First Corinthians

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Fitzmyer is one of the finest and most respected New Testament scholars ever. His commentary models the historical-critical approach, where questions of historical circumstance, relationship to comparative (Jewish and Greco-Roman) literature, and Greek word meanings (diachronically and synchronically) are of the utmost importance. See my Themelios review of his commentary [Full Review]

I agree with Thiselton and Bowman below. This work is the “best commentary representing mainstream critical scholarship,” but that it “doesn’t break new ground.” Therefore, Fee’s 2014 NICNT (only minimally changed) and Thiselton’s NIGTC remain the best commentaries (see my review of those works for reasons why). I recommend purchasing Fitzmyer digitally or getting a library copy if you want to read it in print. An excellent commentary over all, and worthy of reading; although you will not be missing too much if you decide to put Fitzmyer on the bench for a while while you read other works on 1 Corinthians ahead of his.

Best commentary representing mainstream critical scholarship, by a renowned Roman Catholic scholar. [Full Review]

This commentary is exactly what you'd expect from Fitzmyer: excellent detailed analysis and exegesis from a top-notch Catholic scholar. Like other Anchor commentaries, it won't be the most helpful for pastors in areas of application, but it does interact with other views to help the reader sort through the issues. It is different enough from evangelical commentaries to make it worth consulting, but not so different to make an evangelical uncomfortable. This commentary is good, but it's hurt by a market that is already saturated with excellent 1 Corinthians commentaries. If you are doing in depth work in 1 Corinthians, you ought to consult Fitzmyer. [Full Review]

Professor Joseph Fitzmyer, S.J., is one of the most respected and influential Catholic theologians and exegetes in the world today. He is currently Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies in the Catholic University of America and a resident at the Jesuit Community, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. It is good that he has written another volume in the Anchor Bible series. A few volumes, some might say, have been disappointing, but other volumes constitute outstanding contributions to New Testament interpretation. The volumes by Raymond Brown on John and Joseph Fitzmyer on Romans remain among the best in the series. Professor Fitzmyer’s commentary on Romans combines meticulous New Testament scholarship and exegesis with a very helpful exposition of Paul’s theological themes. Hence readers will approach this commentary on First Corinthians with high expectations. The introduction runs to ninety-eight pages, following a new translation of sixteen pages. [Full Review]