Beyond the Book with Dr. Akin: “Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians”

In the following Q&A, Akin takes the time to answer a few questions about his new book:

What is unique about the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series, and who are these commentaries designed to equip?

The uniqueness of this series is its Christ-centered focus: The authors attempt to show how Christ is revealed in every book of the Bible. These commentaries are design for pastors and serious Bible students who teach in the local church. They are not intended for the academy, though all of them utilize sources from the finest scholars.

How is Christ-centered exposition different from other kinds of expositional teaching and preaching?

Christ-centered exposition is different in that it utilizes the historical-grammatical hermeneutic but complements it with a Christocentric hermeneutic as well. In other words, it follows what most evangelicals utilize with respect to the historical-grammatical hermeneutic; however, it also utilizes a theological and Christological hermeneutic, showing how Jesus is indeed the hero of the whole Bible.

When did you last teach through the book of 1 Corinthians, and what were some of the truths and implications from 1 Corinthians that the Lord pressed on your heart during that study?

I taught through 1 Corinthians at my local church (Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church). I was again reminded of how even the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is filled with redeemed sinners. We are redeemed because of our identity in Christ, and yet we continue to sin in this life. The church at Corinth was a mess! I would encourage any pastor to consider going through this book if his church is dealing with many of the issues of our day. First Corinthians will address most of them.

What are the major themes and lines of argument in 1 Corinthians?

In this book, Paul wants to emphasize the importance of the gospel and Christ crucified and raised from the dead. He also wishes to deal, early in the book, with various factions that have taken on the characteristics of political parties. Beginning in chapter 7, he responds to a series of questions that had been sent to him by the Corinthians. The book is rich in the fact that it deals with so many diverse topics.

How do the teachings of 1 Corinthians uniquely contribute to the theology of the New Testament?

The book has some of the most significant treatments on issues like sexual immorality (chs. 5-6), lawsuits in the church (ch. 6), spiritual gifts (chs. 12-14), love (ch. 13), and the Resurrection (ch. 15). Again, the book is rich in the diversity of theological topics it addresses.

How does 1 Corinthians confront and correct the Church today? What issues does 1 Corinthians address that are particularly relevant to those facing the Church today?

1 Corinthians deals with party politics that have invaded the church; Christians suing one another; sexual immorality; and issues of gender, marriage, and spiritual gifts — just to name a few.

How does this commentary equip readers to serve the Church and fulfill the Great Commission?

This commentary focuses on Christ throughout and the centrality of the gospel for all of life. In that respect, the Great Commission is woven throughout the entire sixteen chapters of the book.

How has researching and writing this commentary shaped you spiritually?

My life has been enriched in many ways by working through the book of 1 Corinthians over many months. My love for the gospel has deepened, and my concern as an under-shepherd for the Church has grown immensely. Paul loved the Church in spite of her many flaws. This is also true of the Lord Jesus. This must also be true of us.