Bible Commentaries
1 Corinthians

FOREWORD

I do not claim to be an expert on the First Corinthian letter. I will say that I have tried to fully use my best resources to put together a commentary that (1) gives the correct exposition of the text, (2) provides various points of application, (3) is thorough but simple enough for all to use, and (4) does not skip the hard passages.

This volume is being sent forth with the intention of helping people better understand the book of First Corinthians, a fascinating New Testament epistle. As with the previous commentary on Romans, the material in this book has actually been taken into an adult Bible class and taught. The adults who listened to this information were not only patient as we explored the text, they often provided valuable feedback which was used to finalize this commentary. I also received some outstanding help from a monthly preacher’s meeting in Columbia City, IN. My proof readers have once again worked for free and they have again engaged in a herculean task to help ready this book for publication. I am deeply indebted to all the sources that helped make this commentary possible. My greatest appreciation, of course, is to God for allowing this volume to be published and distributed.

The end of this book has a special study on “New Testament Christianity.” This material is a written explanation of how I usually study with those who want to become Christians. Although this special study might seem long, this entire study can be presented in about an hour. The first 20-30 minutes should be devoted to showing people what they must do to become a Christian. The next 30-40 minutes consists of describing the church built by Jesus (Matthew 16:18). I have presented this information in various parts of the United States as well as some foreign countries and it has been well received in each of these places. Out of all the methods I have used to teach the gospel to people, the special study on New Testament Christianity is my preferred way to teach people how to be saved.

If you have any suggestions or you find an error, feel free to offer feedback by e-mail: [email protected]. You may also visit www.abiblecommentary.com for the status of future commentaries. If you enjoy this book, please let others know about the resources from abiblecommentary.com.

INTRODUCTION

The letter we call “First Corinthians” warns us to expect problems in the place where we worship. Readers barely get through the opening verses before reading: “For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them (that are of the household) of Chloe, that there are contentions among you” (1:11).

Today people often have some complaints about the place where they worship; Christians may not like something about their preacher, their elders, or some of their fellow saints. Sometimes Christians are discouraged because their brethren fail to demonstrate love. There are also instances of jealousy, strife, envy, gossip, and sexual sin. Christians are frustrated by those who refuse to “abound in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Every congregation has its own unique set of church problems and the book of First Corinthians tells us to remain “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” because “our labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

When church problems do arise, the First Corinthians letter also encourages us to remember that we are still “brethren.” In spite of the numerous problems at Corinth, Paul referred to the Corinthians as “brethren” almost 40 times (1:10, 11, 26; 2:1; 3:1; 4:6; 5:11; 6:5, 6, 8; 7:12, 14, 15, 24, 29; 8:11, 12, 13; 9:5; 10:1; 11:2, 33; 12:1; 14:6, 20, 26, 39; 15:1, 6, 31, 50, 58; 16:11, 12, 15, 20). In two places (10:14 and 15:58) he referred to the Corinthians as “beloved” (agapetos). The Corinthian congregation was literally riddled with moral and doctrinal issues, but Paul still held these Christians in high esteem. In fact, in the final words of this book (16:24), Paul said the Corinthians were still “in Christ” and he wished that the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” be on them (16:23).

We are not perfect and the place where we worship will certainly not be perfect. The book of First Corinthians, however, encourages us to do the best we can in the place where we worship and to work on correcting anything that is contrary to the faith “once delivered to the saints” (Judges 1:3). May we be people who watch, stand fast in the faith, act like men, and be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Brad Price

January 1, 2010

SOURCES

LANGUAGE WORKS:

Balz, Horst and Schneider, Gerhard (1993), Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans), 3 Volumes.

Barclay, William (1964), New Testament Words (Philadelphia: Westminster Press).

Bromiley, Geoffrey W. (1985), Theological Dictionary of the New Testament Abridged In One Volume (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans).

Brown, Colin, Ed. (1971), Dictionary of New Testament Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan), 4 Volumes.

Earle, Ralph (1982), Word Meanings in the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker).

Gilbrant, Thoralf., International Editor (1994), The Complete Biblical Library (CBL), (Springfield, MO: Complete Biblical Library), 22 volumes on the Old Testament.

Gilbrant, Thoralf., International Ed (1991), The Complete Biblical Library (CBL), (Springfield, MO: Complete Biblical Library), 17 volumes on the New Testament.

Gingrich, F.W. and Danker, Frederick (1979), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Chicago: University of Chicago Press).

Jackson, Wayne (2002), Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy - A Practical Handbook (Stockton, Ca: Courier Publications).

Kittel, Gerhard Ed. Translated by Bromiley, Geoffrey W. (reprinted 1991), Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: WM. B. Eerdmans), 10 Volumes.

Moulton, James and Milligan, George (reprinted 1985), The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans).

Nicoll, Robertson Ed. (reprinted 1983), The Expositor’s Greek Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans), 5 volumes.

Richardson, Alan (1950), A Theological Wordbook of the Bible (New York: The Macmillan Company).

Rienecker, Fritz and Rogers, Cleon (1976), Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan).

Robertson, A.T. (1930), Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman press), 5 volumes.

Spicq, Ceslas (1994), Theological Lexicon of the New Testament (Massachusetts: Hendrickson), 3 volumes.

Thayer, J.H. (1958), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Edinburgh: T.&T. Clark).

Trench, Richard C. (reprinted 1980), Synonyms of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans).

Turner, Nigel (1980), Christian Words (Edinburgh: T & T Clark).

Vincent, Marvin R. (1888), Vincent’s Word Studies In The New Testament (McLean, Virginia: MacDonald), 4 Volumes.

Vine, W.E. (1991), Amplified Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Iowa Falls: World).

Wuest, Kenneth (1961), Word Studies in the Greek New Testament, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans), 4 volumes.

DICTIONARIES AND ENCYCLOPEDIAS:

Beers, V. Gilibert (copyrighted 1981), The Victor Handbook Of Bible Knowledge: Answers Your Questions On 300 Bible Stories (Wheaton: Victor).

Bromiley, G.W., Ed. (1982), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans), four volumes.

Douglas, J.D. organizing ed. (1980), The Illustrated Bible Dictionary (England: IVP), 3 volumes.

Elwell, Walter A. (1988), Baker Encyclopedia Of The Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker), 4 volumes.

McClintock, John and Strong, James (reprinted 1981) Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, (Grand Rapids: Baker), 12 Volumes.

COMMENTARIES:

Adamson, James (1976), The International Commentary on the New Testament, The Epistle of James (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans).

Allen, Jimmy (1975), Survey of First Corinthians (Searcy: Harding College).

Anders, Max and Pratt, Richard L. Jr. (2000), Holman New Testament commentary I and II Corinthians (Nashville: Broadman and Holman).

Barclay, William (1958), The Daily Study Bible (Philadelphia: Westminster), 17 volumes.

Barnes, Albert, ed. By Robert Frew (reprinted 1987), Notes on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House), 14 volumes.

Beacon Bible Commentary (multiple dates and authors), (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press), 10 volumes.

Bengel, John Albert (reprinted 1971), Bengel’s New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications), 2 volumes.

Carson, D. A. (1991), The Gospel According to John (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans).

Elwell, Walter Editor (1989), Baker Commentary On The Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker).

Falwell, Jerry executive ed. (1978), Liberty Commentary On The New Testament (Lynchburg: Liberty Press).

Gilbrant, Thoralf., International Editor (1994), The Complete Biblical Library (CBL), (Springfield, MO: Complete Biblical Library), 22 volumes on the Old Testament.

Gilbrant, Thoralf., International Ed (1991), The Complete Biblical Library (CBL), (Springfield, MO: Complete Biblical Library), 17 volumes on the New Testament.

Gromacki, Robert (2002), Called to Be Saints (The Woodlands, TX: Kress Christian Publications).

Henry, Matthew (no date), A Commentary on the Whole Bible (New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company).

Hodge, Charles (1983 reprint), I and II Corinthians (Worcester: Billing and Sons Limited).

Howley, G.C.D., Bruce, F.F., Ellison, H.L., editors (1969), A New Testament Commentary (London: Pickering and Inglis).

Kovacs, Judith L. translator and editor (2005), The Church’s Bible I Corinthians Interpreted by Early Christian Commentators (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans).

Lenski, R.C.H. (1961), The Interpretation of Series (Minneapolis: Augsburg), 12 volumes.

Leupold, H.C. (1942), Exposition of Genesis (Grand Rapids: Baker), 2 volumes.

Lightfoot, John (1979), Commentary On The New Testament From the Talmud and Hebraica (Grand Rapids: Baker), 4 volumes.

MacKnight, James (1984 reprint), MacKnight on the Epistles (Grand Rapids: Baker), one volume edition.

McGarvey, J.W. & Pendleton, Philip (n.d.), Commentary on Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans (Cincinnati: Standard).

McGuiggan, Jim (1982), The Book of Romans (Montex Publishing: Lubbock).

