Preachers at Corinth had thrown aside apostolic authority and failed to address many vital matters (listed here). Paul gives a binding command to follow the 'pattern church' of the scriptures, so neglected today. A full and faithful ministry will be given converting and edifying power.

How to assess and regard preachers - here are the apostle's standards. The problem of cliques, their causes and cure; also the simple, reasonable lifestyle of God's servants demanded by the apostolic example, and the contrast seen today in 'celebrity' preachers.

Paul turns to church growth, warning that believers' hearts may be largely recaptured by the flesh. Soulwinning is God's work and we must take care how we build. Here are applications; with the case of those who will lose a reward, yet be saved 'as by fire'. 

The apostle impresses upon us the spiritual blindness of our unconverted state to the wonders revealed in the Gospel, including future glories (described here). Here also is the meaning of 'comparing spiritual things with spiritual,' judging all things and living the mind of Christ.

Paul's chief rule for preaching (and witness) is frequently lost, leading to the withdrawal of the Spirit. Here is the apostle's golden rule. Here also is why the Gospel is called 'a mystery', together with the riches of the 'eye hath not seen' passage.

This passage begins with man's blindness to the things of God, proving that divine power alone can awaken lost souls. Indeed, God calls the humble to bring light and life to the wise and lofty to demonstrate that all glory is due to Him.