First Corinthians

Critically Acclaimed Commentaries from Today's Top Scholars

In this addition to the projected eighteen-volume Paideia commentary series, respected New Testament scholar Pheme Perkins examines cultural context and theological meaning in First Corinthians. Paideia commentaries explore how New Testament texts form Christian readers by: - Attending to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies the text employs
- Showing how the text shapes theological convictions and moral habits
- Commenting on the final, canonical form of each New Testament book
- Focusing on the cultural, literary, and theological settings of the text
- Making judicious use of photos and sidebars in a reader-friendly format "Professor Perkins has produced a commentary on 1 Corinthians that has the merit of being both learned and concise. She provides readers with a wealth of information about the cultural and historical background of the text without neglecting its theological meaning and significance. This is an ideal commentary for students and pastors seeking a reliable guide to one of Paul's most important letters."
--Frank J. Matera, Catholic University of America "This relatively concise and accessible commentary helpfully situates Paul's letter in its first-century context through its valuable discussions of key background issues and its generous use of sidebars with quotations of relevant material from ancient sources. Pastors and students will benefit from the contextual focus as well as from Perkins's informed approach to theological interpretation, even if they reach some different conclusions along the way."
--Roy Ciampa, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary "Pheme Perkins is renowned for her independence of mind and the focus and precision of her thinking. Here she combines these rare qualities in an account of 1 Corinthians that is thoroughly up to date on the best scholarship and elegantly brings its intended readership into the central questions of the letter--cultural, literary, and theological."
--Troels Engberg-Pedersen, University of Copenhagen