The People’s Bible: 1 Corinthians
Overview
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians because the congregation faced a series of problems, including the danger of splintering into factions and even lapsing into paganism. Other problems plagued the Corinthians as well. Paul’s letter provided clear advice. The longest chapter, chapter 15, has become one of the most treasured, because it trumpets the victory of Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
Many people have found The People’s Bible to be the most reliable Bible commentary series published. It’s the laypeople’s Bible—down to earth, clearly written, easy to read and understand, filled with practical and contemporary applications. The Christ-centered commentary follows the Scripture sections containing explanations of the text, historical background, maps, illustrations, and archaeological information.
The People’s Bible commentaries are great for personal or group study.
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- Historical background
- Maps, illustrations, and archaeological information
- Practical and contemporary applications
Top Highlights
“Paul addresses his readers as saints, as holy people who are blameless in God’s eyes. This is possible only because the weak and erring members of the congregation still believed in Christ as their Savior from sin.” (Page 10)
“Every Israelite knew the story of the deliverance of his people from Egypt and their miraculous passage through the Red Sea. Their deliverance and their preservation by the pillar of cloud and the parting of the Red Sea remind Paul of our baptism. The Israelites were saved by water, in the midst of water; we are also saved by the water (with the Word) of Baptism. The passage through the Red Sea bound God’s people to their leader, Moses, whom God had sent to lead them to safety; we are baptized into the name of our leader, Jesus Christ, and are bound to him.” (Page 90)
“Paul recognizes one difference between pastors. ‘Each will be rewarded according to his own labor.’ The Greek word here is kopos, meaning ‘toil’ or ‘hard work.’ God rewards his ministers according to their toil, the ‘sweat’ they have put into their ministries. He does not reward them on the basis of their gifts and talents, nor even on the basis of their success, but on the effort they have put forth in his service.” (Page 36)
“God had Moses record the Israelites’ evil courses, so they would serve as warning examples for all those who would come after them. We are to learn from the generations who have preceded us. To ignore or disdain what former ages have to teach us about the wages of sin and the consequences of guilt is conceit and folly. ‘So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!’ Paul warns. Pride goes before the fall.” (Page 93)
- Title: The People’s Bible: 1 Corinthians
- Author: Carleton Toppe
- Publisher: Northwestern Publishing House
- Publication Date: 1987
- Pages: 170
