- 1 Corinthians 4:1 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:3 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:4 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:6 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:8 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:9 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:10 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:11 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:12 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:13 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:14 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:15 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:16 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:17 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:18 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:19 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:20 Commentary
- 1 Corinthians 4:21 Commentary
1 CORINTHIANS - PROBLEMS OF A LOCAL CHURCH
Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/
1 Corinthians by MacArthur, John - 520 pages - excellent
Be wise Commentary on 1 Corinthians by Warren Wiersbe
Bible Exposition Commentary - New Testament by Warren Wiersbe
With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W
Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.
The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible : New Testament, King James Version - Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians - This is a very useful resource which always includes numerous related cross-references. It will be of aid to you preaching and teaching.
Rosscup says this is part of "A 12-vol. set done by 12 men selected for unusual ability to show the Bible is alive in biblical exposition, with spiritual refreshment and insight. The authors seek to combine scholarship on biblical meaning, illustrations to spark applications, and outlines."
Expository studies in 1 Corinthians : the deep things of God by Stedman, Ray C
The communicator's commentary. 1, 2 Corinthians By: Chafin, Kenneth (Now called the Preacher's Commentary)
The Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1994 edition - Abridged - New Testament
The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians : an introduction and commentary by Morris, Leon,
Rosscup - Though the works in the Tyndale Series are concise, this is a good commentary and is recent. Morris is adequate a good part of the time in his comments on passages, but weak in detail on historical background, evidently because of the brevity to which he was held.
First Corinthians : unlocking the Scriptures for you by Staton, Knofel
Logos.com - This nontechnical commentary on First Corinthians analyzes the many problems the church in Corinth faced, including unity, relationships, liberty, and worship assembly. It provides a look into the historical, cultural, and religious contexts surrounding the epistle, and illustrates how the message of First Corinthians is still contemporarily relevant in today’s churches.
Conflict and community in Corinth : a socio-rhetorical commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians by Witherington, Ben, III
The Cross and Christian ministry : leadership lessons from 1 Corinthians by Carson, D. A
Strong Reproofs for a scandalous church : a study of 1 Corinthians 1:1-6:11 : Bible study guide by Swindoll, Charles
Calm answers for a confused church : a study of 1 Corinthians 12-16, Bible study guide from the Bible-teaching ministry of by Swindoll, Charles
Showing the spirit : a theological exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14 by Carson, D. A
Challenging church : the good book guide to 1 Corinthians 1-9 by Dever, Mark
The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Fee, Gordon D
The Epistles to the Corinthians by Hobbs, Herschel H (1963) 136 pages
Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee - 1 Corinthians
First Corinthians by McGee, J. Vernon
Accomodating Christians : an exegetical commentary on First Corinthians Ten By: Spiros Zodhiates
1 Corinthians : a self-study guide by Jensen, Irving
The Corinthian letters of Paul : an exposition of I and II Corinthians by Morgan, G. Campbell
A layman looks at the love of God : devotional study of 1 Corinthians 13 by Keller, W. Phillip
The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians : an exposition by Erdman, Charles R
Paul's hymn of love, First Corinthians thirteen; an interpretation by Erdman, Charles R.
The Second epistle of Paul to the Corinthians; an exposition by Erdman, Charles R.
STUDY BIBLES
Note: The first 4 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste.
(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.
Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective
The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.
(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.
(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial.
(4) The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - only the New Testament (for OT see below to borrow) - 1126 pages. (1971) Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV. Strictly speaking not a study Bible, but short notes are similar. The comments are generally verse by verse, short, conservative and to the point. Pre-millennial. Rosscup says "The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman."
THE FOLLOWING CAN BE BORROWED
The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes 1,275 ratings
ESV Study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings
HCSB Study Bible - conservative notes.
The Holman Illustrated Study Bible Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.
NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. This resource has been fully revised in 2020.
Life Application Study Bible : New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes. 4,445 ratings
The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist.
Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition (1994) 2232 pages
The David Jeremiah study bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."
The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler
NIV Archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)
NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)
Believer's Bible Commentary by MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. One of my favorites. Often has some excellent devotional comments.
Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. - "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen."
Warren Wiersbe - "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word."
The Word in life Study Bible - interesting format. Not your routine study Bible. Worth checking the very informative notes. (e.g., here is a picture of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.)
New Bible Commentary - (1994)
The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings
J.Sidlow Baxter: Explore The Book - pdf Vol. 6 Acts to Revelation
Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages. Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion.
