1-2 Corinthians

Abstract

This commentary explains 1 and 2 Corinthians passage by passage, following Paul's argument. It uses a variety of ancient sources to show how Paul's argument would have made sense to first-century readers, drawing from ancient letter-writing, speaking, and social conventions. The commentary will be of interest to pastors, teachers, and others who read Paul's letters because of its readability, firm grasp of the background and scholarship on the Corinthian correspondence, and its sensitivity to the sorts of questions asked by those wishing to apply Paul's letters today. It will also be of interest to scholars because of its exploration of ancient sources, often providing sources not previously cited in commentaries.

Prophets On Trial: Judging 'Words From God' Today With The Model Found In 1 Corinthians 14:29-33

“…The first position follows the teaching of John Calvin who defined prophecy since the completion of the NT as "…simply the right understanding of Scripture and the particular gift of expounding it." 19 John MacArthur agrees with this definition as he explains, "the NT gift primarily has to do with declaration, not revelation…. [the prophet] is preacher, not a source of ongoing revelation.…”

“…Second, there were prophets in the OT whose words were not inscripturated (1 Sam 3: [19][20][21]9:6;1 Kgs 14:18;21:19 [with 22:38]; 2 Kings 14:25), just as in the NT. 13 Grudem argues that "it is the apostles, not the prophets, who have authority to write the words of NT Scripture."…”

“…12:7; 1 Ki. 1:11, 20:22;[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]Is. 39:3;Jer 28:15).…”

“…20 This definition of prophecy seems to liken the post-NT gift of prophecy to that of teaching. 19 John Calvin, Romans and Thessalonians, Calvin's New Testament Commentaries, ed. David W. Torrance and Thomas F. Torrance (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1995), 12:5.…”

“…Keener supports this position by arguing that the gift of 15 distinguishing spirits immediately follows the gift of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and that the word translated "distinguishing," (diakri,seij) is a cognate of the word for "judging" (diakrine,twsan) here in 14:29. 19 Fee, Barrett, and Dunn suggest that the gift of distinguishing spirits is used particularly, but not exclusively, to judge the prophets mentioned in 14:29. 20 Grudem claims that applying the gift of "distinguishing spirits" only in this way would limit the broader use of the gift.…”