1 Corinthians (Lectio Continua Expository Commentary on the New Testament)

As the history of preaching is unfolded, it becomes clear how important the orderly, systematic preaching through the scriptures has been a favorite system of preaching over the centuries. One is surprised to discover how many of historys great preachers made a regular practice of preaching through one book of the Bible after another. Origen, the first Christian preacher from whom we have any sizable collection of sermons, preached most of his sermons on the lectio continua. We find the same with John Chrysostom who is usually referred to as the greatest Christian preacher. We find the same true of Augustine as well. At the time of the Protestant Reformation Zwingli, Calvin, Bucer and John Knox followed this system regularly, and they passed it on to the Puritans. Today we see a real revival of lectio continua preaching. The Lectio Continua Expository Commentary on the New Testament represents a wonderful opportunity for the Church to recover a truly expository pulpit.

Those of us who have promoted and practiced lectio continua expository preaching through the years eagerly await the volumes Tolle Lege Press has announced in its Lectio Continua Expository Commentary on the New Testament. We are equally eager to read such a series written by pastors who have practiced the method in their churches. The international and interdenominational character of the series will only add to the richness of its insights.

Kim Riddlebarger, a trusted pastor-scholar, and one of the premier exegetes and expositors of our day, has given the Church a gift with this excellent commentary on First Corinthians. In these fine expositions we not only learn about the thorny and complex challenges that faced the church at Corinth, we are also taught the Spirit-inspired diagnoses and remedies dispensed by the Apostle Paul powerful, Christ-centered truth that applies as much today as it did in first century Corinth. I commend this volume to the Church with pastoral urgency and absolute confidence."

"First Corinthians is a book that has long been neglected by Reformed commentators. That is why I am so glad that Kim Riddlebarger has provided the church with this exegetically-sensitive and doctrinally-sound exposition. Riddlebarger handles the letters difficult issues with care and pastoral sensitivity. In addition, he models for the Church what faithful exposition should be. This second installment in the Lectio Continua series is a welcome addition to any Christians shelf!"

"Having shared and sat under the ministry of Kim Riddlebarger for many years, I am delighted to see the fruit of his faithful labors reach a wider audience. Combining attention to exegetical detail with decades of pastoral experience, this commentary will reward generously with its unique insights into this wonderful epistle."