1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary

Michael Gorman's commentary on 1 Corinthians will be especially welcomed by all those who appreciate theology. Standing outside any commentary series, this volume has the freedom to focus on the aspects of 1 Corinthians Gorman believes are central, and those are, as the title indicates, theological, pastoral, and missional. Writing as a creedal Christian for those who see this text as Christian Scripture, Gorman does not clutter the book with arcane scholarly discussions but focuses on illuminating the text in order to "shape a Christlike, missional people" (xviii). Gorman does so by highlighting the way Paul calls the church to live within "resurrection, charismatic cruciformity" emphasizing self-giving love in the time in between Christ's first and second coming (xxi-xxii). [Full Review]

One of the most notable features of this commentary is how Gorman frames the letter around the four marks of the church from the Nicene Creed: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. While these fourth-century categories postdate Paul, Gorman argues that using them as an interpretive lens allows us to perceive things we might not otherwise see in 1 Corinthians... No review would be complete without mentioning some general observations or areas of potential debate regarding Gorman’s method and conclusions. First, Gorman’s exegesis in this commentary is organized by larger discourse units, rather than a verse-by-verse approach. One key element of this commentary is that it is deeply informed by scholarship but not overly burdened by academic minutiae. Second, at the end of each major section, Gorman offers a bibliography for further reading, categorized by level from accessible to advanced works. This feature turns this commentary into a springboard for deeper study, guiding interested scholars to the wider scholarly conversation... On the whole, Gorman’s commentary offers a model of practical theology focused on ecclesiology that opens 1 Corinthians as a pastoral, liturgical, missional, and contemporary text. [Full Review]

I found the commentary highly accessible, reading it along with the biblical text since Gorman does not provide full texts in the commentary. I most appreciated his emphasis on the cruciform life and how this addressed the rivalries in Corinth and also in how it is the bedrock for the exercise of spiritual gifts in the church, summarized in 1 Corinthians 13. This is a great commentary to read for devotional purposes as well as a resource for teaching and preaching. The reading lists and bibliography serve as an introduction to scholarly study. I am glad to add this to my “go to” commentaries on this letter! [Full Review]

What distinguishes Gorman’s approach is his explicit integration of three interpretive lenses: theological, pastoral, and missional. Rather than treating these as separate concerns, he demonstrates how they are “inextricably linked” in what he calls “living Christianity.” This methodology represents a refreshing departure from commentaries that either remain trapped in technical minutiae or sacrifice exegetical depth for popular appeal. Gorman’s theological interpretation operates with what Richard Hays calls “reading with the eyes of faith,” yet maintains critical scholarly standards throughout... The commentary excels in its pastoral dimension, with each section concluding with “spiritual, pastoral, missional, and theological reflections” followed by thought-provoking questions for teachers and preachers. [Full Review]

In this commentary, you will find theological, pastoral, and missional reflections, which are rooted in strong exegetical work, work that is not always shown but is present. Even if you do not agree with his interpretations at every point, I believe that those seeking to better understand Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church will find it to be most helpful. I especially recommend the commentary to preachers, who will find much wisdom present in the book... the use of ecclesiology to organize the text is quite appropriate and illuminating. While this is not technical commentary, it is deeply rooted in scholarship, which is seen in how the text is introduced, exegeted, and interpreted as we move through the text. Thus, in the course of the commentary, we get a true sense of Paul the author, something of its probable dating, and a helpful discussion of Paul’s audience, which, as we discover throughout, is experiencing division. [Full Review]

Michael Gorman’s 1 Corinthians is unique among the throng in that it attempts to burst beyond the bounds of the genre by bringing into the discussion a series of questions for reflection peppered throughout the volume. It moves in canonical order of the passages of the book after doing the usual introductory things. It also gives suggestions for further reading and discussion. Another unique feature of the volume is that it intersperses systematic theology throughout. That is, Gorman overlays the interpretation of the various parts of 1 Corinthians with a line from the Apostles Creed—I believe in one holy, catholic Church. So, his exposition of 5:1–7:40 focuses on the word Holy. The exposition of 8:1–14:40 emphasizes Catholic. And his exposition of 15 inserts the word Apostolic into the line of the creed and emphasizes it. He does the same in his exposition of chapter 16... [Full Review]