1 and 2 Corinthians, apart from Romans, are the two longest letters in the New Testament. They contain an enormous amount of theology, and also an equal amount of insight into the personal life of Paul and conflicts within the church at Corinth. Anyone who has a rose-tinted view of the New Testament church just needs to read these letters to have such a view shattered. They are also anti-dote to any notions that Christianity is superficial success all the way (I do believe God gives us success, but it is most definitely not superficial). There is teaching on the gifts of the Spirit, on love, on the resurrection, the Lord's Supper, unity within the church, true apostleship, giving and many other things besides.
Corinth was an important commercial and political city in Greece. Much trade flowed through the city, and there was great interest in philosophy and wisdom.
There were many temples in the city, with the one dedicated to Aphrodite being one of the most infamous. Aphrodite was the goddess of love and religious prostitution was a key part of the "worship". There were also temples for Asclepius (a god of healing) and to Apollo. In addition the Jews had a synagogue. Sexual immorality was a major feature of life in Corinth.
There may have been a total of four letters to Corinth, though, apart from the references within 1 and 2 Corinthians, have no direct knowledge of the other two. A whole range of problems had broken out in Corinth and the people sought help from Paul. Paul had spent sometime in Corinth at the special instruction of the Lord (Acts 18:1-18) and had a pastoral heart for them.
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