Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.4/10

A weighty, text led 1 Corinthians commentary that equips us for faithful teaching in hard pastoral territory.

Publication Date(s): 2010

Pages: 867

ISBN: 978-0-8028-3732-5

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.8/10

We find consistent attention to the argument of the passage, with careful handling of context and a disciplined respect for what the text actually says.

Christ Centredness: 8.4/10

We are helped to keep Christ central in both doctrine and application, with connections that arise from the text rather than from habit or sentiment.

Depth of Insight: 8.9/10

We gain real help on interpretive decisions and theological themes, with sustained engagement that rewards careful study.

Clarity of Writing: 8.1/10

Clear structure and controlled prose make it workable for weekly preparation, even when the material is weighty.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.4/10

The exposition supports proclamation and shepherding, helping us press the truth home with realism and hope.

Readability: 7.6/10

Substantial in size, but readable in steady portions, and well suited to ongoing sermon work.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 867 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.4 / 10
Strength: Thorough engagement with hard issues and strong biblical theological instincts.
Limitation: Substantial detail means we must plan reading time across the series.

We find Roy E. Ciampa and Brian S. Rosner help us read 1 Corinthians as a pastoral letter driven by the gospel and shaped by Scripture. They keep the church situation in view, but they never let the situation become the meaning.

Their work is strong on the letter’s use of the Old Testament and on the way Paul forms a holy people in a compromised culture.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume when we need depth for a difficult letter. 1 Corinthians is full of sharp edges, and Ciampa and Rosner help us handle them without panic or harshness.

They clarify Paul’s argument on division, sexual ethics, worship, spiritual gifts, and resurrection, and they repeatedly show how the cross reorders the church’s values and practices.

For pastors facing modern confusion, this is a weighty, reliable guide that strengthens faithful teaching and wise shepherding.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong advanced commentary for preaching and teaching 1 Corinthians, particularly for those who want thorough exegesis joined to clear theological direction for church life.

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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