This creative and innovative book, rich in its highly accessible and incisive understanding of the ancient literature and epigraphy regarding the operations of ancient democracy, demonstrates in intriguing ways the pastoral and political relevance of Paul's exegetical appeal to democratic processes and ideas/ideals in pastoring a highly factionalised congregation at Corinth. In the process, Professor Welborn highlights important distinctives in Paul's theological, social, and political thought that transformed his understanding of community from other contemporary political models and movements and, indeed, perhaps the western intellectual tradition itself.

James R. Harrison, Sydney College of Divinity, Australia

Welborn combines his engaging style, extensive knowledge of the Corinthian community, and interpretive acumen to argue that democracy was a matter for debate in the Corinthian Pauline ekklesia. It is clear through Welborn's book that true democracy, in which there is a balance of power between the rich and the poor, was present in impulses throughout the Corinthian ekklesia, and is worth fighting for across the centuries.

Arminta Fox, Augustana University, USA

Welborn's Paul, Democracy, and the Corinthians is an exceptionally well-researched contribution that brilliantly situates early Christ-following communities within Greco-Roman political frameworks. By exploring the tension between Paul's egalitarian rhetoric and social hierarchies, Welborn offers a compelling analysis of democracy's real and imagined manifestations in early Christian assemblies.

J. Brian Tucker, Moody Theological Seminary, USA