Reading 1 Corinthians: A Literary and Theological Commentary (Reading the New Testament, 2nd Series)

In Reading 1 Corinthians, Timothy Brookins leads the reader through 1 Corinthians section by section, explaining the often perplexing intricacies of Paul’s arguments in the light of the wider context of the letter, Paul’s theology as a whole, and the church’s first-century urban setting. Building on his earlier work, Brookins argues that socio-economic factors and contemporary philosophical perspectives intersected to create a dire rift in the Corinthian church, leaving it divided especially along the line between the “spiritual” Christians and the “unspiritual” ones. Paul advocates a more corporate perspective as the solution for the divisions. All are one in Christ, united with him and with each other. All things should be done, not for building up oneself, but for building up of the church. This is love. And in love there is unity.