Equip: Resources on the Book of 1 Corinthians

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians stands as a living example of applying the message of the gospel in a non-Christian culture to everyday life.

While addressed to a first-century, cosmopolitan Roman colony, the issues that arose by converts from paganism and Judaism and who sought to live out their new commitment to follow Jesus, the Christ, still challenge followers of Jesus today.

Unlike Paul’s letter to the Colossians and similar letters, his first letter to the Corinthians was penned in response to daily life questions brought to the apostle after he left the city where he lived and ministered.

Understanding the historical and cultural setting behind the issues and Paul’s response to them are essential to apply the biblical message to our lives today.

The following commentaries and background resource are helpful tools to understand both the text and background of this correspondence between Paul and those he loved but with whom he had conflict and misunderstanding regarding how to live as a follower of Jesus.

New International Commentary on the New Testament: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee

I had the privilege of sitting in a summer course with Gordon Fee at Regent College in British Columbia in 2007. His commentary on Paul’s letter at the time had established itself as a seminal work on the biblical text since its initial publication in 1987.

As he taught, Fee noted his frustration with some of the translation in the NIV, which was the English text for his commentary. He later joined the Committee on Biblical Translation that produced the 2011 Today’s New International Version. Upon its publication, Fee then updated his acclaimed commentary in 2014.

He admits in the preface to the revised edition of his commentary that some of the original translation [of the NIV (1978)] appeared to be incorrect, and he wanted to address those in his revised commentary. He also removed chapter and verse divisions traditionally included in the text to gain the true sense of the apostle’s rhetoric and reasoning in the text.

Fee’s commentary remains a must for study of this important New Testament letter born out of real-life questions regarding how to live the new life found in trusting and following Jesus, the Christ.

1 Corinthians: A Shorter Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary by Anthony C. Thiselton

Anthony Thiselton’s volume on 1 Corinthians is, as titled, “a shorter … commentary” than his initial magisterial commentary on the letter in the New International Greek Testament Commentary series, published in 2000 and nearly 1,400 pages in length.

Like Fee’s commentary, Thiselton’s work is a standard commentary for those serious about investigating the exegetical and background issues of the text.

In the abridged volume, the author sought to highlight his own views rather than comprehensively addressing alternative interpretations of the text. He does site other commentators and translations to support his views.

Secondly, the author sought to provide “how this epistle engages with pastoral and practical issues in the church and the world today.” He accomplished his second desired outcome at the end of each exegetical section with “Suggestions For Possible Reflection on [a stated passage].”

For example, reflections on 1 Corinthians 12:7-31 include “On the self-depravation of the ‘loner’ Christian (vv. 29-30)” and “On the non-competitive, complementary character of God’s gifts,” followed by questions for discussion.

The strength of Thiselton’s exegetical work in the original volume bolsters his insights and applications of the text for pastors and Bible teachers.

Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1 Corinthians by David E. Garland

David Garland has provided a thorough yet practical commentary on this letter of Paul. Garland offers his own translation of the text and opens each major section of thought with background and contextual insights.

He follows each opening excursus with verse-by-verse exegesis and exposition of the passage. Additional notes at the end of each section provide comments on the language, text and other ancient material of the passage.

While scholarly, the stated purpose of the series is for pastors and those involved in the preaching and exposition of the Scriptures as “the uniquely inspired Word of God.” Garland achieves this purpose and presents an academically strong and practically applied text for the reader.

The thoroughness of Garland’s work is exemplified in a passage such as 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. Addressing the statement, “All things are permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial,” Garland provides four alternative interpretations for Paul’s inclusion of the statement in the first part of verse 12 alone.

Citing ancient and contemporary sources to guide the reader through the possible inferences behind the statement, the Garland concluded, “Paul’s [use of the statement] seeks to clarify … that Christian freedom does not allow one to pursue pleasure wherever it leads” (p. 229).

Pastors and professors alike will benefit from Garland’s careful exegesis and practical application of the text.

After Paul Left Corinth: The Influence of Secular Ethics and Social Change by Bruce W. Winter

While not an exegetical or expositional commentary, Winters provides a cultural, religious and political framework for understanding the specific inquiries made by the Corinthian Christians to their spiritual father, Paul, the Apostle.

Winter divides his study into two major parts—“Part 1: The Influence of Secular Ethics” and “Part 2: The Influence of Social Change.”

Winter identifies in the text of the letter issues affected by cultural, religious and political values held by the Corinthians. For example, in Part 1, he notes the Corinthian Christians’ questions regarding the obligation to wear or not to wear a veil by men and women (1 Corinthians 11:7, 10).

He explains the issues of “Men of Status Covering Their Heads” and “‘New’ Wives and the Sign of Marital Status” as examples to provide the possible impetus behind the church’s questions and Paul’s instructions.

Without such background material, the interpreter is left to apply the text as his or her denominational tradition has applied it.

In Part 2, Winter illuminates the picture behind the issue of “Sitting at Meat in an Idol’s Temple” (1 Corinthians 8:10) with background material explaining “The Federal Imperial Cult and the Games in Corinth,” and the impact of both the worship of the emperor and the relocation of the Isthmian Games upon the Christians’ understanding of how they should behave in such settings.

Winter delivered the colloquy lectures at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute in the winter of 2008, soon after the seminary was launched in 2004.

Gene Wilkes is dean of East Texas Baptist University’s B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary. He was the longtime pastor of Legacy Church in Plano and is the author of Jesus on Leadership. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.