Why did the Corinthians write a letter to Paul?
The Corinthians wrote to Paul because their congregation faced divisions, moral problems, and relational conflicts within the church family. They sent a letter to the apostle asking how to handle those issues and what they should do about these matters.
Les explains that the Corinthian congregation was divided—some claimed to follow Peter, others Apollos—and they also had a moral problem and problems of relationship within the church family. The whole letter of Corinthians deals with a series of problems, and they came to the apostle in the form of a letter asking, "Well, how do we do this? How do we handle that?" Paul also had to defend his apostleship against those who called him a fake or imposter, insisting only Jesus Christ could judge him.