Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes
Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians

I recall learning in seminary that the ancient Hebrews thought, and wrote, differently then we do today and this difference is a big obstacle to understanding their writing. Where we tend to write in a linear way so that the argument builds to a climax at the end (A-B-C-D), the Hebrews (Biblical pro......more

There is a pernicious Euro-American centricity that undergirds much of our understanding and perspective on the Scripture, which is why I am thankful that a number of scholars are taking a new look at the social, cultural, and rhetorical foundation that those Scriptures are rooted in order to help u......more

Kenneth E. Bailey brings an extensive knowledge of middle eastern culture to his commentary on 1 Corinthians, most importantly his experience in middle eastern village life. He previously wrote "Jesus through Middle-Eastern Eyes", which I think is a good representative of his passion and area of int......more

Its a great book, and I learned so much from it. I highly recommend this book for anybody that is wanting to know the cultural background. Also it goes deep into the theology of the early Church, which is great to relearn and remember the Church today.......more

I ordered Paul through Mediterranean Eyes because I needed a commentary on 1 Corinthians and this one had won some important awards. Don't judge a book by its awards, I guess, is the lesson. The strength of PtME is Bailey's close attention to the text and its rhetorical argumentation. Utilizing a met......more