This is an in-depth study of the Book of 1 Corinthians. Of all of Paul's writings, I Corinthians is probably the book most rooted in the culture and society of the city it was written to. This book begins by giving a detailed description of the city of Corinth, its history, its social life, and its religious scene. It then describes how the Gospel first came to Corinth, looks at the social and racial composition of the church, and describes Paul's often difficult relationship with the church.
One scholar described the main problem in the church in Corinth as: "There was a church in Corinth, but too much of Corinth in the church". This comment gives a very helpful summary of the issues Paul addresses in his letter, as the church was deeply influenced by the pattern of Greek thought, which showed up in the lifestyle of the believers.
The rest of this book gives a helpful and relevant introduction to each of the main sections of 1 Corinthians, particularly by looking at the social and religious practices which were influencing the believers.
This book concludes with a set of special studies on Paul and his apostleship, the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, the social system of patronage in Roman culture, Paul's use of the temple and body of Christ as symbols of the church, and finally, his teaching on Jesus as the Last Adam.