Twin Cultures Separated by Centuries

Anecdotes, snippets of Indian history, newspaper reports, observations on what Indians think or do or say or are – these are the planks Andrew Spurgeon tosses together to build a crisscrossing walkway between ancient Corinth and present day India. One minute the reader is in ancient Greece, taking in just the kind of detail needed to make sense of what Paul was saying then. The next minute the Indian reader is in his home country, making sense of what Paul is saying now. Twin Cultures Separated by Centuries is an eminently readable commentary that matches careful exposition with well-researched background, while celebrating the Indian-ness of its author.

Havilah Dharamraj
Head of Department of Old Testament,
South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies

Twin Cultures Separated by Centuries is a commentary that will prove to be not just interesting to read, but also helpful in explaining how Paul’s teaching is relevant to the contemporary church.

Brian Wintle
Academic Coordinator,
Centre for Advanced Theological Studies SHIATS

It is a rarity to find a Bible commentary that seamlessly moves from context to text and vice versa. Twin Cultures Separated by Centuries does exactly that, as Andrew Spurgeon draws upon his knowledge of Scripture as well as his experience of the Indian situation to provide us with a thorough contextual and exegetical commentary on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. This commentary is an excellent tool for Bible teachers, pastors, seminary students and laity and must find a place in all theological libraries, especially those in South Asia.

Paul Cornelius
Regional Secretary–India,
Asia Theological Association

Understanding the culture of the Bible is key to properly interpreting Scripture. Understanding the culture of today is necessary for expositors to keep the Bible relevant within their contexts. In this unique, one-of-a-kind commentary, Andrew Spurgeon explains both the biblical context and the Indian culture, and often draws parallels between Indian culture and the culture of the Corinthians, making it easier to understand. Twin Cultures Separated by Centuries is a must-read for anyone serving in India.

Dave Raj Sangiah
Pastor, Bangalore Bible Church, India

1. Foreword
2. Acknowledgements
3. 1. Introduction
   2. 1. 1. Preliminary Issues
      2. 2. Opening Greetings (1:1–9)
   3. Part I: Paul’s Responses to Chloe’s Report (1:10 – 6:20)
   4. 1. 3. 1 Corinthians 1:10–31
      2. 4. 1 Corinthians 2
      3. 5. 1 Corinthians 3
      4. 6. 1 Corinthians 4
      5. 7. 1 Corinthians 5
      6. 8. 1 Corinthians 6
   5. Part II: Paul’s Answers to the Corinthians’ Questions (7:1 – 16:18)
   6. 1. 9. 1 Corinthians 7
      2. 10. 1 Corinthians 8
      3. 11. 1 Corinthians 9
      4. 12. 1 Corinthians 10
      5. 13. 1 Corinthians 11
      6. 14. 1 Corinthians 12
      7. 15. 1 Corinthians 13
      8. 16. 1 Corinthians 14
      9. 17. 1 Corinthians 15
      10. 18. 1 Corinthians 16
   7. Conclusion
4. Bibliography