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Cover of 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians

A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary

  • Biblical Studies & Commentaries
  • Publisher: Eerdmans
  • Published: 2025

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Publisher's Description

An engaging theological commentary on 1 Corinthians that emphasizes practical applications for Christian life and ministry Authored by renowned New Testament scholar Michael J. Gorman, this commentary is designed for pastors, students, scholars, and lay people who want a careful exposition of 1 Corinthians that stresses its theological content and considers its spiritual, pastoral, and missional implications for today. As Gorman leads readers through the biblical text, he explores key Pauline themes found in his previous work on Paul while he interprets 1 Corinthians as a pastoral letter about the marks of the church—a summons to the body of Christ then and now to be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. Like Gorman’s highly regarded commentary on Romans, this commentary on 1 Corinthians emphasizes the letter’s practical applications and includes questions for reflection and sidebars on important topics, all of which make it an essential resource for teaching and preaching at any level.


Endorsements (7)

“Michael Gorman provides us with an invaluable addition to our study of 1 Corinthians. His firm grasp of Paul’s thought, his exceptional pastoral and missional sensibilities, and, of course, his masterful interaction with the text of this letter make this the go-to commentary for pastors, teachers, and students.”

Joel B. Green

“Michael Gorman’s commentary is a treasure trove for anyone wanting to mine the riches of this fascinating letter to the church in Corinth. Not only does Gorman provide a wealth of background information and explanation of the text, but he also captures the spirit and heart of what Paul longs to communicate to this complicated community. Readers will encounter here both Paul’s vision of God in Christ and the Spirit and his vision for the church. In addition to the insightful commentary, there are thought-provoking and practical questions for discussion, reflection, and application. This inspiring commentary is a gift for anyone studying, teaching, or preaching this letter.”

Lucy Peppiatt

“Informed by a keen understanding of contemporary Pauline scholarship, Michael Gorman’s commentary is a theologically rich, balanced, and accessible reading of 1 Corinthians. He engages with culturally, historically, and theologically diverse voices to bring the concerns of this ancient letter into conversation with challenges facing the church today. His reflections and questions at the end of each section function well as catalysts for classroom discussions and sermons. It is now my first choice for classroom use and the first recommendation I’ll have for pastors teaching and preaching on 1 Corinthians.”

Andy Johnson

“Once again, Michael Gorman has gifted pastors and teachers with an accessible commentary that takes seriously scripture being ‘written for our sake.’ This is a deft guide through a theologically rich letter. The commentary will serve well all who long to live out the teachings of this sacred text.”

Carla Swafford Works

“True to the spirit of Paul and the diverse needs of readers, this masterful commentary demonstrates a holistic method of reading Paul, and transmits anew the dynamic theology of 1 Corinthians in restoring God’s church and the world today. An excellent tool and a timely resource for students and teachers of the Bible.”

K. K. Yeo

“Someone once complained to me that the making of many books on Paul has no end, but the making of many books on Paul that helps pastors and teachers to proclaim the word of truth faithfully and to deliberate theologically on the issues they must confront in their settings should have no end. Gorman’s theological-pastoral-missional commentary on Paul’s theological-pastoral-missional letter to the Corinthians thoroughly and engagingly accomplishes this task. He not only unveils how what Paul wrote was ‘written also for our sake’ (1 Cor. 10:11), he spells out how what Paul wrote can help shape a body of believers in our era into a more faithful likeness of Christ.”

David E. Garland

“Whereas many modern biblical scholars assert that the Christian creeds distort rather than illuminate the texts of Scripture, Michael Gorman masterfully shows how reading 1 Corinthians in light of the four marks of the church (‘one, holy, catholic, and apostolic’) brings out important elements of the text that continue to challenge believers today. Characteristically ecumenical, thoughtful, and lucid, this commentary represents the best of modern theological interpretation of Scripture, informed by the history of interpretation and attentive to the issues of our own day.”

Isaac Augustine Morales

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