Evaluation
Overall Score: 7.8/10
A straightforward, sermon-ready walkthrough that offers steady help for teaching the letter’s major themes.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 488 pages
- Type
- Expositional, Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Baptist, Broadly Evangelical, Reformed
- Overall score
- 7.8 / 10
- Strength
- A straightforward guide that keeps the structure and main themes of the letter accessible for regular ministry use.
- Limitation
- The depth of insight is limited, offering less nuance than more academically focused treatments.
John MacArthur’s 1 Corinthians continues the clear, pastoral exposition characteristic of his New Testament commentary series. Addressing one of Paul’s most complicated and correction-oriented letters, MacArthur walks passage by passage through issues of church unity, immorality, Christian liberty, worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. His approach is straightforward: explain the text carefully, apply it plainly, and emphasise the sufficiency and authority of Scripture in addressing the church’s moral and doctrinal challenges.
The commentary is written with pastors, Bible teachers, and serious lay readers in mind. It avoids academic overload while still offering insight into key Greek terms, historical background, and theological themes. MacArthur’s pastoral tone and consistent commitment to clarity make this a dependable resource for those seeking a steady guide through a complex book.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
This volume is especially strong in sections where Paul confronts sin and disorder within the Corinthian church. MacArthur’s handling of issues such as sexual ethics, idolatry, church discipline, and the believer’s relationship to the world is both direct and pastorally sensitive. He provides clear arguments rooted in the text, making it easy for preachers to trace Paul’s logic and apply it faithfully.
The commentary also offers helpful guidance in chapters that often confuse modern readers—such as head coverings, the Lord’s Supper abuses, and the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts. MacArthur’s cessationist convictions shape his interpretation of the gifts in chapters 12–14, yet he interacts respectfully with differing views while maintaining firm exegetical reasoning.
His exposition of 1 Corinthians 15—the great resurrection chapter—is a highlight. MacArthur provides a rich and confident defence of the bodily resurrection, the triumph of Christ, and the believer’s future hope. Teachers will find this section especially encouraging for both doctrinal instruction and pastoral comfort.
Overall, the commentary functions as a highly serviceable preaching aid: clear structure, faithful exposition, and practical application that speaks to local church life with conviction and care.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend MacArthur’s 1 Corinthians as a dependable mid-level exposition for pastors and Bible study leaders. It is not intended to replace more technical works, but it excels as a foundation for sermon preparation and pastoral instruction. Its clarity, doctrinal steadiness, and pastoral warmth make it a valuable companion for teaching through this challenging and timely epistle.
Those building a preaching-oriented library—especially within the broadly Reformed, conservative evangelical tradition—will find this volume well worth owning.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Useful supplement