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The New International Commentary on the New Testament
The First Epistle to the Corinthians
Gordon Fee's work on I Corinthians is a contribution to The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Prepared by some of the world's leading scholars, the series provides an exposition of the New Testament books that is thorough and fully abreast of modern scholarship yet faithful to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.
904 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1987
95 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Gordon D. Fee
71 books210 followersGordon Fee was Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Regent College, where he taught for sixteen years. His teaching experience also included serving schools in Washington, California, Kentucky, as well as Wheaton College in Illinois (five years) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts (twelve years).
Gordon Fee was a noted New Testament scholar, having published several books and articles in his field of specialization, New Testament textual criticism. He also published a textbook on New Testament interpretation, co-authored two books for lay people on biblical interpretation, as well as scholarly-popular commentaries on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus and on Galatians, and major commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Philippians. He is also the author of a major work on the Holy Spirit and the Person of Christ in the letters of Paul.
Gordon Fee served as the general editor of the New International Commentary series, as well as on the NIV revision committee that produced the TNIV. Besides his ability as a biblical scholar, he was a noted teacher and conference speaker. He has given the Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar lectures on fifteen college campuses as well as the annual NT lectures at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, North Park Seminary, the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, the Canadian Theological Seminary, Duke Divinity School, Golden Gate Baptist, Anderson School of Theology, Asbury Seminary, and Chrichton College. An ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, Gordon Fee was well known for his manifest concern for the renewal of the church.
Gordon Fee was married and had four married children.
Gordon Fee was a noted New Testament scholar, having published several books and articles in his field of specialization, New Testament textual criticism. He also published a textbook on New Testament interpretation, co-authored two books for lay people on biblical interpretation, as well as scholarly-popular commentaries on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus and on Galatians, and major commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Philippians. He is also the author of a major work on the Holy Spirit and the Person of Christ in the letters of Paul.
Gordon Fee served as the general editor of the New International Commentary series, as well as on the NIV revision committee that produced the TNIV. Besides his ability as a biblical scholar, he was a noted teacher and conference speaker. He has given the Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar lectures on fifteen college campuses as well as the annual NT lectures at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, North Park Seminary, the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, the Canadian Theological Seminary, Duke Divinity School, Golden Gate Baptist, Anderson School of Theology, Asbury Seminary, and Chrichton College. An ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, Gordon Fee was well known for his manifest concern for the renewal of the church.
Gordon Fee was married and had four married children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 13, 2013
This commentary is a masterpiece! Fee always knows how to leave both the layperson and the scholar satisfied. I bought a copy for a course I took on the Corinthian letters. I keep going back to it time and time again for great material to preach and teach on. I HIGHLY recommend anyone who is studying the Bible (preachers, students, long time scholars, and laypersons...pretty much everyone!) to go out and buy a copy. You will not regret it!
September 28, 2024
Fee's classic commentary on 1 Corinthians is getting long in the tooth (published 1987 with most of the research done in the 80s) but remains a useful read for most people seeking to get a good grasp of classic positions and for teaching in church bible classes (which was the context in which I read this). Although Fee is often generically "evangelical" in his positions, he does have a few key distinctions which can be useful when trying to get an idea of differences in reading the text. First off, Fee comes to the table as more sympathetic to Pentecostal readings of various positions in Corinthians, which is a welcome distinction for those more used to cessasionist readings. Secondly, and more surprisingly, he takes 1 Cor 14.34–35 as a non-Pauline insertion (and doesn't do a terribly job defending why!).
Over all, Fee's commentary is solid, well reasoned, and worth reading. It does however--a constant frustration with long commentaries such as these--fall off dramatically in the final third as the author feels fatigued (and perhaps readers as well!), but if you're looking for a good single-read from a mostly-standard evangelical position, this will do you well.
Over all, Fee's commentary is solid, well reasoned, and worth reading. It does however--a constant frustration with long commentaries such as these--fall off dramatically in the final third as the author feels fatigued (and perhaps readers as well!), but if you're looking for a good single-read from a mostly-standard evangelical position, this will do you well.
April 25, 2013
This is an example of how commentaries should be. Excellent.
December 9, 2025
The best. Though I don’t agree with all of Fee’s conclusions (especially in chapter 14), his razor sharp word for word exegesis and ability to draw you into the situation of the text is unmatched in commentaries on 1 Corinthians.
Also, if you haven’t watched his lectures on the book that he did for YWAM back in the 80s, they are available on YouTube and are INCREDIBLE.
