The Spirit who inspired the authors of the New Testament is at work today around the globe, as evidenced by the explosive growth of pentecostal, charismatic, and renewalist movements. There is a clear need for a balanced, affordable, and accessible commentary series aimed at Christians who identify as Spirit-filled. The Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament series emphasizes how we listen alongside ancient audiences for the Spirit's voice in our time and contexts. Written by pastorally sensitive biblical scholars from the Spirit-filled tradition, these commentaries explore how God works in the biblical texts and how Christians can expect God to work today, even if in new or culturally surprising ways. Series editors are Holly Beers, Westmont College, and Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary. In this addition to the series, senior scholar Ben Witherington III engages 2 Corinthians in its ancient setting and explores its message for Spirit-filled Christians today. Images, illustrations, and sidebars on pentecostal/charismatic/revival history or insights are included.

Pastors and students will appreciate this new edition with its up-to-date bibliography and discussion of pertinent issues. In this full revision and update of the book of Second Corinthians, Dr. Ralph P. Martin addresses the scholarly questions about the text of the epistle and the significance of Paul’s thought for Christian living and ministry. In a penetrating analysis of Paul’s responses to the various crises within the Corinthian congregation, Dr. Martin gives insight into the particular problems of Christianity as expressed in the hedonistic, cosmopolitan setting of Corinth. He shows how Paul’s attempt to clearly distinguish the gospel from Hellenistic Judaism and Hellenistic Jewish Christian ideology results in a moving statement of the Christian message. Rather than the “theology of glory” prevalent in Corinth, Paul articulates his theology of the Cross as a “theology of weakness,” of servanthood and ministry. What was at stake at Corinth, says Dr. Martin, was “nothing less than the essence of the kerygma as in expressed in the way of the cross. . . for proclamation and daily living.” New sections on the Collection and Rhetoric have been added, and the issues of Composition and Social Setting of the letter have been included, along with topics such as the Spirit, the Opponents, Paul's Theology, and the Resurrection in this epistle. The Word Biblical Commentary series offers the best in critical scholarship firmly committed to the authority of Scripture as divine revelation. It is perfect for scholars, students of the Bible, ministers, and anyone who wants a theological understanding of Scripture.

This commentary on II Corinthians in the New Testament Library continues the exemplary quality of the series. Frank Matera provides a commentary that is a close study of the backgrounds and language of the text while also providing important theological insights into the message of Paul for his time and for the contemporary church. The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.

The Corinthian church required Paul's repeated care. In 2 Corinthians, he continues his attempt to correct errors of unchristian practice, worship, and doctrine. Concerned with false apostles who were leading the church astray, Paul defended his own authority as God's apostle and sought reconciliation within the church. Respected preacher and Bible teacher John MacArthur presents yet another comprehensive and compelling commentary in his New Testament series.

Dr. Charles Hodge was known more as a systematic theologian than as an expositor of Scripture. Nevertheless, his whole life was devoted primarily to the critical and systematic study of the Bible. "Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians" has remained a standard resource for teachers, pastors, and educated laypersons. Hodge's introductory material, chapter summaries, and verse-by-verse exposition provide - even after more than one hundred years - solid, relevant instructions for today's students of the Bible.

Paul's long, complicated history with the Corinthian church culminates in this ardent defense of Christian ministry in general and of his own ministry in particular. In this revised and expanded commentary, Colin Kruse illuminates Paul's contrast of the old and new covenants and his eloquent exposition of the ministry of reconciliation.

This new and refreshing approach to 2 Corinthians shows how exegesis of the New Testament writing can issue in theology that is relevant to today. Beginning with an account of the essential thrust of the text, the authors argue for the unity of the letter, setting it against both its Jewish and Hellenistic backgrounds, and examining questions of meaning and reference in the interpretation of particular passages. They then consider how the text can be illuminated by the modern study of hermeneutics, as well as by new sociological approaches. The whole study reaches its climax with an assessment of Paul's authority then and now, and the importance of what he says about God. To conclude, the authors provide their own vivid and compelling translation of Paul's words, inviting a complete rereading of the letter in the light of all that has gone before.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

A Church Divided The church in Corinth was divided, and Paul, their founding pastor, found himself defending his ministry to them. False teachers had begun spreading lies accusing Paul of selfish motives. But Paul saw this division for what it was—a threat to the gospel of Jesus. Paul wrote this second letter to remind the Corinthians how he’d worked among them. He wasn’t defending himself—he was defending the gospel by placing both himself and the Corinthians under the authority of Jesus Christ. His humble approach is a model for every ministry leader today. LifeChange LifeChange Bible studies will help you grow in Christlikeness through a life-changing encounter with God’s Word. Filled with a wealth of ideas for going deeper so you can return to this study again and again. Features Cover the entire book of 2 Corinthians in 13 lessons Equip yourself to lead a Bible study Imagine the Bible’s historical world Study word origins and definitions Explore thoughtful questions on key themes Go deeper with optional projects Add your notes with extra space and wide margins Find the flexibility to fit the time you have