Anthony C. Thiselton, 1 Corinthians: A Shorter Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary.  Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.  325pp.  Cloth.  $30.00.

Anthony Thiselton’s shorter commentary on 1 Corinthians is not merely a cut-down version of the author’s lengthier 1446 page scholarly tome, but is one that the author specifically wrote for a different audience.  This commentary is primarily aimed at “clergy, pastors, and leaders of church Bible study groups” (p. xiii).  The author does not expound at great length other exegetical views but essentially states his own.  Also, what differentiates this shorter commentary from his longer work is its practical aim, embodied in fifty-two pastoral observation sections that follow the exegesis of each passage.

There are strengths of the commentary that are noteworthy.  First, Thiselton follows the long-standing counsel of John Calvin, who believed that brevity and clarity was the hallmark of good exegesis.  The pastor can quickly survey a passage in a matter of a few pages.  Second, Thiselton engages a wide variety of ancient and contemporary exegetes and theologians in the process of his exegesis, which is helpful and interesting.  Third, the author’s practical pastoral observations are at times useful in drawing out the contemporary significance of Paul’s epistle for the Christian life.  And, fourth, the author frequently draws connections between Paul’s epistle and the Old Testament, which demonstrates the apostle’s indebtedness, not to his contemporaries, but to authoritative divine revelation.

There are some points in Thiselton’s work, however, that one wishes could be improved.  Thiselton uses his own translation of the epistle, which at times seems a bit quirky.  One wonders for the author’s intended audience, especially small group Bible study leaders, if it would have been more helpful to use an established translation and then make minor adjustments as needed.  This is the method, for example, in many commentaries aimed at the layman.

There are also times when one wishes that the author drew stronger connections between the typological relationship between Israel, Christ, and the New Testament church.  For example, it seems that Thiselton draws upon the Old Testament Passover leaven-purging merely as a warning against returning to old sinful habits (p. 86).  In his pastoral observations he then comments on spiritual complacency, preferential treatment of the wealthy, and the need of transparency in the work of ministry (pp. 87-88).  It appears Thiselton has an overemphasis upon the imperative, what we must do, and does not highlight the indicative, what Christ has done for us, namely Christ as our Passover lamb and sacrifice for sin (1 Cor 5.7 ESV).

These matters aside, Thiselton has written a helpful commentary that the pastor or small group Bible study leader could profit with a critical reading.  Though, it seems that this commentary would prove more helpful to the pastor as a secondary rather than a primary reference.  For small group Bible study leaders, one also wonders whether Leon Morris’ entry in the Tyndale Commentary on the New Testament would be the better choice.