*My reviews of commentaries are (typically) based off the Introductory material and a perusing of the commentary, not a word for word reading*
Also, if you haven’t watched his lectures on the book that he did for YWAM back in the 80s, they are available on YouTube and are INCREDIBLE.
*My reviews of commentaries are (typically) based off the Introductory material and a perusing of the commentary, not a word for word reading*
August 22, 2017
This revised edition of Gordon Fee’s highly-respected commentary on First Corinthians in the New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) series should be in every pastor’s library. I’ve used the old edition in my studies for some time, and I’m glad to see it revised to now extend its life several more decades. Fee is an acknowledged master of commentary writing. In other words, he knows how to argue his points and be interesting in every passage.
Though the bibliography is greatly expanded, the Introduction has not changed much since the original edition. I appreciate such an engaging Introduction in only 20 pages that really hits on what I’m looking for in the introductory material. He begins by describing the city and its people and transitions beautifully into the problem the Corinthian church faced. I’m not sure I fully reject, as he does, that this letter is a response to divisions becoming parties in the church. His proposed reconstruction that the problem is between Paul and the church itself is at least interesting, even if we can’t fully agree with it. There’s so much learning to be found whether you agree with that or not.
He covered critical questions in two paragraphs. I loved it! In one power-packed paragraph, he completely dismantles many of the critical theories floating around about the Corinthian letters today. From there, he dives into theological issues and begins with eschatology. He discusses the gospel and ethical life, and ends with the church itself. It’s good all around.
I found more editing and updating in the commentary proper. The overall conclusions are unchanged, but it is spiced up a bit. I still can’t agree with his extreme egalitarian viewpoint on some of the text (for example, check out page 545 for his somersaults on the idea of “head”). I can’t follow him in chapters 12 through 14 when he talks about his views on the Spirit, nor can I accept his excising of 14:34-35. That’s not a reasonable way to dodge a text you don’t like. Even with those caveats, this is a top-flight commentary.
At minimum, this is a top-three commentary among all commentaries on the Book of First Corinthians. Some of my friends say it’s number one. In any event, every pastor needs it at hand. You simply can’t do without it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Though the bibliography is greatly expanded, the Introduction has not changed much since the original edition. I appreciate such an engaging Introduction in only 20 pages that really hits on what I’m looking for in the introductory material. He begins by describing the city and its people and transitions beautifully into the problem the Corinthian church faced. I’m not sure I fully reject, as he does, that this letter is a response to divisions becoming parties in the church. His proposed reconstruction that the problem is between Paul and the church itself is at least interesting, even if we can’t fully agree with it. There’s so much learning to be found whether you agree with that or not.
He covered critical questions in two paragraphs. I loved it! In one power-packed paragraph, he completely dismantles many of the critical theories floating around about the Corinthian letters today. From there, he dives into theological issues and begins with eschatology. He discusses the gospel and ethical life, and ends with the church itself. It’s good all around.
I found more editing and updating in the commentary proper. The overall conclusions are unchanged, but it is spiced up a bit. I still can’t agree with his extreme egalitarian viewpoint on some of the text (for example, check out page 545 for his somersaults on the idea of “head”). I can’t follow him in chapters 12 through 14 when he talks about his views on the Spirit, nor can I accept his excising of 14:34-35. That’s not a reasonable way to dodge a text you don’t like. Even with those caveats, this is a top-flight commentary.
At minimum, this is a top-three commentary among all commentaries on the Book of First Corinthians. Some of my friends say it’s number one. In any event, every pastor needs it at hand. You simply can’t do without it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 14, 2024
Generally really helpful. Fee is a wonderful resource on 1 Corinthians, especially as an example of a continuationist who pays careful attention to the text. I expected to be stretched by him in chs 2, 12, and 14 more than was the case. Instead he was just edifying!
My two critiques of him are a) I think he projects into the text that Paul is defending his own apostolic authority in a way that is overblown (maybe reading 2 Corinthians back into 1 Corinthians too much?). It sometimes causes him to miss Paul's thrust, because he see a particular comment as about asserting authority rather than building on the reality of Paul's authority. 2) He doesn't think 1 Cor. 14:34 is Scripture. That really ruins the usefulness of his comments for the end of chapter 14 (though the beginning of it is excellent). That said, he affirms the inerrancy of Scripture in general and is a reliable guide in general. That verse was the (shocking) exception to the rule.
Used in preparing to preach 1 Corinthians in 2023, 2024.
