The First Epistle to the Corinthians

by Charles Kingsley Barrett

Since its appearance nearly 35 years ago, Black's New Testament Commentary Series has been hailed by both scholars and pastors for its insightful interpretations and reliable commentary. Each book in the series an insightful introduction to the important historical, literary, and theological issues; key terms and phrases from the translation highlighted in the commentary where they are discussed; explanations of special Greek or foreign terms; references to important primary and secondary literature; and a Scripture index. Perhaps more than any other Pauline letter, 1 Corinthians is known for affording insight into the nature and world of the earliest Christian communities. Whether it concerns Corinthian disputes over "wisdom," debates over "speaking in tongues," or questions about "resurrection," 1 Corinthians shows us the early church "warts and all." And that is what makes it such exciting—and relevant—reading today! Eminent New Testament scholar C. K. Barrett makes the text come alive both in its original setting and in the life of the church today. Barrett's arguments will challenge even the most seasoned scholars to rethink their interpretation of the many controversial passages.

Genres: New Testament, Theology, Reference, Nonfiction, Biblical Studies, Christian

432 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1968

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best commentaries written for the book of 1 Corinthians. Barrett, as for all the authors of commentaries in this series, prepared his own translation of the book for this commentary, and his text is included. His facility with the Greek language is one of the main reasons for using this work. Many commentaries are simply expository, but Barrett gets to grips with textual criticism and translation issues, and there are definitely surprises on that score in 1 Corinthians.

Another reason this is a great work is that Barrett, whilst taking a view on the text, will happily discuss and consider other views. The reader is not being told how to interpret 1 Corinthians. Readers are given the information and the context, and then can arrive at their own view. Again, this is typical of this whole series of commentaries, of which this one is a fine example.

1 Corinthians is a very interesting letter, but also much misunderstood. Using this commentary can help achieve better understanding, although Gordon Fee's commentary may be even better on that score.

[Nathan White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful commentary. Exegetical, succinct. Much like Leon Morris. But watch out for some strange theology here and there.

[Mike E.]

QUOTES:

Love not merely does not seek that which does not belong to it; it is prepared to give up for the sake of others even what it is entitled to.

Love does not seek to make itself distinctive by tracking down and pointing out what is wrong; it gladly sinks its own identity to rejoice with others at what is right.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed analysis of linguistic nuances, with good explication of cruxes in the text. Really helps illumine a sometimes difficult book.