A Week in the Life of Corinth - by Ben Witherington III (Paperback)

About the Book

In this work of historical fiction, Ben Witherington III provides a one of kind window into the social and cultural context of Paul's ministry.

Book Synopsis

Ben Witherington III attempts to reenchant our reading of Paul in this creative reconstruction of ancient Corinth. Following a fictitious Corinthian man named Nicanor through an eventful week of business dealings and conflict, you will encounter life at various levels of Roman society--eventually meeting Paul himself and gaining entrance into the Christian community there. The result is an unforgettable introduction to life in a major center of the New Testament world. Numerous full-page text boxes expand on a variety of aspects of life and culture as we encounter them in the narrative.

Review Quotes

"[T]his is an appealing view of the social world of Paul and Corinth. I have no doubt that it will arouse the interest and capture the imagination of readers."

--Sarah Whittle, Evangelical Quarterly, 86.2 (2014)

"As I have been teaching on 1 Corinthians, I found this work very beneficial. Not only is the storyline intriguing, but this book also presents itself as a pedagogical tool. Here students can 'feel' what life must have been like in first century Graeco-Roman society--a culture foreign to many of us today. Witherington's book brings biblical times alive and is thus a wonderful gift to the church. It brings us closer to our spiritual ancestors and their experience of the risen Lord in a society hostile to the gospel."

--Benjamin Marx, Trinity Journal, Spring 2013

"Ben Witherington III, a good creative writer and accomplished NT scholar, has given us a treat in his short novel A Week in the Life of Corinth. Rather than providing a list of facts about life and culture in NT times, Witherington has composed an interesting story in which we can see and learn this information along the way. This will be a fun way to enhance our understanding of the world in which the NT takes place--and it would be helpful for preachers to read some good fiction along the way!"

--Ray Van Neste, Preaching, November/December 2012

"I highly recommend this fresh approach to familiar territory: it will illuminate as well as entertain!"

--Michael A.G. Haykin, Credo Magazine, May 2012

"The book would be an ideal introduction to a course on 1 Corinthians, or to a course on Paul and his mission. It is easy to read, but very well informed by Witherington's scholarship."

--David Wenham, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 35(5)

"This is historical fiction at its best."

--World Magazine, October 27, 2012

"Whether you're well acquainted with Paul's letters to the Corinthian church or are encountering them for the first time, this book will bring the biblical text to life."

--Matthew M. Whitehead, Bible Study Magazine, September/October 2012

About the Author

Ben Witherington III is Amos Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and a well-known expert in his field. He is the author of over forty books, including Conflict and Community in Corinth and a two-volume New Testament theology, The Indelible Image. He speaks widely, is a frequent guest on radio and television, and blogs at patheos.com.