NIV archaeological study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)
NIV cultural backgrounds study Bible. bringing to life the ancient world of scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)
Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages.
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - free for use online with no restrictions (i.e., you do not need to borrow this book). Editors Leland Ryken, J C Wilhoit, Tremper Longman III - This is a potential treasure chest to aid your preaching and teaching as it analyzes the meaning of a host of Biblical figures of speech. Clue - use the "One-page view" which then allows you to copy and paste text. One downside is there is no index, so you need to search 3291 pages for entries which are alphabetical.
Dictionary of Paul and his letters IVP Series - No other single reference work presents as much information focused exclusively on Pauline theology, literature, background and scholarship. In-depth articles focus on individual theological themes (such as law, resurrection and Son of God), broad theological topics (such as Christology, eschatology and the death of Christ), methods of interpretation (such as rhetorical criticism and social-scientific approaches), background topics (such as apocalypticism, Hellenism and Qumran) and various other subjects specifically related to the scholarly study of Pauline theology and literature (such as early catholicism, the center of Paul's theology, and Paul and his interpreters since F. C. Baur).
GREEK WORD STUDIES
The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament by Zodhiates, Spiros - This is my "go to" resource for Greek word studies. One on the best lexicons for laymen. Highly Recommended for Greek Word Studies to aid your interpretation of a passage.
Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Friberg, Timothy. Shorter definitions than Zodhiates but does an excellent job in summarizing the various nuances of a specific Greek word. One of my favorites.
Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Gingrich, F. Wilbur. Similar to Friberg but shorter definitions.
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology - NIDNTT - Colin Brown, ed
Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament : abridged in one volume - Classic fondly known as the "Little Kittel"
A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament, and other early Christian literature; by Bauer, Walter,
Liddell and Scott's Greek-English lexicon, abridged : the little Liddell by Liddell, Henry George.
Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words - pdf.
Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : based on semantic domains - Louw Nida.
The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament by Rogers, Cleon.
New Testament Words in Today's Language by Detzler, Wayne A - Wonderful resource to supplement word studies.
New Testament Words - William Barclay
Expository Dictionary of Bible words by Richards, Larry
Synonyms of the New Testament by Trench, Richard Chenevix - or click here for list of 108 entries.
Christian Words By: Turner, Nigel, >500 pages. An interesting, unique resource on Greek words (no Hebrew) with extensive bibliography
Expository dictionary of Bible words : word studies for key English Bible words based on - Stephen Renn
So That's What it Means - This is another book formerly titled "Theological Wordbook" edited by Charles Swindoll. It is now under this new title So That's What it Means and can be borrowed - it is more like a dictionary than a lexicon but the comments are superb! The contributors include DKC—Donald K. Campbell, WGJ—Wendell G. Johnston, JAW—John A. Witmer, JFW—John F. Walvoord
DICTIONARIES
- Baker Evangelical Dictionary Corinthians, First and Second, Theology
- Easton's Bible Dictionary Corinthians, First Epistle to the
- Fausset Bible Dictionary Corinthians, the Epistles to the
- Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Corinthians, First Epistle to the; Second Epistle
- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Corinthians, First Epistle to the
- McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Corinthians, First Epistle to The
- The Nuttall Encyclopedia Corinthians, Epistles to the
- Holman - 1 Corinthians , 2 Corinthians
HENRY ALFORD The New Testament for English Readers 1 Corinthians Commentary
Read his fascinating brief biography - Henry Alford (1810-1871) and Phil Johnson's related comments
James Rosscup writes that Alford's series on the New Testament "contains much that is valuable in the Greek New Testament… though all of the Greek New Testament words have been changed to English throughout." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (see his comments in following entry on Alford).
Editorial Note: If you are not proficient in Greek, you will find this work considerably more useful than the following work by Alford, because in this volume he translates the Greek and Latin into English. While the "The Greek New Testament" is longer (e.g., English version of 1John = 66 pages compared to Greek version = 94 pages in part because the latter includes comments of more technical nature), the substance of the commentary is otherwise similar to that found in the "NT for English Readers".
