verse only mentions earthly death; nothing about Hell's existence or lack thereof.

* There is no evidence that any of the Old Testament saints, Jesus Christ, or the New Testament saints baptized people to save the dead.  It is very likely that Paul was speaking to an audience who was doing this ungodly ritual and he used it as an example to make a point about the resurrection.  He was pointing out their hypocrisy as they baptized people for the dead, yet didn't believe in the resurrection.  In fact, Paul only asked them two rhetorical questions in order to make them reconsider their viewpoint.  He certainly didn't offer any authoritative teaching or doctrinal statements about the way of salvation.

15:36 - Paul calls people fools, thereby making himself eligible for "hell fire" (according to the words of Jesus in Mt.5:22).

* Jesus' words in Matthew 5:22 are clearly referring to people who condemn others with their words without giving them any loving advice.  On the contrary, Paul is clearly making an effort to reveal their foolishness and how to have godly wisdom.

15:36 - Paul shows his ignorance (and God's) of biology by saying that only dead seeds will germinate. Actually, a seed must be alive to germinate.

* This verse is speaking metaphorically.  All throughout the New Testament, it is written that one must "die" to their fleshly and sinful desires.  Only then can one truly live.  See 1 Corinthians 15:31, Philippians 1:21, Romans 8:13, etc.

15:52 - Paul says the dead will "be raised incorruptible." But many Old Testament passages disagree

* Yes, the dead will be raised.  See "Special Questions" for more on this.

Chapter 16

16:22 - Romans 12:14 says, "Bless, and curse not." But in this verse Paul curses those who don't love Jesus and says that they are to be "anathema" (damned). So how should we treat our enemies?

* 1 Corinthians 16:22 reads, "If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.  O Lord, come!"  Paul is talking about unbelievers that reject God; no persecution is involved.  He is stating the fact that they are accursed (or Hell-bound).  In this verse, it is also implied that believers should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.  This is consistent with 2 Corinthians 6:14.

* In Romans 12:14, Paul says, "Bless those that persecute you; bless them and don't curse them."  As you can see, these are two, entirely different issues.  In this verse, Paul is talking about the way we should treat people that persecute us.  He says we should bless (love) them.