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Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes: Cultural Studies In 1 Corinthians (2011)

by Kenneth E. Bailey(Favorite Author)

4.25 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0830839348 (ISBN13: 9780830839346)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

IVP Academic

review 1: This book is very in-depth but was not what I was expecting. It is more about the style of the writing in Corinthians than the customs of the day or new insights into the scriptures that Paul wrote. I found it difficult to wade through and hard to understand, but would have tried harder if the subject was what I was expecting and interesting. It was not. I finally quit without finishing book....however sad that is to say.
review 2: "Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes" is a very thick commentary on 1 Corinthians. From the title, I expected a book focused on the cultural background of 1 Corinthians that would help us better understand Paul's points. However, the main focus was on the rhetorical style used in 1 Corinthians.The author carefully constructed charts show... moreing how the 1 Corinthians format matched that of the Old Testament prophets. He claimed that understanding this format would help us better understand the meaning of Paul's words. To be honest, I sometimes couldn't easily see why the sentences were arranged in that format (except that's where they should be to fit the format) and ended up feeling stupid and confused (rather than enlightened) by seeing the rhetorical format laid out. Perhaps those who already have some background in rhetorical styles in the Bible would find it more enlightening.The author also gave a commentary on the verses. While interesting, his comments didn't stand out to me as memorable nor did I feel like I'd gained new insight into the verses. When the author did mention how Middle Easterners might have understood the verses (so as to increase our understanding), I found it interesting and thought-provoking but rarely enlightening. Also, some of the things he said might explain the verses, but I've read Bible background books that give different explanations that seem to fit the text better.So, overall, the book contained some interesting information, but I didn't feel like reading it cleared up any potential confusions I had about 1 Corinthians. It was more than it pointed out possible nuances that I might not have otherwise noticed.I received this book as a review copy from the publisher. less

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