The first letter to the Corinthians is one of the most discussed biblical books in New Testament scholarship today. Despite this, there has been no consensus on its arrangement and central theme, in particular why the topic of the resurrection was left until the end of the letter, and what its theological significance would have been to the Corinthian church. Matthew R. Malcolm analyses this rhetoric of 'reversal', examines the unity of the epistle, and addresses key problems behind particular chapters. He argues that while Jewish and Greco-Roman resources contribute significantly to the overall arrangement of the letter, Paul writes as one whose identity and rhetorical resources of structure and imagery have been transformed by his preaching, or kerygma, of Christ. The study will be of interest to students of New Testament studies, Pauline theology and early Christianity.

‘This is a rich, well-researched, and clearly written study. It also is persuasive throughout, and it makes balanced judgments based on the textual evidence of the epistle. This is likely to become a key treatment of Pauline themes and forms of argumentation in 1 Corinthians.’

Paul Foster Source: The Expository Times

'Paul and the Rhetoric of Reversal in 1 Corinthians contributes significant data to the question of the coherence and arrangement of the epistle. It rightly accentuates how Paul’s message of the crucified and risen Messiah provides a key theme for considering the arrangement of the entirety of the letter. It also rightly encourages a theological and pastoral consideration of the letter. It will be of great interest to those working in Pauline theology, Corinthian studies, and rhetorical studies.'

H. H. Drake Williams, III Source: Themelios

'… I applaud Malcolm’s approach of looking at the rhetorical structure more broadly (while also affirming the value of formal rhetorical analysis at the microlevel) … I recommend this book as a balanced and well-researched read for someone trying to understand the argumentative flow of 1 Corinthians.'

Trent A. Rogers Source: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society