1 Corinthians 1–3 in the CSB presents Paul’s greeting, a call to unity, and a contrast between human wisdom and the power of the cross.

In chapter 1, Paul, identified as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, greets the church at Corinth, blessing them with grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He thanks God for the rich spiritual gifts and knowledge they have received, which confirm the testimony about Christ, and assures them of God’s faithfulness in calling them into fellowship with His Son .

Paul then addresses division within the church, urging all to agree in speech and thought, rejecting claims of belonging to particular leaders (“I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Apollos,” etc.)

. He emphasizes that Christ is not divided and that his mission was to preach the gospel, not to baptize, so that the cross of Christ remains central.

In chapter 2 (not included in the query but part of the flow), he continues the theme by declaring that the message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing but God’s power to those being saved, and that God’s wisdom surpasses human wisdom. Chapter 3 shifts to Paul’s self‑description as a “wise man” in the sense of a servant of Christ, warning against boasting in human achievements and stressing that all ministry is under God’s authority .

Overall, 1 Corinthians 1–3 in the CSB moves from greeting and blessing to unity and humility, contrasting human wisdom with the power of the cross, and setting the stage for Paul’s later teaching on spiritual gifts and the role of the church in Christ.