My two critiques of him are a) I think he projects into the text that Paul is defending his own apostolic authority in a way that is overblown (maybe reading 2 Corinthians back into 1 Corinthians too much?). It sometimes causes him to miss Paul's thrust, because he see a particular comment as about asserting authority rather than building on the reality of Paul's authority. 2) He doesn't think 1 Cor. 14:34 is Scripture. That really ruins the usefulness of his comments for the end of chapter 14 (though the beginning of it is excellent). That said, he affirms the inerrancy of Scripture in general and is a reliable guide in general. That verse was the (shocking) exception to the rule.
Used in preparing to preach 1 Corinthians in 2023, 2024.
October 26, 2022
Commentaire très intéressant, probablement le meilleur sur la lettre aux Corinthiens. L'auteur ose notamment prendre position sur des sujets brûlants ce qui est toujours stimulant pour la réflexion.
Rajout octobre 2022: Avec le recul mon commentaire favori sur les Corinthiens. Notamment pour deux points
1) Fee ne lâche jamais le texte, c'est un commentaire avant tout.
2) il y a toujours des considerations pastorales et spirituelles. À plusieurs reprises je me suis retrouvé à prier et adorer en réponse aux propos de Fee.
(Ça peut semble anecdotique mais est-ce que ça ne devrait pas être normal quand on est ainsi en contact avec les Écritures ?)
Rajout octobre 2022: Avec le recul mon commentaire favori sur les Corinthiens. Notamment pour deux points
1) Fee ne lâche jamais le texte, c'est un commentaire avant tout.
2) il y a toujours des considerations pastorales et spirituelles. À plusieurs reprises je me suis retrouvé à prier et adorer en réponse aux propos de Fee.
(Ça peut semble anecdotique mais est-ce que ça ne devrait pas être normal quand on est ainsi en contact avec les Écritures ?)
February 15, 2023
This was my second time through the series and second time through the commentary, and this time around, I had a lot of other resources side-by-side. While Fee's work is compelling and the gold standard, I ended up like Garland even better by the end of my series. Garland is more theologically in line with where I am, and he wasn't afraid to contradict Fee and charitably give reasons why.
I appreciated Fee highlighting the theme of man's wisdom through the book, and that was a helpful motif as we went along—one which Garland did not see as prevalently. The differences were considerable when it came to chapters 12–14, and although I read every word, I did not find the charismatic viewpoint convincing in light of my other studies.
All in all a book I read for sermon preparation, but not a casual read for the average churchgoer. :)
I appreciated Fee highlighting the theme of man's wisdom through the book, and that was a helpful motif as we went along—one which Garland did not see as prevalently. The differences were considerable when it came to chapters 12–14, and although I read every word, I did not find the charismatic viewpoint convincing in light of my other studies.
All in all a book I read for sermon preparation, but not a casual read for the average churchgoer. :)
May 6, 2025
By far the best commentary on 1st Corinthians; phenomenal, thorough, scholarly, etc. HOWEVER, one big caveat is the he completely falls off the wagon in chapter 14. It's charismatic, it strays from the text, ignorant of church history, etc. Chapter 14 is atrocious for lack of a better term! I was stunned at just how poor the commentary was there compared to the rest of the book, and how his theological analysis differs there from his treatment of any other subject or passage. But that is the exception to an otherwise outstanding commentary. Also, his treatment of 1 Corinthians 14:34 (he doesn't take it as scriptural) is very poorly argued, inconsistent, and reveals his particular agenda regarding the roles of women in church.
October 26, 2021
Fantastic book-both Fee's commentary and 1 Corinthians. NICNT picking Dr Fee was brilliant, not just for having someone with a strong textual criticism background but someone out of the Assembly of God doing a commentary on a book with significant teaching on spiritual gifts. (Fee would probably not like how I used the word "spiritual" lol). This book has increased not just my knowledge of 1 Corinthians, but has made me appreciate how significant 1 Cor is for not just a church w problems, but for all. Cannot recommend enough.
March 6, 2019
Excelente comentário bíblico! Me ajudou muito nos estudos de 1 Coríntios. É um comentário profundo e detalhado, mas ao mesmo tempo consegue apresentar de forma clara o fluxo de todo o texto e do pensamento de Paulo ao escrever essa carta.
June 23, 2021
Fantastic. I don’t always agree with Fee, but this commentary is extremely well written and insightful.
September 7, 2018
21 Aug 2015
Am now on 1 Cor 4-5. Reading Fee in conjunction with these chapters makes my heart race as though I were reading a psychological suspense novel! Fee seems to have a way of engaging with the text that makes me feel I am in Corinth during those times. He first gives a brief synopsis of the text, then he examines the words and phrases Paul uses, comparing them to how Paul used these words or alternative language in his other writings. Very good.
