First Corinthians: A Commentary of the First Epistle to the Corinthians (Hermeneia: a Critical and Historical Commentary on the Bible)

Rating:
Summary: A Good Piece of Scholarship, Now Somewhat Dated
Review: Hans Conzelmann's commentary on 1 Corinthians, in the Hermeneia series, was at one point considered something of an authoritative work and is often referred to in subsequent books and articles. His work is known particularly for the connections he draws between the problems facing the Corinthian church and the influence of Gnosticism and Hellenistic mystery religions. Written in a terse style, it is filled with footnotes that lead researchers in a number of different directions for further information or background that remains relevant.

In recent years, many of Conzelmann's theses concerning 1 Corinthians have fallen out of favor with biblical scholars, especially his focus on Gnosticism, and been replaced with a view that places more emphasis on St. Paul's own theology and that favors the wisdom tradition of Judaism over Gnoticism and Hellenism. Still, this commentary is worth reviewing, if only to enter more fully into the conversation concerning one of the thorniest letters in the New Testament. Students of 1 Corinthians will find much here that is helpful, but should be careful to compare Conzelmann with more recent commentators, most notably Gordon Fee.