Synopses & Reviews
This commentary explains 1 and 2 Corinthians passage by passage, following Paul's argument. It uses a variety of ancient sources to show how Paul's argument would have made sense to first-century readers, drawing from ancient letter-writing, speaking, and social conventions. The commentary will be of interest to pastors, teachers, and others who read Paul's letters because of its readability, firm grasp of the background and scholarship on the Corinthian correspondence, and its sensitivity to the sorts of questions asked by those wishing to apply Paul's letters today. It will also be of interest to scholars because of its exploration of ancient sources, often providing sources not previously cited in commentaries.
Review
"I welcome this admirably concise and clear commentary. A wide range of readers will value Dr. Keener's ability to focus on the key theological and ethical points Paul makes in his letters to the Corinthians. Dr. Keener is well-acquainted with recent scholarly discussion of these fascinating and complex letters. He includes helpful summaries and quides to further reading, and from time to time he draws out judiciously ways in which Paul's comments relate to today's world." --Graham Stanton, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge
Synopsis
Despite his special pastoral relationship with the church in Corinth, Paul confronted numerous local and cultural problems needing to be addressed. Utilizing a range of ancient sources, Craig Keener explains these problems and how Paul's arguments would have been communicated to a first-century audience. This commentary analyzes 1 and 2 Corinthians passage by passage, in accordance with Paul's argument, and draws from ancient letter-writing, speaking and social conventions to demonstrate how meaningful to first-century readers it would have been. The commentary will interest pastors, teachers, and scholars because of its exploration of ancient sources, often not previously cited in commentaries.
Synopsis
Despite Paul's special pastoral relationship with the church in Corinth, he confronted numerous local and cultural problems in this church inviting correction. Drawing from a range of ancient sources, Keener explains the problems Paul addressed and how his arguments would have communicated to a first-century audience. At strategic points he also explores how Paul's interaction with the Corinthian Christians provides relevant pastoral models today.
About the Author
Craig Keener is a professor of New Testament at Eastern Seminary, a division of Eastern University. His previous twelve books include three commentaries that have won Christianity Today book awards in biblical studies for their respective years: The Gospel of John: A Commentary, A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament.