The First Epistle to the Corinthians (New International Greek Testament Commentary)

It is virtually unanimous among those involved in biblical studies that Gordon Fee's NICNT volume is the best commentary written on 1 Corinthians or, for that matter, perhaps on any book. I will whole heartedly agree with that statement. This commentary by Thiselton is not a competitor but a complement to Fee's work. The NICNT volume is based on the NIV, with corrections made by Fee where appropriate. Comments on the Greek text are minimal and usually only found in the footnotes. Fee's comments are clear and concise, even if a bit underdeveloped for the needs of scholars and Greek students. Perhaps the best feature of Fee's volume is his wonderful introductions and summaries found at the opening and closing of each section of the book. This is especially important when discussing an epistle and conveys Fee's understanding that, despite the proliferation of word studies and word-by-word commentaries, words can only be understood in light of their entire context. Fee does all of these things wonderfully, and even includes helpful insights into modern application and contextualization. I have included all of this about Fee, so that the work of Thiselton can be seen for the gem that it is. This volume is massive (almost one-hundred pages devoted to each chapter). For some, this is a problem. However, as one who as actually read the commentary (many reviewers have only read a few pages of the book they review), the bulk is absolutely necessary. In the preface Thiselton says that it was his intention to answer every question a responsible scholar might bring to the text. As he says, "I am keenly aware of the sense of disappointment so often experienced when readers take up a substantial, scholarly commentary only to find that in the end it has failed to address precisely the questions to which they are seeking some kind of answer" (xvi). If you have every experienced this frustration, you won't find it here. Thiselton is a Greek scholar, an accomplished linguist, philosopher and theologian. This background makes this the most thorough commentaries I have ever read. Having been through the entire commentary, I can say, there is no question that he does not address. This is not to say that I agree with all of his solutions, but at least he attempts an answer. He pays close attention to the Greek text, addressing text critical issues where appropriate as well as syntactical issues.. He gives sociological and rhetorical criticism sufficient weight, without allowing these more subjective disciplines to run away with the clear sense of the text. He carefully traces the flow of argument in the epistle, and like Fee, introduces and summarizes every major section of the letter so as to keep the entire argument in focus as the commentary progresses. He offers many special studies into particular sticking points of the letter--the point of rhetoric in 1:10-4:21, the possible source of the divisions, the meaning of sophhia and teleios, divorce, Paul's use of the OT and MUCH more. As I said, every responsible question is addressed. As a counterpart to Fee's not to present day application, Thiselton includes a substantial section on the history of interpretation and wirkungsgeschichte after each chapter. So, is this commentary worth the money? First ask, what are your needs? This commentary, despite the claims of the NIGTC editors, is not altogether suited for those just beginning Greek student, and certainly not for those unfamiliar with the language. These two groups could still utilize certain sections, but would miss many of Thiselton's careful points. If, though, you are skilled in Greek and fed up with commentaries that go on and on about simple points and never address the challenges of the text, this is for you.

Thiselton's commentary is a must for anyone working with the Greek. This does not exclude those who do not know any Greek at all, and thus it does not exclude those who know only a very little. Dr Thiselton has an impressive command of all the literature on the topic, and his translations of the texts are fresh and insightful. One would be foolish indeed to not consult this commentary when doing a class on 1 Corinthians.One thing I like about him, unlike O'Brien in his NIGTC commentary on Philippians, is that if he disagrees with an accepted scholarly consensus about a topic, he does not merely say so. He points out fallacies and weaknesses and thus allows the reader to make his/her own judgements. Another is that while he himself is quite orthodox in his beliefs, his commentary is neither too conservative nor too liberal (I dislike either of those terms anyway) and thus one is assured a good moderate commentary composed by one who is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge--all put in a way that the beginner can grasp the most difficult spots of Paul's Greek.Thus for really anybody--Greek expert or not--who wants to make up his/her mind about topics in 1 Corinthians with all the major relevant information in one volume, this is one commentary you need. It is a fitting companion to the New Interpreter's Commentary which, for this book, is disappointingly sparse on information.

I used this for preaching a sermon in a seminary class on 1 Corinthians 13 and found that it had considerably more (as in up to 150% more), relevant content and applicable analysis than comparable commentaries in both the evangelical/conservative and liberal realms of commentaries. Though it is exhaustive and potentially exhausting to get through, the quality of work here is second to nothing else I have found thus far. If you're looking for just one commentary to get on 1st Corinthians, this is the one to get. By the way, I got an A on the sermon, preaching from my conservative perspective in a highly liberal seminary. The substantive analysis in this book definitely helped with that, aiding the exegetical process enormously.

Thiselton is one of those rare individuals that seems to float effortlessly between various disciplines without getting lost along the way. Prior to the release of this volume, I had always considered him a master of hermeneutics. Now I also see him as a gifted exegete. As he ages, everything he writes has a touch of brilliance and relevance, along with concern for the church.This study is not for the casual reader or the easily distracted. If that sounds like you, try his abridged version of this volume. It is very good with a more personal touch. But for those willing to explore the depths of this important letter to a confused congregation, this is as good as it gets.

More than just a commentary, an important work of theology in its own right speaking clearly and intelligently into the contemporary debate over the nature and importance of truth and the construction of meaning, as well reconstructing the Sitz im leben that gave rise to Paul's epistle to the Corinthians and articulating its principle message concerning the character and purpose of the Church. If I had anything negative to say about it, it is that it is perhaps too thorough, but is that really possible? Perhaps the most impressive and enlightening commentary I have ever used.

Thistleton has written much about the art/science of hermeneutics. In this work, he has scientifically applied his hermeneutical principles to First Corinthians, carrying the principles with artistic grace and humility to their logical conclusions, leaving the reader with a depth of understanding that facilitates depth of love for First Corinthians. Yet he has done this without the dogmatism that is normally associated with such detailed work. Bravo!

Great resource!

great

I love this series of commentaries, but this is my favourite so far.As with other books in the series, the author provides a word-by-word commentary on the Greek text, but always without losing sight of the bigger picture. In fact it would have been worth buying this volume for that 'bigger picture' alone.The book draws a vivid picture of life in 1st Century Corinth, and shows that many of the so-called 'new' challenges faced by the 21st century church are startlingly similar to those faced by our spiritual ancestors in Corinth.This is also one of those wonderful books that almost constitutes an education in itself. Along the way I've been learning about various related subjects (Roman Rhetoric, for instance), and I've been making notes of related books that I want to read, to delve deeper into certain aspects.These books aren't cheap but, for me at least, they're lifelong companions and a continuing source of reference. And (in this volume anyway) you *are* getting close to 1500 pages of great info for the cash. Amazon are currently offering a very good price for this book - but beware of the sky-high prices being charged by some Amazon sellers for various editions of this book.Very highly recommended.

For me, the best commentary on 1 Corinthians ever written. Probably one of the best commentaries on any Bible book ever written. A model of academic thoroughness and balance.

I bought this book for my Grandson to help him with his PhD studies, and he has said it has been very helpful

All good thanks

Wonderfully lucid academic commentary