Through an exegetical examination of 1 Corinthians 8-11:1, a central hypothesis is developed that seeks to facilitate a coherent understanding of these chapters and clarify their place in the epistle as a whole. It is suggested that in the Corinthian church the gifts of the Spirit, and most notably the gift of "knowledge," had come to be regarded by the so-called "strong" as authenticators of their secure status in the covenant community. Paul argued that spiritual gifts could not and should not function in this way. Rather, for the apostle, it is "love" for God and for the community that alone can function in this way.

Rev. Dr. Paul Gardner is currently the Senior Minister at ChristChurch, Atlanta. He lectures internationally, mainly on New Testament subjects and on homiletics. He is the author of several books including commentaries on Ephesians, 1, 2 Peter, Jude, and Revelation. Before moving to the United States from England, he served as Archdeacon of Exeter. Previously he was Lecturer in New Testament and Academic Dean at Oak Hill College in north London (an Anglican Seminary). He is married to Sharon and has three grown children.