1 Corinthians
About
The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible advances the assumption that the Nicene creedal tradition, in all its diversity, provides the proper basis for the interpretation of the Bible as Christian scripture. The series volumes, written by leading theologians, encourage readers to explore how the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition inform and shape faithfulness today.
In this addition to the series, respected theologian Kimlyn Bender offers a theological reading of 1 Corinthians. As with other volumes in the series, this commentary is designed to serve the church, providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups. It demonstrates the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.
The general editor for the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible is R. R. Reno (editor, First Things). Series editors include Robert W. Jenson (1930-2017; Center of Theological Inquiry); Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia); Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto); Michael Root (Catholic University of America); and George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas).
Volumes in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible
R. R. Reno (editor, First Things) on Genesis
Thomas Joseph White (Thomistic Institute at the Angelicum in Rome) on Exodus
Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Leviticus
David L. Stubbs (Western Theological Seminary) on Numbers
Telford Work (Westmont College) on Deuteronomy
Paul Hinlicky (Roanoke College) on Joshua
Laura A. Smit (Calvin University) and Stephen Fowl (Loyola University Maryland) on Judges & Ruth
Francesca Aran Murphy (University of Notre Dame) on 1 Samuel
Robert Barron (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles) on 2 Samuel
Peter J. Leithart (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on 1 & 2 Kings
Peter J. Leithart (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on 1 & 2 Chronicles
Matthew Levering (Mundelein Seminary) on Ezra & Nehemiah
Samuel Wells (St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, London) and George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas) on Esther & Daniel
Ellen T. Charry (Princeton Theological Seminary) on Psalms 1-50
Jason Byassee (Vancouver School of Theology) on Psalms 101-150
Daniel J. Treier (Wheaton College Graduate School) on Proverbs & Ecclesiastes
Paul J. Griffiths on Song of Songs
Robert W. Jenson (1930-2017; Center of Theological Inquiry) on Ezekiel
Phillip Cary (Eastern University) on Jonah
Stanley Hauerwas (Duke Divinity School) on Matthew
David Lyle Jeffrey (Baylor University) on Luke
Jaroslav Pelikan (1923-2006; Yale University) on Acts
Kimlyn J. Bender (Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University) on 1 Corinthians
Kathryn Greene-McCreight (The Episcopal Church at Yale) on Galatians
Michael Allen (Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando) on Ephesians
George Hunsinger (Princeton Theological Seminary) on Philippians
Christopher R. Seitz (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Colossians
Douglas Farrow (McGill University) on 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki) on the Pastoral Epistles with Philemon & Jude
Douglas Harink (The King's University College) on 1 & 2 Peter
Joseph L. Mangina (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Revelation
Endorsements
"The vision of the Brazos series of theological commentaries is once again vindicated in this dazzling work by the distinguished theologian Kimlyn Bender. The radical nature of Paul's apostolate is illuminated on every page by Bender's focus on Paul's Christ-centered message. This commentary gleams with passion reflecting that of the great apostle as he risks everything to give his whole self for the life of the body of Christ. I particularly urge this book upon preachers looking for larger vistas of proclamation."
Fleming Rutledge, author of The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ
"Kimlyn Bender's commentary both explains and honors Paul's self-description as an apostle: one commissioned by the risen Christ to bear a Spirit-empowered witness to the identity and meaning of Christ's work, an identity and meaning that transcends Paul's own cultural and historical context. The commentary makes it clear how Paul's testimony to the cross and resurrection of Christ challenges the local church--and not only in ancient Corinth but in every time and culture--to decide to follow the way of Jesus Christ. Throughout, Bender does well to keep out of the way in order to let the reader receive the full force of Paul's apostolic preaching and his call to respond to the gospel by living a life of suffering witness."
Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"Kimlyn Bender has written an illuminating, astute, and potent commentary on Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Unlike many commentators, Bender deeply engages not only contemporary critical scholarship but the exegetical and doctrinal reflections of a wide range of historical figures, from Augustine to Luther, from Calvin to Barth. Bender avoids the temptation to simply catalog past acts of interpretation but instead brings the reader into an encounter with Paul's witness to the gospel of God in Jesus Christ, with profound implications for our theology and discipleship. Highly recommended!"
J. Todd Billings, Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology, Western Theological Seminary
"Historically informed, theologically rich, and pastorally wise, this highly accessible commentary offers the attentive reader--whether novice interpreter or seasoned scholar--an invaluable apprenticeship in the art of scriptural interpretation."
J. Ross Wagner, associate professor of New Testament, Duke Divinity School
"This commentary displays all the hallmarks of what makes Bender's work so valuable: it is judicious, engaging, crystal clear, and consistently attentive to the gospel and its implications for life. It is informative without getting bogged down in detail. It offers decisive interpretive judgments while maintaining a spirit of humility and charity. It is at once theologically rich and pastorally sensitive. Readers will quickly recognize that they are being ushered through the epistle by a wise and reliable guide who is himself moved and delighted by the subject matter."
Adam Neder, Bruner Welch Professor of Theology, Whitworth University
"In his commentary on 1 Corinthians, Bender effectively demonstrates the truth of his claim that everything Paul wrote is framed theologically and shaped by the apostle's convictions about God; at the same time, he shows how later theological discussions work out implications present in Paul's text. Yet his study remains a responsible commentary on Paul's epistle itself, drawing on (though never weighed down by) discussions of the epistle in current exegetical literature. Most importantly, there is wisdom in Bender's understanding of the epistle's relevance and application today. Serious students of 1 Corinthians cannot but profit by a thoughtful reading of this commentary."
Stephen Westerholm, professor emeritus of New Testament and early Christianity, McMaster University
The Author
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© Baylor University Kimlyn J. Bender
Kimlyn J. Bender (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of Christian theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. He has written numerous books, including Reading Karl Barth for the Church,...
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