Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.4/10

A strong Reformed volume on 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians that helps us stay close to the text and preach with theological weight.

Publication Date(s): 1974

Pages: 716

ISBN: 9780851511856

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.9/10

We find careful attention to the passage in its flow, with a consistent concern to let the text govern the claims we make in preaching.

Christ Centredness: 8.5/10

We are helped to keep Christ central, with clear lines from the passage to the gospel, without forcing connections that the text does not support.

Depth of Insight: 8.7/10

We benefit from sustained theological reflection that clarifies key themes and strengthens our grasp of the book’s argument.

Clarity of Writing: 8.1/10

The writing is generally clear and ordered, though the older style sometimes asks a little more patience from the reader.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.5/10

We are regularly helped toward proclamation, prayer, and practical shepherding, with application that grows out of exegesis.

Readability: 7.9/10

It is best read in steady portions. The style is older, but it remains accessible for pastors willing to read carefully.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 716 pages
Type: Expositional
Theo. Perspective: Reformed
Overall score: 8.4 / 10
Strength: Clear, text bound exposition that strengthens preaching and doctrine together.
Limitation: Older style and occasional length mean it works best alongside a modern reference for background questions.

We find Hodge’s 1 and 2 Corinthians a substantial exposition that helps us handle difficult church issues with biblical sobriety. He is careful with Paul’s argument and he keeps pastoral application close to the text.

This volume is especially helpful when the letters confront messy congregational life, division, immorality, spiritual gifts, and resurrection hope. Hodge helps us keep the gospel centre steady throughout.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary because it gives us a mature theological framework for the Corinthian problems. It helps us speak to disorder and pride without losing patience or tenderness.

We also benefit from Hodge’s insistence that doctrine must serve godliness. He does not treat theology as an abstract exercise, but as a means to form a holy, united church.

It is a long volume, and it will not always move quickly. Yet it is a reliable guide for preaching series work, and it rewards careful study.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong Reformed resource for preaching 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. It is well suited to pastors who want depth, but not needless complication.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

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