First Corinthians. Alfred Martin. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1989. 149 pp. plus Appendix, Select Bibliography, and Scripture Index. Cloth, $16.95.

Dr. Martin served with distinction at Moody Bible Institute for thirty-two years where he taught in the Bible Department and became Vice President and Dean of Education. In his “retirement” he has kept busy writing and also teaching, first at Dallas Bible College and part-time at Southern Bible Institute.

This short but valuable commentary is Martin’s first book with Loizeaux Brothers, though he has several books to his credit with other publishers. The book is very readable and is based on the New King James Version, which is printed paragraph by paragraph in the text, a practical help to readers.

Though concise, the commentary does adequately cover this important epistle. This reviewer has been “team-preaching” through 1 Corinthians on Sunday evenings, and of all the many commentaries that I possess on this epistle, this one often gives the most suitable help for popular communication.

Considering how much controversial material there is in 1 Corinthians (e.g., divorce, tongues, “doubtful things”) it is noteworthy that the author maintains an irenic and humble spirit throughout.

The fact that I agree with most of his interpretations, including his conservative stance on the Greek text underlying the translation, obviously makes me more favorable to the book than some would be. I must, however, part company with Dr. Martin on a few things, such as the question of head-coverings and water baptism.

Martin’s writing is clear, devout, and a pleasure to read. This book is definitely worth acquiring if you want to understand, teach, or preach through this very relevant epistle.

Arthur L. Farstad
Editor
Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Dallas, TX