HENRY ALFORD The Greek New Testament 1 Corinthians Commentary
James Rosscup writes that "This was the great work in the life of the versatile Dean of Canterbury. An outcome of this production was the New Testament for English Readers (4 vols.). Alford was a Calvinist, conservative and premillennial, though not dispensational. He takes a literal interpretation of the thousand years in Rev. 20 and has a famous quote there, is strong on sovereign election as in Ro 8:29, 30 and 1Pe 1:2, but, unfortunately, holds to baptismal regeneration in such texts as Titus 3:5 and John 3:5. He shows a great knowledge of the Greek text and faces problems of both a doctrinal and textual nature." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
John Piper writes ""When I’m stumped with a… grammatical or syntactical or logical [question] in Paul, I go to Henry Alford. Henry Alford… comes closer more consistently than any other human commentator to asking my kinds of questions."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon writes that this text "is an invaluable aid to the critical study of the text of the New Testament. You will find in it the ripened results of a matured scholarship, the harvesting of a judgment, generally highly impartial, always worthy of respect, which has gleaned from the most important fields of Biblical research, both modern and ancient, at home and abroad. You will not look here for any spirituality of thought or tenderness of feeling; you will find the learned Dean does not forget to do full justice to his own views, and is quite able to express himself vigorously against his opponents; but for what it professes to be, it is an exceedingly able and successful work. The later issues are by far the most desirable, as the author has considerably revised the work in the fourth edition. What I have said of his Greek Testament applies equally to Alford’s New Testament for English Readers,* which is also a standard work." (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)
GREGG ALLEN - SERMONS
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Stewards of Mysteries
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 Characteristics of a Kingdom Hero
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-16 Fools for Christ
- 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 Warnings to the Beloved Children
DON ANDERSON
PAUL APPLE Commentary - Excellent material for sermon preparation
- 1 Corinthians Commentary - Published 2009. 445 pages
JACK ARNOLD SERMONS Over 450 pages of conservative, evangelical sermon material. Excellent resource
WAYNE BARBER - one of my favorites - recommended, practical teaching on the "Christ life"
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 - The Marks of a God Called Preacher
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-8 - The Characteristics of a Conceited Church
- 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 - A Profile of the Approved
- 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 - Tough Love
- 1 Corinthians 4:18-21 - Spiritual Arrogance
WILLIAM BARCLAY Commentary on the Gospel of Mark Daily Study Bible
D Edmond Hiebert - Prints the author's own translation. Valuable for its numerous helpful word studies and background material. Barclay holds that Christ's descent into Hades gave those who there heard Him a second chance.
Comment: I appreciate Barclay's unique insights on Greek words, but clearly his teaching about a "second chance" is NOT sound doctrine! Be an Acts 17:11+ Berean with Barclay. See discussion of his orthodoxy especially the article "The Enigmatic William Barclay".
ALBERT BARNES Commentary
James Rosscup writes that Barnes "includes 16 volumes on the Old Testament, 11 on the New Testament. The New Testament part of this old work was first published in 1832–1851. Various authors contributed. It is evangelical and amillennial… Often the explanations of verses are very worthwhile." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
C H Spurgeon "Albert Barnes is a learned and able divine, but his productions are unequal in value, the gospels are of comparatively little worth, but his other comments are extremely useful for Sunday-school teachers and persons with a narrow range of reading, endowed with enough good sense to discriminate between good and evil… Placed by the side of the great masters, Barnes is a lesser light, but taking his work for what it is and professes to be, no minister can afford to be without it, and this is no small praise for works which were only intended for Sunday-school teachers." (Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)
JOSEPH BEET - 1 Corinthians Commentary
D Edmond Hiebert - A clear and full interpretation by a British Methodist scholar of the past century. Its doctrinal summaries are intended as a contribution to systematic theology.
BRIAN BELL Sermons on Mark
- I Corinthians 4 Ramming Speed
JOHANN BENGEL Gnomon of the New Testament
JOHANN BENGEL The Critical English Testament
Combination of Gnomon above + Comments by other expositors [in brackets] (Recommended if not conversant with Greek)
JOSEPH BENSON
BIBLE.ORG RESOURCES 1 Corinthians
Resources that Reference this Book
Illustrations from Bible.org
BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR 1 Corinthians Joseph Exell, Editor
BOB BOLENDER
JIM BOMKAMP - Sermon Notes - Calvary Chapel Green Bay
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-8 A Leader Is Just A Servant And Steward
- 1 Corinthians 4:9-21 The Power Of A Godly Example
BRIDGEWAY BIBLE COMMENTARY 1 Corinthians Commentary
F F BRUCE
- 1 Corinthians- An Expanded Paraphrase - part 1
- 1 Corinthians- An Expanded Paraphrase - part 2 (only thru 8:13).
