Description: ""The divine mystery, as interpreted by Paul, offers transformation. The believer who identifies with the death and resurrection of Christ by putting to death the old way of life (Rom 6:5-11; Gal 2:20) enters into a new sphere of influence characterized by intimate fellowship with Christ. One who is in this sphere is free from the snare of Adam and the world and is no longer bound by the power of sin and death. The divine mystery also offers a new source of power by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Spirit brings gifts to those in Christ that enable them to function as community. The highest and most significant of these is love which brings diversity together into unity. The indicative is that the Spirit graces believers with love. The imperative is that they should follow after the example of Paul, and hence Christ, in loving others. The divine Spirit is described as holy and makes holiness possible for those in Christ. The indicative is that fellowship with Christ is possible because of redemption. The imperative is that Christ demands loyalty which cannot be shared with any other, particularly with prostitutes who represent the ways of the world or idols that open doors for demons."" --from the Conclusion Endorsements: ""The socio-rhetorical study of 1 Corinthians has reached a stage of considerable sophistication over the course of the last decade. Ackerman furthers the conversation in the right direction in this volume, demonstrating that one of the central, if not the key issues being addressed in 1 Corinthians is spiritual immaturity. This study should receive a wide readership."" --Ben Witherington III author of Conflict and Community in Corinth About the Contributor(s): David A. Ackerman is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary in the Philippines.