“The vision of the Brazos series of theological commentaries is once again vindicated in this dazzling work by the distinguished theologian Kimlyn Bender. The radical nature of Paul’s apostolate is illuminated on every page by Bender’s focus on Paul’s Christ-centered message. This commentary gleams with passion reflecting that of the great apostle as he risks everything to give his whole self for the life of the body of Christ. I particularly urge this book upon preachers looking for larger vistas of proclamation.”—Fleming Rutledge, author of The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ

“Kimlyn Bender’s commentary both explains and honors Paul’s self-description as an apostle: one commissioned by the risen Christ to bear a Spirit-empowered witness to the identity and meaning of Christ’s work, an identity and meaning that transcends Paul’s own cultural and historical context. The commentary makes it clear how Paul’s testimony to the cross and resurrection of Christ challenges the local church—and not only in ancient Corinth but in every time and culture—to decide to follow the way of Jesus Christ. Throughout, Bender does well to keep out of the way in order to let the reader receive the full force of Paul’s apostolic preaching and his call to respond to the gospel by living a life of suffering witness.”—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“Kimlyn Bender has written an illuminating, astute, and potent commentary on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Unlike many commentators, Bender deeply engages not only contemporary critical scholarship but the exegetical and doctrinal reflections of a wide range of historical figures, from Augustine to Luther, from Calvin to Barth. Bender avoids the temptation to simply catalog past acts of interpretation but instead brings the reader into an encounter with Paul’s witness to the gospel of God in Jesus Christ, with profound implications for our theology and discipleship. Highly recommended!”—J. Todd Billings, Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology, Western Theological Seminary

“Historically informed, theologically rich, and pastorally wise, this highly accessible commentary offers the attentive reader—whether novice interpreter or seasoned scholar—an invaluable apprenticeship in the art of scriptural interpretation.”—J. Ross Wagner, associate professor of New Testament, Duke Divinity School

“This commentary displays all the hallmarks of what makes Bender’s work so valuable: it is judicious, engaging, crystal clear, and consistently attentive to the gospel and its implications for life. It is informative without getting bogged down in detail. It offers decisive interpretive judgments while maintaining a spirit of humility and charity. It is at once theologically rich and pastorally sensitive. Readers will quickly recognize that they are being ushered through the epistle by a wise and reliable guide who is himself moved and delighted by the subject matter.”—Adam Neder, Bruner Welch Professor of Theology, Whitworth University

“In his commentary on 1 Corinthians, Bender effectively demonstrates the truth of his claim that everything Paul wrote is framed theologically and shaped by the apostle’s convictions about God; at the same time, he shows how later theological discussions work out implications present in Paul’s text. Yet his study remains a responsible commentary on Paul’s epistle itself, drawing on (though never weighed down by) discussions of the epistle in current exegetical literature. Most importantly, there is wisdom in Bender’s understanding of the epistle’s relevance and application today. Serious students of 1 Corinthians cannot but profit by a thoughtful reading of this commentary.”—Stephen Westerholm, professor emeritus of New Testament and early Christianity, McMaster University