WILLIAM BURKITT 1 Corinthians Commentary
PAUL BUTLER Studies in 1 Corinthians Commentary
- 1 Corinthians Commentary - scroll through bookcase for 1 Corinthians - some good material but Church of Christ perspective so be an "Acts 17:11+" Berean.
- 1 Corinthians Commentary another source - pdf
JOHN CALVIN 1 Corinthians Commentary
CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT 1 Corinthians Commentary
Parry, R. S. J. The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians.
RICH CATHERS
D MARION CLARK - it will ask you to "Click here to download your attachment" (I checked it and it works fine - no virus or adware)
ADAM CLARKE 1 Corinthians Commentary
Click for brief critique of Clarke
EARLY CHURCH
- Commentary from Ante-Nicene Fathers
1st Corinthians 4
THOMAS CONSTABLE 1 Corinthians Expository Notes
W A CRISWELL 1 Corinthians Sermons
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-3 Faithfulness: God's One Requirement
- 1 Corinthians 4:1 The Seven Mysteries Revealed to Paul
- 1 Corinthians 4:20 The Kingdom In Power
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 When The Lord Returns
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 Who Maketh Thee to Differ?
RON DANIEL
J LIGON DUNCAN
CHARLES ELLICOTT - Editor. Commentary written by T. T. Shore
CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY First Epistle of St Paul To The Corinthians Archibald Robertson, Alfred Plummer
Rosscup: This, after Fee, is the most detailed and the best critical commentary on the epistle. Though not as readable as works by Godet, Grosheide, Johnson and Morris, it is more detailed in discussing possibilities for a given passage. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)
D Edmond Hiebert - Greek text Important introduction and a very thorough treatment of the Greek text, bringing out its finer shades of meaning. Essential for the careful student of the original text.
BOB DEFFINBAUGH 1 Corinthians Sermons
EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS
MARCUS DODS The Expositor's Bible Commentary on 1 Corinthians
JOHN DUMMELOW 1 Corinthians Commentary
THOMAS EDWARDS 1 Corinthians Commentary
In Depth Verse by Verse Commentary
D Edmond Hiebert - Greek text. An exhaustive exposition by an independent, evangelical British scholar of the past century.
TIMOTHY EDWARDS 1 Corinthians Commentary
CHARLES R ERDMAN THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS (1928)
D Edmond Hiebert - A brief conservative exposition by a Presbyterian professor of the past generation. Well adapted to the non-professional Bible student.
EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT 1 Corinthians Commentary G. G. Findlay
D Edmond Hiebert - A thorough commentary on the Greek text by an evangelical Methodist scholar of the past generation. Characterized by a thorough grasp of Pauline thought in the epistle. For the advanced student.
DON FORTNER
FOUNDERS MINISTRY
A C GAEBELEIN
JOHN GILL 1 Corinthians Commentary
FRÉDÉRIC GODET 1 Corinthians Commentary
Rosscup: Godet, a Swiss Protestant Reformed scholar, was Professor of New Testament in the Free Evangelical Theological School, Neuchatel. He deals seriously with the text in the Greek, usually giving solid comments in a serious effort to explain a passage and showing connections between sections. His is one of the finer works among the older commentaries, well-worth consulting for its scholarship and its warm strain. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors)
D Edmond Hiebert - An exhaustive technical commentary by a conservative French scholar of the past century. Valuable for its exegesis and warm spiritual views but weak and out of date in matters of textual criticism.
BRUCE GOETTSCHE 1 Corinthians Sermons
GOSPEL COALITION
GOTQUESTIONS 1 CORINTHIANS
- 1 Corinthians - Book of 1 Corinthians - Bible Survey
H L GOUDGE THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 1915
D Edmond Hiebert - A very helpful commentary aimed at meeting the needs of the theological student and the clergy by an evangelical British scholar. Various added notes supplement the concise comments on the individual verses.
Verse by verse and phrase by phrase.
GRACE BIBLE
L M GRANT
DAVE GUZIK 1 Corinthians Commentary
JAMES HASTINGS
ROBERT HAWKER
MATTHEW HENRY 1 Corinthians Commentary
DAVID HOCKING - series of sermons
- Studies in 1 Corinthians - 153 pages - Interesting resource. Outline format with lots of alliteration.