New Testament Commentaries (multiple dates and authors), the Gospel Advocate Series (Nashville: Gospel Advocate), 14 volumes.

Nieboer, J. (1951), Practical Exposition of I Peter (Erie: Daily Walk Publishers).

Richards, Lawrence (1994), The Victor Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Wheaton: Victor).

Roberts, J. W. (1977), The Letter of James (Abilene: ACU Press).

Summers, Ray (1973), Commentary on Luke (Waco: Word Books).

Walvoord, John and Zuck, Roy editors (1983 and 1985), The Bible Knowledge Commentary (Wheaton: Victor), two volumes.

Wiersbe, Warren (1989), The Bible Exposition Commentary (Colorado Springs: Chariot Victor Publishing), 2 volumes.

Willis, Mike (1994), First Corinthians (Bowling Green: Guardian of Truth).

Willmington, H. L. (copyrighted 1977), Basic Stages In The Book Of Ages (no publisher listed).

OTHER WORKS:

Amick, Fred A. (1954), Hearing for Eternity (Roseman, Ca: Old Paths Book Club).

Bales, James D. (1970), Jesus The Master Respondent (Shreveport: Lambert’s Book House).

Cotham, Perry B. (2008), Beyond the Sunset (no publisher listed).

Deen, Edith (1969), The Bible’s Legacy For Womanhood (New York: Doubleday and Company).

Ellisen, Stanley A. (2001), Parables in the EYE of the STORM (Grand Rapids: Kregel).

Elwell, Walter A. editor (1996), Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker).

Geisler, Normal L. and Rhodes, Ron (1977), Correcting the Cults (Grand Rapids: Baker).

Gromacki, Robert G. (1967), The Modern Tongues Movement (Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company).

Haberman, Bill Ph.D.; Th.D. (1993), Women’s Role and 1 Corinthians 14:33 b-37 (Fort Worth: Star Bible Publications).

Harrison, Everett F. Editor-in-Chief (1960), Baker’s Dictionary of Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker).

Hoekema, Anthony A. (1966), What About Tongue Speaking? (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans).

Jackson, Wayne (no date), A Sign of Authority (no publisher listed).

Jividen, Jimmy (1987), Miracles From God or Man? (Abilene: ACU Press).

Kildahl, John P. (1972), The Psychology of Speaking in Tongues (New York: Harper & Row).

Korem, Danny and Meier, Paul (1980), The Fakers - Exploding the Myths of the Supernatural (Grand Rapids: Baker).

Lanier, Roy H. Sr. (1974), The Timeless Trinity for the Ceaseless Centuries (Self Published).

MacArthur, John (1987), God’s High Calling For Women (Moody Press: Chicago).

MacArthur, John (1987), Qualities Of An Excellent Servant (Moody Press: Chicago).

Macquarrie, John editor (1967), Dictionary of Christian Ethics (Philadelphia: The Westminister Press).

Mattox, F. W. (1961), The Eternal Kingdom (Delight: Gospel Light Publishing Company).

McDowell, Josh (1981), The Resurrection Factor (San Bernardino: Here’s Life Publishers).

Miller, Dave (2007), The Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America’s Christian Heritage, DVD (Maxwell, TX: World Video Bible School).

Nieboer, J. (1953), One Another or How to Get Along with Other Christians (Erie: Our Daily Walk Publishers).

Olbricht, Owen D. (1998), Woman: A Biblical Quest (Delight: Gospel Light).

Price, John (2005), Old Light on New Worship (Avinger, TX: Simpson Publishing Company).

Straub, Gerard Thomas (1986), Salvation For Sale (New York: Prometheus Books).

Strauch, Alexander (1995), Biblical Eldership - An Urgent Call To Restore Biblical Church Leadership (Littleton: Lewis and Roth).

Strobel, Lee (1998), The Case For Christ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan).

Thomas, J. D. (1977), Divorce and Remarriage (Abilene: Biblical Research Press).

Thomas, J. D. (1981), The Spirit and Spirituality, Second Edition (Abilene: Biblical Research Press).

Vine, W.E. (1996), The Collected Writings Of W.E. Vine (Nashville: Thomas Nelson), 5 Volumes.

Waldron, Jim editor (1986), Is There A Universal Code of Ethics? (Winona: J. C. Choate Publications).

Woods, Guy N. (1976), Questions and Answers (Henderson, TN: Freed Hardeman College), Volume 1.

Workman, Gary (1971), Has ‘That Which Is Perfect’ Come? (Mesquite, TX: Biblical Bookshelf).