Andrews University Seminary Studies
"A unique and invaluable commentary on the Corinthian correspondence. This work brings together insights from rhetorical, socio-scientific, and cultural-anthropological criticism under one cover with the fruits of these burgeoning disciples. . . A very fine commentary and essential reading for any study of or sermon on the Corinthian letters. Pastors and seminarians will especially appreciate the very thoughtful hermeneutical suggestions appearing in concluding paragraphs or, more often, in footnotes, which challenge us in the church to weigh our ministers and ourselves to God's standards rather than by worldly criteria, and to examine how we, like the Corinthians, continue to function with the mindset of our society rather than the mind of Christ."
Anthony C. Thiselton in Anvil
"Ben Witherington is to be congratulated on an excellent volume. No reader can fail to profit from using it. . . This latest volume will further enhance his growing reputation as a competent, sane, but imaginative NT scholar, who also writes with pastoral sensitivity. There is much to learn from this volume."
Biblica
"A virtual commentary on these two major Pauline letters from the perspective of the social-rhetorical discipline that the author throws light on many dark exegetical conundrums and problem topics and texts. . . Students of Paul's dealings with Corinth as well as those interested to see how this newer hermeneutical tool functions will find here much to stimulate reflection as well as proposals to challenge current thinking."
Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"This reader recommends Witherington's book for several things: its rich collection of social and historical materials, its author's informed rhetorical reading of the documents, the ample and current bibliography for pursuing topics and issues in depth, a sociorhetorical focus which contextualizes conflict and keeps it from becoming too theological in content and tone. This is a serious and worthy study of the Corinthian letters."
Homiletic
"Homileticians of many persuasions will find Witherington's commentary helpful. The socio-rhetorical orientation lends itself well to the preaching task. For those preachers who like to fill in the blanks with historical-critical data. Witherington will also be of assistance. To all, Witherington offers pastoral-theological reflections at the end of many sections."
Librarians World
"An impressive and innovative commentary that larger and more educated congregations will find highly useful."
The Expository Times
"A commentary with a difference. . . There is hardly a section in the two letters about which the book does not have something new and valuable to say. . . A rich and accessible resource which marks a definite step forward in the study of 1 and 2 Corinthians."
Themelios
"An interesting, well-written and up-to-date piece of work. The author regularly introduces judicious comments relating the theology and method of the letters to the modern church. Here is a commentary with its eyes firmly on the ancient context and with the occasional perceptive glance into the modern. Well worth the money."
Trinity Journal
"A small breath of fresh air in the otherwise largely stale atmosphere of the world of biblical commentaries. . . Witherington's commentary has much to recommend it. In terms of presentation, his writing style is engaging, faithfully fulfilling his aim to produce a commentary for a more general readership. . . This commentary stands as both an exemplar of socio-rhetorical study of NT documents and as a call for further application of the methodology. . . A valuable source of information for those who would read Paul's Corinthian letters with regard for the situations that gave them birth."