CHARLES HODGE 1 Corinthians Commentary
See also: Questions from Charles Hodge adapted to his Exposition of 1 Corinthians.
Spurgeon: The more we use Hodge, the more we value him. This applies to all his commentaries. (Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries)
Rosscup: The famous theologian’s work, originally in 1857, is very worthy of reprint and much used by pastors, students and lay people in general. As on Romans, he explains each verse in a careful manner, informed by much study, and is particularly adept and helpful in bringing out the doctrinal truth. Those who use his works find much assistance in thinking through issues consistently with Scripture, seen from a Reformed perspective.
Cyril Barber - This important exposition of the doctrine contained in this epistle explains the essence of church member effectiveness, enlarges on the nature of Christian liberty, and discusses the principles and practice of the Christian assembly.
Keith Mathison (Ligonier Ministries): There are many who would ignore these older commentaries in favor of newer works, but in this case at least, that would be a major mistake. Hodge’s work is filled with valuable insight into Paul’s letter. Highly recommended.
F B HOLE
HOLMAN STUDY BIBLE
- Holman Christian Standard Bible - Study Bible (HCSB Study Bible)
- Well done notes. Here is a sample comment on 1 Cor 6:9-11 "Believers should not be deceived into thinking that unbelieving judges (the unrighteous) and their slap-on-the-wrist verdicts about serious sin can render justice in the church. These people have no inheritance in God's kingdom. Only believers, who are washed... sanctified, and justified, can rightly judge sins (1 Cor 6:1). Paul's Corinthian readers would also take this admonition as a cause for asking themselves if their behavior matched that of "the unrighteous" or that of the "washed," the "sanctified," and the "justified.""
DAVID HOLWICK - frequent illustrations
- 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 If It Feels Right It Can't Be Wrong
- 1 Corinthians 4:8-20 Imitate Me
- 1 Corinthians 4:12-17 The Five P's of Patering
- 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 Molded By Mentors
- 1 Corinthians 4:20 What Is Ours in Christ - Power
HARRY IRONSIDE 1 Corinthians Commentary
Rosscup: A popular work of a survey nature, this is helpful because of its insight into the problems of the Corinthians and the practical applications today. The illustrations are good. (One of the better commentaries with a devotional flavor).
D Edmond Hiebert - A series of 39 expository addresses by a well-known Bible teacher-pastor covering the entire epistle. Practical and informative lectures with numerous pertinent illustrations. Premillennial in emphasis.
JAMIESON, FAUSSET, BROWN 1 Corinthians Commentary
S LEWIS JOHNSON 1 Corinthians Sermons
Rosscup (on his work in Wycliffe Bible Commentary): This work in the English, based upon a careful study of the Greek text, is helpful because it gets right to the crux of problems. However, by necessity, it is brief.
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 The Final Tribunal
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-13 Augustine's Insight for Living
- 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 Appeal for Apostolic Imitation
LOWELL JOHNSON - SERMONS ON 1 CORINTHIANS
- 1 Cor. 4:1-5 How-To-Evaluate-A-Minister
- 1 Cor. 4:6-21 Deflating-The-Inflated
JOURNAL ARTICLES - 1 CORINTHIANS
- 1 Corinthians: A Church Divided - John H Polhill
- Harding, Mark. “Church and Gentile Cults at Corinth
- Wisdom in First Corinthians - Gordon H Clark
- Joop F.M. Smit, "Epideictic Rhetoric in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 1–4
- 1 Cor 1:18-3:23 The Wisdom of the Wise: The Presence and Function of Scripture - H H Drake - Tyndale Bulletin
- 1 Corinthians 1-6 Secular and Christian Leadership in Corinth - Andrew D Clarke - Tyndale Bulletin
- 1 Corinthians 1 - Renaming in Paul's Churches - The Case of Crispus-Sosthenes Revisited - Richard G Fellows - Tyndale Bulletin
- Divine Wisdom versus Human Wisdom: An Exegetical Theological Analysis of 1 Corinthians 1:10–2:16 Dan Lioy - Conspectus
- Wisdom and Knowledge in Corinthians - E Earle Ellis - Tyndale Bulletin
- Wayne A. Brindle, “Biblical Evidence for the Imminence of the Rapture,” Bibliotheca Sacra 158:630 (April-June 2001):138-151
WILLIAM KELLY
- D Edmond Hiebert -An independent, conservative exposition by a Plymouth Brethren scholar of the past century. The footnotes deal mostly with manuscript evidence for variant textual readings.
