Paul was using the "sandwich-technique" when he wrote this letter. Paul had planted this church in Corinth and had spent a year and a half nurturing it. He then received information that some of the members were moving away from basic church principles. This letter is typical of Paul's letters. He opens with an introduction of himself. Before he begins to reprimand the church....he gives praise to its members. We all have to remember there was a time when we were "infants" in the church. In "youth" comes learning....in "age" comes understanding.