Conflict & Community in Corinth: A Socio-rhetorical Commentary on 1-2 Corinthians

by Ben Witherington III

This unprecedented commentary applies an exegetical method informed by both sociological insight and rhetorical analysis to the study of 1 and 2 Corinthians. In addition to using traditional exegetical and historical methods, this unique study also analyzes the two letters of Paul in terms of Greco-Roman rhetoric and ancient social conditions and customs to shed fresh light on the context and content of Paul's message. Includes 21 black-and-white photos and illustrations.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Reference, New Testament

512 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 1994

About the author

Ben Witherington III (PhD, University of Durham) is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and is on the doctoral faculty at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is the author or coauthor of more than thirty books, including The Jesus Quest, The Paul Quest, and The New York Times bestseller The Brother of Jesus. He has appeared on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, and CNN.

Reviews

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witherington does an excellent job with the social-scientific approach to the Corinthian correspondence. He combines this with a rhetorical outline of the books that focuses on the texts as organized around Greco-Roman rhetoric rather than thematic or theological outlines of most commentaries. Some of his theological conclusions are only lightly explained and one may need to read his other works Women in the Ministry of Jesus: A Study of Jesus' Attitudes to Women and Their Roles as Reflected in His Earthly Life and Women in the Earliest Churches for fuller explanations on his egalitarian stance (which he simply assumes in Conflict & Community).

His last 2/3 or 3/4 of the book covers 2 Corinthians which I found lacking in depth. Witherington's expertise is clearly in 1 Corinthians and he regrettably didn't give the same level of treatment to the second and more neglected letter (editorial fatigue!?).

This is a great addition to any Pauline collection but I will certainly be supplementing it with another commentary for my next pass through 1-2 Cor.

[Jess Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un commentaire très intéressant sur les épîtres aux corinthiens. Witherington analyse les deux lettres sous l'angle social et aussi celui de la rhétorique.

L'angle social est soutenu par un grand nombre d'encart dans lesquels Witherington explique la manière de vie de l'époque (mariage, religion, vie sociale, argent etc) sans jamais oublier le texte qu'il commente.

Pour la rhétorique je suis un peu moins convaincu. Il est pertinent quand il s'agit de comprendre la structure de l'argumentation de Paul, la manière dont il compose ses lettres et aussi ses changements de tons parfois brusque. Ce qui fait que, avec cette grille d'analyse, Witherington voit 2 Corinthiens comme une lettre unie et non un assemblage de plusieurs.
Cependant il s'étend parfois un peu trop longuement à mon goût sur la rhétorique en général à l'époque de Paul et cherche parfois à tout prix à faire rentrer chaque ligne de la lettre dans une case spécifique.

[Kimberly Rogers Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched and documented. Even the footnotes have footnotes! Very scholarly work, yet readable to someone without a seminary education.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous overview of cultural and historical details that help a lot in studying Paul's letters.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 4 out of 5]

*My reviews of commentaries are (typically) based off the Introductory material and a perusing of the commentary, not a word for word reading*

[Noah Stepro Stepro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some helpful insights but could have been more accessible

[Ben Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information! I find this to be more than a bit dense, but well worth it.

[Anja Noordam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, these letters are complicated but the book helps a lot.

[Dawn Gentry]

Excellent social commentary on the book of Corinthians - I used it for my college level class.

[Rachel Edney]

An accessible commentary on the Corinthian Correspondence focusing primarily on Paul's rhetorical strategy in challenging the Corinthian's sinful behavior and defending his apostolic ministry.