The occasion of Paul's opening remarks in I Cor chapters 1-4 came by way of distorted views of the nature of the church and her leadership. Many in Corinth had a corrupted view of the identity of church influencers and the relationship between these men and the church generally speaking. In writing to correct these errors, Paul is provided opportunity to expound and apply elements of the Gospel that will address these challenges and many others that may present themselves. In the providence of God, we can be thankful for problems arising in the early church which redound to our benefit as we eavesdrop on practical instruction underscored by apostolic authority. In chapter 4, Paul gives his closing arguments on the issue of membership/leadership church relationships before moving on to address other matters of concern in his letter.