The First Epistle to the Corinthians

Good and so direct, goes for the center on the text

An excellent work made better only through his recent revision.

Being recommended by Carson in 2013 and Princeton in 2017, this commentary will likely remain the best introduction to interpreting 1 Corinthians for another 50 years. The only rival we can see as of now is Craig Keener (assuming that he is still working on a 1 Corinthians commentary). It has been a classic, and will remain one, because it is the most accessible/ yet thorough, humble/ yet direct, and theologically trustworthy work available to the Christian reader. Though Thiselton (and the forthcoming work by Clarke) will be the best exegetical resources for 1 Corinthians, Fee is the best ‘commentary.’ For a commentary should fundamentally ‘explain the text.’ It should not be an encyclopedia or a collection of various essays on the numerous issues in the text. It should not be a ‘commentary on commentaries’ - interacting with other views so often that the reader loses sight of the text. In this regard, Fee’s commentary has no rival. It is the best commentary. Garland is often seen as Fee’s rival, but wrongly so. Garland came after Thiselton and Fee and has simply mined their treasure. His contribution is minimal and the format of his commentary is frustrating to read. It is more cluttered. While Fee does drag on a couple of times, the NICNT is much more readable and coherent than the BECNT. If you are trying to decide between Fee and the other works (PNTC, BECNT, SP, etc) make Fee your first choice. You will not regret it. (Ps- Fee is an expert in Textual Criticism. He does not make ‘lapses in judgement’ in his Textual decisions, as Carson wrongly claimed. Carson is a linguist, not a textual critic, and his statement carries little weight. That was said nearly 20 years ago; perhaps Carson should revise those words he wrote in his 1996 commentary survey. Daniel Wallace (Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics) has called Fee one of his heroes in Textual Criticism. I say this so that you will be more patient in your critique of Fee regarding 1 Corinthians 14:34-35)

 

Magisterial commentary by the premier Pentecostal New Testament scholar. [Full Review]

Fee’s commentary replaced the NICNT volume on 1 Corinthians by F. W. Grosheide (1953). If I recall correctly, this was the first of the NICNT replacements, and is a considerable “upgrade” to the older commentary; mine is unfortunately in the older format (short and fat), making it very difficult to read! Fee’s commentary is a good example of why long series update their volumes from time to time. Grosheide was a fine commentary, but much has been said on 1 Corinthians since then, especially with respect to the impact of cultural and sociological studies. The text of the commentary is focused on the English text, but the footnotes contain the details of Fee’s Greek exegesis for those interested. There are some oddities in Fee’s observations, especially his contention that the difficult command in 1 Cor 14:34-35 is an interpolation into the text. [Full Review]

Excellently detailed; Fee is not always persuasive. I tend to think in more New Perspective terms than he, but his arguments are impressive, as is his attention to the text in close detail.

An excellent work that has withstood the test of time!

Over 20 years after its original appearance, I still think this is the best commentary on 1 Corinthians. That's not to say it's perfect, as Fee's understanding of the textual problem of 14:34-35 shows. But Fee is an outstanding guide as you work your way through 1 Corinthians. While not technical, this isn't necessarily light reading, as Fee wades through the exegetical options in some detail. Even when you disagree with him, he will force you back to the text to deal with what Paul actually says. Fee demonstrates how the Corinthian church suffered from a faulty eschatology, and how that factored into their errors. Despite the size and detail, pastors will find some helpful hints for application. Use it with Thiselton, and you'll have just about everything you'll need (and while you're at it, go ahead and pick up Hays and Garland).

[Full Review]