C F KLING 1861
- D Edmond Hiebert-A voluminous conservative Lutheran exposition. The epistles are divided into convenient paragraphs, with the material under each section appearing in three parts, exegetical and critical, doctrinal and ethical, homiletical and practical. Contains much rich ore to be mined by those willing to dig into its closely printed pages.
STEVE KRELOFF - Messianic pastor
PAUL KRETZMANN
DAVID LEGGE - SERMONS
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5: The Servant Of Christ
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-21: The Difference Between Those Who Think And Those Who Are Pt1
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-21: The Difference Between Those Who Think And Those Who Are Pt2
STEVE LEWIS 1 Corinthians Studies
Web show Slide Presentation. Message Notes and Audio
JAMES LIAS - Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
JOHN MACARTHUR 1 Corinthians Sermons
(Click for list of links to all study guides on 1 Corinthians)
- 1 Corinthians 4 Evaluating Ministers
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Examining the Servants of Christ
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-13 Humility and Conceit
- 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 How to be a Spiritual Father
BRYN MACPHAIL
HENRY MAHAN
J VERNON MCGEE
F B MEYER
HEINRICH MEYER 1 Corinthians Commentary
JAMES MOFFATT Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1938
D Edmond Hiebert -Based on Moffatt's own translation. A critical exposition by a liberal British scholar of note. Helpful for its treatment of critical problems raised by a close study of the text.
MONERGISM
HENRY MORRIS - DEFENDER'S STUDY BIBLE
- Excellent, conservative, literal study Bible notes from a leading creationist Dr Henry Morris.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 required in stewards
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 before the time
- 1 Corinthians 4:9 spectacle
- 1 Corinthians 4:11 no certain dwelling place
- 1 Corinthians 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat
- 1 Corinthians 4:16 followers of me
ROBERT NEIGHBOUR
NET BIBLE NOTES 1 Corinthians Commentary
JAMES NISBET 1 Corinthians Church Pulpit Commentary
HERMANN OLSHAUSEN A Commentary on Paul's First and Second Epistles to the Corinthians.
Cyril Barber - First published in 1855. This highly esteemed exegetical and expository work enlivens the sacred page and enriches the spiritual life of the reader. "Pays careful attention to the theological exposition, entering into the marrow of religious ideas, and introducing the student to the spirit and inward unity of the divine revelation" (Philip Schaff). (Click here for links to Second Corinthians comments).
OUR DAILY BREAD Devotionals and Sermon Illustrations 1 Corinthians
- Our Daily Bread Devotionals onsite
- 1 Corinthians 4:1 Keep On Rowing
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Our Desire for Praise
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 Our Awesome Responsibility
- 1 Corinthians 4:10-17 Color Courage
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Home At Last
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Do Your Best
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Judge Not!
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5,14-20 Faithfulness Required
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-8 Compliments Given Here
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-13 What Really Matters-2
- 1 Corinthians 4:14 Beware of Warnings
- 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 Just Watch
- 1 Corinthians 4:9-16 Apprenticeship Program
- 1 Corinthians 4:9-16 Imitate Me
JOSEPH PARKER 1 Corinthians Sermons "The People's Bible"
PETER PETT
JOHN PIPER 1 Corinthians Sermons
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 Battling the Unbelief of a Haughty Spirit
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 Sustained By All His Grace
- 1 Corinthians 4:15-21 Compassion, Power, and the Kingdom of God An Introduction
MATTHEW POOLE Commentary 1 Corinthians
RICHARD PRATT - about 200 pages, essentially verse by verse
PREACHER'S COMMENTARY ON 1 CORINTHIANS 1 Corinthians A Homiletical Commentary
- 1 CORINTHIANS 4 CRITICAL NOTES -- following topics are covered
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Theme: Judgment - Homiletical Analysis
1 Corinthians 4:6-13 Kings; Real and False - Homiletical Analysis
1 Corinthians 4:14-21 Fatherly Appeals; Fatherly Discipline - Homiletical Analysis
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 The Stewardship of the Minister
1 Corinthians 4:2 Faithful Stewardship
1 Corinthians 4:20 Word and Power
PRECEPT MINISTRIES Inductive Bible Study
PULPIT COMMENTARY 1 Corinthians Sermons and Homiletics
Scroll Down Each Page for Homilies
WILLIAM M RAMSAY - HISTORICAL COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLES TO THE CORINTHIANS
Background - Sir William M. Ramsay: Archaeologist and New Testament Scholar
Review by Cyril Barber - Ramsay’s writings are always worth reading. His discussions of perplexing issues are timely. He is unafraid of controversy, and his judgment on most issues is to be trusted. Two interesting chapters capture our attention: “Was Paul Married?” and “Had Paul Seen Jesus?” These essays originally appeared in The Expositor (1900--1901).
