1 Corinthians (BN2219T)

Content

This unit involves a detailed study of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. It focuses especially on Paul's perception of the problems arising in the life of the young church in Corinth, and his responses to them. It explores Paul’s relationship with his churches, including Corinth, and examines the way his theology adapts itself to new situations and new contexts. The specific context of the church in Corinth is explored, and different scholarly opinions canvassed. The unit explores the nature of Paul’s theology in 1 Corinthians, including its relationship to 2 Corinthians and the other Pauline writings, along with the question of its ongoing relevance for the context of the church today.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Introductory unit in New Testament

Pedagogy

Reading material, video material, online tutorial discussions

Indicative Bibliography

• Barnet, P. The Corinthians Question: Why Did the Church Oppose Paul? Nottingham: Apollos, 2011.
• Barrett, C.K. A Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians. 2nd ed. London: A & C Black, 1971.
• Chow, J.K. Patronage and Power: A Study of Social Networks in Corinth. Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1992.
• Collins, R.F. First Corinthians. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1999. (recommended for purchase)
• Fee, G.D. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987.
• Friesen, S.J. et al, eds. Corinth in Contrast: Studies in Inequality. Leiden/Boston: Brill, 2013.
• Hays, R.B. First Corinthians. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997.
• Horrell, D.G. The Social Ethos of the Corinthian Correspondence. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1996.
• Horsley, R.A. 1 Corinthians. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.
• Perkins, P. First Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2012. (recommended for purchase)
• Thiselton, A. First Corinthians: A Shorter Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006. (recommended for purchase)
• Witherington, B. Conflict and Community in Corinth: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.

Assessment