<P> Called "a masterpiece of pastoral theology", it addresses various issues that had arisen in the Christian community at Corinth . </P> <P> This epistle contains some well - known phrases, including: "all things to all men" (9: 22), "through a glass, darkly" (13: 12), and "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child" (13: 11). </P> <P> There is consensus among historians and Christian theologians that Paul is the author of the First Epistle to the Corinthians (c . AD 53--54). The letter is quoted or mentioned by the earliest of sources, and is included in every ancient canon, including that of Marcion . The personal and even embarrassing texts about immorality in the church increase consensus . </P> <P> However, two passages may have been inserted at a later stage . The first passage is 1 Corinthians 11: 2--16, dealing with praying and prophesying with head covering . The second passage is 1 Corinthians 14: 34--35, whose authenticity has been hotly debated . Part of the reason for doubt is that in some manuscripts, the verses come at the end of the chapter instead of at its present location . Furthermore, Paul is here appealing to the law which is uncharacteristic of him . Lastly, the verses come into conflict with 11: 5 where women are described as praying and prophesying . As well, 10: 1 - 22 is sometimes regarded as another letter fragment, interpolation, or inserted midrash because, among other things, this section virtually seems to equate the consumption of idol meat with idolatry, but Paul seems more lenient regarding its consumption in 8: 1 - 13 and 10: 23 - 11: 1 . Such views are rejected by other scholars who give formidable arguments for the unity of 8: 1 - 11: 1 . </P>

When was the first letter to the corinthians written