INDEX - click here and scroll down for the chapters listed below
- I. INTRODUCTORY
- II. THE CONTRAST BETWEEN Galatians AND Corinthians
- III. PAUL’S ATTITUDE TO JUDAISM
- IV. THE OPENING ADDRESS (1 Cor 1:1–9)
- V. THE PARTIES IN THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH
- VI. THE DIGRESSION ON BAPTISM
- VII. RELATION TO PHILOSOPHY
- VIII. THE EARLY CHRISTIANS AS A PART OF SOCIETY
- IX. SOSTHENES AND CHLOE
- X. THE TITLE “CORINTHIANS.”
- XI. THE CRIME
- XII. RELATION OF THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH TO THE CRIME
- XIII. SOURCE OF PAUL’S KNOWLEDGE OF THE CRIME
- XIV. THE JUDGMENT OF PAUL
- XV. PRINCIPLES IN JUDGING THE CRIME
- XVI. THE RESULT
REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE 1 CORINTHIANS
A. T. ROBERTSON Word Pictures in the New Testament 1 Corinthians
DON ROBINSON
PHILLIP SCHAFF
JOHNNY L SANDERS - 319 pages, verse by verse commentary, well-done
In addition to verse by verse, Dr Sanders has occasional illustrations and also does phrase by phrase - very useful if you are preaching through 1 Corinthians.
RAYMOND SAXE
JOHN SCHULTZ
SERMON AUDIO - pdf transcripts - variable quality. Be a Berean.
SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY 1 Corinthians
Excerpts from many expositors.
CHARLES SIMEON Sermons on 1 Corinthians
NOTE: If you are not familiar with the great saint Charles Simeon see Dr John Piper's discussion of Simeon's life - you will want to read Simeon's sermons after meeting him! - click Brothers We Must Not Mind a Little Suffering (Mp3 even better
- 1 Corinthians 4:1,2 MINISTERS, THE LORD’S STEWARDS
- 1 Corinthians 4:3–5 PAUL’S INDIFFERENCE TO MEN’S JUDGMENT
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 GOD TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED IN EVERY THING
- 1 Corinthians 4:12, 13 PAUL’S MEEKNESS
- 1 Corinthians 4:21 AN IMPORTANT ALTERNATIVE
CHUCK SMITH 1 Corinthians Commentary
HAMILTON SMITH
SPEAKER'S COMMENTARY
C. H. SPURGEON All His Sermons on 1 Corinthians
- 1 Corinthians 4:1,2 Stewards
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 Faithful Stewardship
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 A Catechism for the Proud
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 Distinguishing Grace
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 Pride Catechized and Condemned
RAY STEDMAN Expository Studies in First Corinthians
Cyril Barber - Excellent examples of biblical exposition, revealing at the same time rich insights into Paul's life and thought. Highly recommended.
JOHN STEVENSON - has some nice tables and diagrams
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 - The Servants of Christ
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-13 - Portrait of a Servant
- 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 - Warnings from a Spiritual Father
JOSEPH SUTCLIFFE Commentary 1 Corinthians
THIRD MILLENNIUM - Study Notes 1 Corinthians
- Ought to regard us as servants - 1 Corinthians 4:1
- Must prove faithful - 1 Corinthians 4:2
- I do not even judge myself - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
- Do not go beyond what is written - 1 Corinthians 4:6-7
- Already you have become rich - 1 Corinthians 4:8-13
- I am not writing this to shame you - 1 Corinthians 4:14-16
- I am sending to you Timothy - 1 Corinthians 4:17
- Some of you have become arrogant - 1 Corinthians 4:18-21
TODAY IN THE WORD Devotional Illustrations 1 Corinthians
DAVID THOMPSON - each Pdf is about 3 pages long and there are 75 messages
JOHN TRAPP Commentary 1 Corinthians
BOB UTLEY
MARVIN VINCENT Testament Word Studies 1 Corinthians
DANIEL WHEDON
STEVE ZEISLER 1 Corinthians Sermons
SERMONS BY VERSE - OLDER WORKS