First Corinthians : a new translation with introduction and commentary /

Fitzmyer (emer., Catholic Univ. of America) offers a new translation of, and a scholarly commentary on, a major undisputed letter of the apostle Paul. Having contributed the Anchor Bible commentaries on the Gospel of Luke, Romans, Acts, and Philemon, Fitzmyer turns to 1 Corinthians, one of Paul's earliest letters. Dating the letter to AD 56 or 57, Fitzmyer supports its compositional unity and contends that Paul, as founder of the Corinthian church, aims to reestablish respect for the Christian gospel while reaffirming his own authority as an apostle of Jesus. He finds that Paul has a mission of unity toward the divided Corinthian church, summed up in this verse: "We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles" (1 Cor. 1:23). Fitzmyer deems 1 Corinthians the second most important letter by Paul, only behind Romans, and he deftly places it in the context of Paul's theology and ministry, attending to theological, historical, and sociological factors. His exegetical and bibliographical contributions are extensive and first-rate. This is arguably now the leading commentary in English on 1 Corinthians. Summing Up: Highly recommended Libraries supporting biblical studies; upper-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. P. K. Moser Loyola University of Chicago