Former Alabama Baptist Mark Taylor invested seven years of his time and knowledge into writing “The New American Commentary: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture, 1 Corinthians.”
Taylor, associate dean of master’s programs at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, was asked to write this interpretive resource by the editorial team for the New American Commentary series, to whom he is “very grateful.”
But what sets this commentary apart from others for 1 Corinthians? Most distinctively, the length of the book.
Taylor’s commentary is 473 pages with thorough footnotes, whereas many recent commentaries on the same subject are closer to 1,000 pages.
“I wrote for the teaching pastor,” Taylor said. “My hope is that this commentary will be an especially useful resource and reference tool for the teaching pastor and serious Bible student.”
Although he seeks to help Christians understand 1 Corinthians, Taylor does not want the commentary to be a substitute for reading the Bible.
“I would always encourage anyone engaged in the study of 1 Corinthians to read the letter first on its own terms and then consult commentaries,” he said.
From the age of 3 until he left for college, Taylor attended Highland Baptist Church, Florence, in Colbert Lauderdale Baptist Association. Taylor said the ministries of Highland Baptist “laid the foundation” for his future calling.
Part of that future calling was this commentary, which Taylor views as an educational ministry opportunity.
“If I have made any contribution that helps someone to understand and apply this portion of God’s Word to his or her life, or that assists in the teaching or preaching of the letter, then I am very pleased with this outcome,” he said.
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