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1 Corinthians (Welwyn Commentary Series)
Commentary for the convinced
1 Corinthians
A Welwyn Student Commentary
By Peter Naylor
Evangelical Press. 432 pages. £
ISBN 0 85234 350 7
It is a brave man, who having devoted a large part of his commentary to advocate a particular view, then goes on to acknowledge that what he has said 'flies in the face of nearly every commentator, ancient and modern.'
The thesis in question is that the 'perfect thing' of 1 Corinthians 13.10 is the completed canon, and that the 'charismatic' gifts have ceased. Of course, this is not a new theory, surfacing as it does among many non-charismatic writers, but probably none have attempted as detailed a defence as Peter Naylor. He challenges the reader not only to take up the challenge of wrestling with this particular text but also to deal with the questions he raises. It might be suggested that other writers have done just that (notably Don Carson - Showing the Spirit, of which there is no reference or bibliographic note in this commentary) but this should not deter serious students from honestly facing these issues for themselves.
Sadly, it is quite likely that this approach alone will either commend the book to those who want their own opinions enforced, or it will be ignored by those who take a contrary view. Yet both camps would be surprised at the way Naylor deals with a variety of topical issues - divorce and remarriage (a legitimate possibility), headcovering ('her own natural covering is adequate'), and women in the church ('it would not prevent women from being deacons'). Whatever your preconceptions, this readable commentary merits a place on the bookshelf. You may not agree with everything, but at least you will be forced to consider the Scriptures afresh.
Andrew Paterson
© Evangelicals Now - November 1996
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