The Letters to the Corinthians

New Daily Study Bible

by William Barclay, Paul the Apostle

Corinth was not only one of the most flourishing commercial centers of the ancient world, but also a symbol of vile debauchery. In this hotbed of vice, writes William Barclay, some of the greatest work of Paul was done. In his endearing, simple, and illustrative manner, Barclay shows how the message that Paul communicated to the Corinthians continues to help us who live today in the midst of twenty-first century temptations.

For almost fifty years and for millions of readers, the Daily Study Bible commentaries have been the ideal help for both devotional and serious Bible study. Now, with the release of the New Daily Study Bible, a new generation will appreciate the wisdom of William Barclay. With clarification of less familiar illustrations and inclusion of more contemporary language, the New Daily Study Bible will continue to help individuals and groups discover what the message of the New Testament really means for their lives.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Reference, Christianity, New Testament, Nonfiction, Theology

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

WIlliam Barclay was a Scottish author, radio and television presenter, Church of Scotland minister, and Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow. He wrote a popular set of Bible commentaries on the New Testament that sold 1.5 million copies.

Reviews

[Lizz Trotsyuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those looking for an in depth yet understandable commentary, Barclay’s is golden! He approaches difficult concepts in 2 Corinthians with grace and clarity, making you feel more knowledgeable about the word of God without much mental gymnastics. I can’t stress how surprised I was to find a commentary that didn’t go into some long-spun rabbit hole that felt so off topic and was way too convoluted. On the contrary, Barclay touched on all the important subjects in each passage and gave a great overview of the book so to someone who isn’t a theologian. I highly recommend!

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the 1990 revised edition of this commentary when I was a ministerial student looking into the socio-theological background to Paul's Corinthian correspondence. Barclay's idiosyncratic approach, which is informed by deep scholarship but not academically rigorous, was of little help then, but it has always prompted thought and widened my understanding on every return to it over the past 30+ years. No other commentary packs so much into such a small package.

[Aaron Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a valuable study, although there are points which seem to question the authority and inspiration of scripture (Barclay states Paul was "unable to rise above the ideas which he had known all his life" when discussing 1 Corinthians 14:34-40). I would recommend that one reads Barclay with care.

[Eric Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study tool!

Barclay’s break down of the letters to the Corinthians is clear and simplified. He explains popular theological conclusions that are perhaps false narratives and corrects them in order for the reader to see the actually story being told.

[Bob Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barclay at his best.

William Barclay in all his commentaries of the New Testament are incisive and inspiring. I remember him when he was on television speaking on Late Call. The privilege of hearing him preach is something I never had the opportunity.

[Robert E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barclay always lifts me up

Barclay brought both Paul and the Corinthians alive for me. His explanation of the Greek helped explain what was sometime difficult text.

[Bud Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for study and devotional reading. Barclay is a master at providing biblical scholarship and practical application to the text. Always a worthwhile read.

[John Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible devotional

For several years now I have been enjoying this series and absolutely look forward to working my way through the rest of the series.

[Paige Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always appreciate Barclay's insights.

[Ralph Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

good study

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This commentary gives so much insight into the social conditions of the times that it made Paul's words completely understandable.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Situated on the narrow neck of land connecting the southern part of Greece with the north, Corinth was one of the most flourishing commercial centers of the ancient world. It was also a symbol of vilest debauchery. "In this hotbed of vice," Dr. Barclay narrates, illuminating the historical background of The Letters to the Corinthians, "some of the greatest work of Paul was done." The apostle wrote to the church there, partly to bolster its resistance to the sin and corruption, and equally to chide and counsel on the contentions that were tearing it apart. What Paul said to the Corinthians, through the divine inspiration of his own remarkable faith, now helps us, who live in the midst of twentieth-century temptations and also suffer the evils of religious dissension.

In the simple, illustrative manner that has endeared him to thousands of students, Dr. Barclay clarifies every passage in Corinthians, making us feel with him that Paul's letters are, indeed, among the most fascinating documents in the New Testament.

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to always include this caveat when mentioning William Barclay ... his theology can be very wonky if you are Catholic. For example, his commentary on the gospels with nativity stories include a number of reasons Jesus' virgin birth didn't necessarily have to be virgin. Sorry. That's really nonnegotiable. He also often includes pointed commentary about why Roman Catholic teachings are wrong. So there's that ...

However, if one reads with a wary eye, Barclay is really a gold mine of information about the original meaning of Greek and Hebrew words (books use his own translations) and customs. Also, his reflections on everyday life and faith are usually very inspiring and he tells many a story that has one reflecting about one's own life. On that count, his writing is simply wonderful and this book is the one that helped me get through Thomas Stegman's commentary on 2nd Corinthians.

[Larry Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Barclay is one of the sharpest minds to have written biblical material. no one knows the original languages and culture like he does. all his books are excellent resources for Bible teachers and those seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more things change, the more they stay the same. I truly appreciate Barclay's cultural and historical expertise, and his ability to explain why Paul's words to Corinth are eternally relevant. There's really nothing new under the sun.

[Rebekah Valerius · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the suggestion my pastor, I used this excellent commentary to accompany my devotional reading of Corinthians (I have never been very good at devotional reading). Barclay's insights are priceless and I plan to use more of his commentaries for future devotions.

[Wayne Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid commentary on these two important letters. Barclay weaves exegesis with historical, cultural and other insights from many sources.

[James Cannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly educational and enlightening.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was some really good stuff in this commentary but it also was a bit wordy and I could have done without the poetry.

[Cws]

227.2