First and Second Corinthians, Straight From the Heart (Orthodox Bible Study Companion)

Lawrence Farley's bible study companions are an excellent resource. Not only do they provide an easy to use format - but with self-contained note pages and the actual bible verses printed in the book it can be used in confined spaces - i.e. while travelling etc.This study guide has a definite bias - that of the Apostolic Church Father's interpretation of scripture. This is a GOOD THING. It opens the study passages up in a way that is closer to the originally intended understanding. If you're reading someone else's mail - i.e. a letter written to a first century Corinthian community - it's valuable to get insight into the cultural environment that existed during that time. Knowing the traditions that were handed down through the Fathers of the Church - helps in that understanding.The background information is extremely thorough and often reveals a perspective on an obscure passage that we would not have access to, based on our viewpoints in today's society.A very useful and valuable resource that makes a great addition to any bible study tools collection.

First Orthodox study guide. Straight forward, no exogesis. Great way for inquirer, cradle or chrismated-Orthodox to begin reading the Bible with Fr. Farley's New Testament guides.

I am NOT a big fan of Bible commentaries (primarily because they skewdly present the theology of the editor/writer), but this companion to the Bible is truly for everyone: "written for your grandmother and for your plummer, ... average lay person and professional".Lawrence Farley makes the original Greek text come alive. His easy-reading introduction to each Pauline epistle letter, his knowledge of the linguistic idiosyncracies, familiarity with hellenistic culture makes reading 1st and 2nd Corinthians ENJOYABLE and INSIGHTFUL.Just one example to illustrate where this book shines above many commentaries. Its accuracy is not overbearing with copious footnotes (footnotes are non-existant) and the explanation of the text is very non-technical for the understanding of the average reader. The chapters are broken into easily readable and thematic sections. Italics are used in the Bible text to show words not present in original Koine Greek but linguistically and logically necessary. Bold text is used in the commentary section to repeat the words or phrases from the biblical passage.While reading thru the last chapters of the 2nd Corinthians (sections dealing with the collection for the Jerusalem church and Paul's emotional self-vindication) I was able to make sense of the difficult and often seemingly convoluted reading. Case in point: 2 Cor 10:15 "not boasting in things beyond measure, in the toils of others, but having hope that as your faith grows, according to our rule, we shall be magnified abundantly by you." The word RULE has nothing to do with our common understanding of rule as regulation, neither is it referring to the Rule of Faith. Rather, as Farley astutely comments this rule is referring to the line marked out for each runner of a race to show how one is to stay within the lines or RULES.In conclusion, pastor Farley's fresh translation and accompanying notes to the biblical text is like having a grandfather nearby slowly and patiently read and explain God's Word. What a refreshing experience!

Fr. Farley's commentary on the New TEstament books are a tremendous help to me in understanding not only the Scripture itself, but also the history and perspective of the Apostle Paul. Fr. Farley really adds depth to my Bible Study. It has been a real blessing to me to have "discovered" these commentaries, and the best addition to my library, next to my Bible!