Reading the Corinthian Correspondence

Book excerpt: Reading the Corinthian Correspondence is a clear and concise introduction to the two letters Paul wrote to Corinth, a community plagued by internal divisions, social and ethnic distinctions, and diversity of congregations. Kevin Quast begins this study with an overview of Paul's life, influences, and missionary career. The author then moves to a vivid description of the city of Corinth and the church there. He devotes the next twelve chapters to an in-depth, paragraph-by-paragraph treatment of 1 and 2 Corinthians. Within these chapters, Dr. Quast deals with the wide variety of issues that Paul addressed - including private and public relationships, matters of worship, resurrection, and the nature of true Christian ministry. In the two concluding chapters, he offers invaluable insights into both the literary aspects and prevading themes that characterize the letters of Paul. Ever mindful of his modern readers, the author bridges the first century and today with penetrating commentary, provocative questions, and substantive summary charts. Kevin Quast is Academic Vice President of Taylor University College, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. For twelve years, he was professor of New Testament at Ontario Theological Seminary (now Tyndale Seminary), where he continues as an associate professor of New Testament. He is author of Peter and the Beloved Disciple: Figures for a Community in Crisis (1989) and Reading the Gospel of John: An Introduction (1991), as well as numerous academic and popular articles.