Christians in the bustling, diverse city of Corinth in 50 BCE quarreled about how to be faithful to Jesus. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he calls the small band of new believers to unity and cautions against factionalism, themes that pastor Dan Nighswander unpacks for contemporary readers in this thirty-second volume in the Believers Church Bible Commentary series. Any Christians who experience division over loyalty to different leaders, who find it hard to agree on sexual ethics (or to live up to them), and who feel tension between their theological convictions and social context will find common ground with believers in Corinth. Home of the exalted "love chapter," which roots all Christian action in the greatest gift, 1 Corinthians equips those who follow Jesus to craft true community with other believers, differences notwithstanding. With keen theological, biblical, and pastoral insight, Nighswander illuminates for readers the apostle Paul's challenge to the Corinthian church and calls Christians today to unity through the reconciling work of Christ. Free downloadable study guide available here. "A thoughtful commentary by a scholar and church leader who has spent many years poring over the puzzles of 1 Corinthians. This commentary, and its companion online study guide, will help those interested in navigating the choppy waters of this ancient letter with contemporary resonance to a Christian community in conflict."--Laura L Brenneman "Reviews" "Dan Nighswander provides the mature voice of a churchman well versed in finding paths to unity, holiness, and healthy discipleship in the church amid cultural pressures to conform to worldly values. His wisdom is evident as he relates to today the highly relevant issues of 1 Corinthians."--David Wiebe "Reviews" "Dan Nighswander's commentary on Paul's letter of correction and counsel to the Christian communities of first-century Corinth gives readers a front-row seat to the contested issues of that time--power, sex, and money. More than that, Nighswander helps twenty-first-century Jesus communities construct analogies to the similarly contested issues of today."--Jon Isaak "Reviews" "Having also labored over 1 Corinthians, I read Dan Nighswander's commentary with a critical eye. It is both detailed and accessible to interested readers. The author analyzes Paul's theology and rhetorical skill in persuading the divided believers to work towards unity. He also highlights their social and cultural realities in a busy city in the ancient Roman Empire."--Reta Halteman Finger "Reviews" "Here is a sturdy gift to the church. Dan Nighswander's commentary is solid in its substance, rich in its biblical insights, and highly accessible in its presentation. A special strength of this volume is Nighswander's gift for situating Paul's letter to the Corinthians clearly and helpfully within the broader biblical context."--Dorothy Jean Weaver "Reviews" "How does one navigate Paul's pastoral letter to the contentious congregation in ancient Corinth? Dan Nighswander explores 1 Corinthians in a way that will richly reward motivated ordinary readers. Scholars will also benefit from his careful exegesis and informed theological reflection."--Jacob Elias "Reviews" "Life in the family of God can be messy and complicated. In his thoughtful and pastoral treatment of 1 Corinthians, Dan Nighswander encourages us to read afresh Paul's letter of encouragement and exhortation to the Christian community that was struggling to live faithfully in the midst of conflict. Navigating the difficult terrain of 1 Corinthians, Nighswander highlights the foundation of our unity: Christ crucified."--Tabitha VandenEnden "Reviews" "The issues that divide the church today seem pronounced and, to some, overwhelming. Dan Nighswander's commentary is a never-to-be-ignored resource as he unveils the wisdom of Paul, who gracefully handled divisive issues of his time. Our Christian educators and all church leaders will find the commentary relevant, practical, and useful."--Danisa Ndlovu "Reviews" Dan Nighswander has pastored Mennonite churches in Manitoba and Ontario and has served as part-time lecturer in New Testament at Conrad Grebel University College, denominational administrator for Mennonite Church Canada, and missionary in South Africa. He holds masters degrees from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Wilfrid Laurier University, and he completed his ThD in New Testament at Toronto School of Theology. He and his wife, Yvonne, have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren, and are members of Home Street Mennonite Church in Winnipeg.