03 Sep 2015
On Chapter 14 now. Over and over, I find myself thinking of how thoughtful and comfortable Fee is as he examines the text, and how comfortable he makes me feel as he takes me along this journey. I am still caught up in his examination. My interest hasn't wained. Fee seems to have a great deal of love for his subject matter. That love is contagious. He doesn't try to impress as he examines. He never makes me feel that my own thoughts about a topic are unworthy. He is a gentle teacher.
23 Aug 2018
So glad to be going through this commentary a second time. Fee scrubs this text, discussing the difficult situation with the Corinthians from many angles. Enjoying it even more thoroughly this time around, but Goodreads provides ratings only up to 5 stars.
27 Aug 2018
Like James R Edwards, Fee's footnotes contain additional material. Though not to the extent of Edward's notes, Fee's notes are not to be missed.
8 Sept 2018
Stumbled on YouTube videos of several sessions of Fee lectures on 1 Corinthians for Youth with a Mission (YWAM) audience. Interesting, to say the least. YouTube does not run all the sessions in order, but search for "Gordon Fee" and "1 Corinthians" should produce them. There are supposed to be 14 in all. I watched the first three. He focuses on exegesis, hermeneutics, and Corinth during the time of Paul. Great supplement to the commentary.
Am now on 1 Cor 4-5. Reading Fee in conjunction with these chapters makes my heart race as though I were reading a psychological suspense novel! Fee seems to have a way of engaging with the text that makes me feel I am in Corinth during those times. He first gives a brief synopsis of the text, then he examines the words and phrases Paul uses, comparing them to how Paul used these words or alternative language in his other writings. Very good.
03 Sep 2015
On Chapter 14 now. Over and over, I find myself thinking of how thoughtful and comfortable Fee is as he examines the text, and how comfortable he makes me feel as he takes me along this journey. I am still caught up in his examination. My interest hasn't wained. Fee seems to have a great deal of love for his subject matter. That love is contagious. He doesn't try to impress as he examines. He never makes me feel that my own thoughts about a topic are unworthy. He is a gentle teacher.
23 Aug 2018
So glad to be going through this commentary a second time. Fee scrubs this text, discussing the difficult situation with the Corinthians from many angles. Enjoying it even more thoroughly this time around, but Goodreads provides ratings only up to 5 stars.
27 Aug 2018
Like James R Edwards, Fee's footnotes contain additional material. Though not to the extent of Edward's notes, Fee's notes are not to be missed.
8 Sept 2018
Stumbled on YouTube videos of several sessions of Fee lectures on 1 Corinthians for Youth with a Mission (YWAM) audience. Interesting, to say the least. YouTube does not run all the sessions in order, but search for "Gordon Fee" and "1 Corinthians" should produce them. There are supposed to be 14 in all. I watched the first three. He focuses on exegesis, hermeneutics, and Corinth during the time of Paul. Great supplement to the commentary.
Read
July 15, 2012This is an outstanding commentary on First Corinthians. Fee balances the excesses on either side of the sign gift controversies. He offers some intriguing new insight into speaking in tongues. Though I consider myself well grounded in understanding the phenomenon, I discovered what I consider to be an error in my prior understanding. Outstanding book, carefully exegeted.
June 2, 2024
I enjoyed this pretty much every step of the way. There were lots of things I had never seen and would not have seen in the letter of Paul to the Corinthians without a book like this. Now my journal columned Bible is marked up with interesting and sometimes crucial insights into this important book of the Bible.
November 28, 2011
Few people will actually be able to read this entire book. However, I was able to work through a good amount of it. Fee is pretty incredible in his insight and interpretation of 1 Corinthians. He also has A LOT of great practical application for today's church.
August 13, 2009
A heavy read, but worth it. He leaves nothing undone.
October 8, 2012
Best commentary I've ever read...period
Want to read
October 8, 2012confuse...???
January 28, 2013
A masterful study.
September 18, 2013
Шедьовър! Най-доброто разглеждане на 1 Коринтяни, което съм чел.
April 7, 2016
Worth it's weight in gold.
April 6, 2016
Probably the best commentary on 1 Corinthians that I've read. A must read.
January 27, 2018
When it comes to 1 Corinthians, Fee is one of the best.
May 8, 2019
Thorough and balanced
September 11, 2021
One of the more practical and beneficial commentaries series I've used. Good research, good history, easy to access formatting. Better than most as a series in my opinion.
May 5, 2023
Melhor comentário de 1 Coríntios, completo, abrangente, e pastoral.
November 24, 2010
Best commentary on 1 Cor, no contest.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews