Friday, March 25, 2016

Book Review: 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians: The Word of the Cross. Stephen T. Um. 2015. Crossway. 368 pages. [Source: Review copy]

This bible commentary on 1 Corinthians is part of Crossway's Preaching the Word commentary series. I have read quite a few commentaries in the series now. I've read Isaiah, John, and Judges/Ruth. My favorite would probably be either the Isaiah one or the John. I loved, loved, loved both of those.

Stephen Um wrote the commentary for 1 Corinthians. Chapter by chapter, he takes readers verse by verse through one of Paul's longest letters.

This commentary series is more formal than say J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible series. But it isn't dry or scholarly either. Each chapter is essentially an expository sermon in print form. Each chapter also seeks to highlight how relevant the Bible still is for our lives today.

So don't expect Stephen Um, to address you as "MY FRIEND" every other page. (I do love that about J. Vernon McGee.)

So. 1 Corinthians covers a LOT of material on how to live a Christian life. What to do, and, what NOT to do. It's addressed to a church with issues. And that helps make a case for relevance, doesn't it?!

Four chapters are dedicated to unpacking all the wonderful-ness of 1 Corinthians 15. Three chapters are dedicated to covering 1 Corinthians 7. Most chapters of the book get one or two chapters.

I loved the focus on the resurrection, the cross, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Favorite quote:
The power of God was shown through weakness. The triumph of God was shown not through victory, but through loss. Jesus was the true Wisdom and Power of God. If the common storyline is to be rewritten, it has to be done by someone who is outside of us. When we as believers understand this, it completely frees us not to be performers or achievers. God uses hopeless, broken, and weak people. This is the picture of the cross.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

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