2 Corinthians (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series)

2 Corinthians (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series)

Mitzi L. Minor’s commentary on 2 Corinthians takes the reader deep into the thought world of Paul and his congregation at Corinth, exploring the social and theological tensions that shape Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian Christians. Paul's letter expresses his joy that prior “severe” correspondence had been positively received and addresses the issues that were tearing the church apart; for one, false teachers who were sowing discord and maligning Paul’s character. Paul finds as well that many Corinthian Christians have repented of their rebellion, and he encourages them even as he seeks to vindicate his apostleship to those who challenged him.Minor encourages the reader imaginatively to enter the radically new ekklesia that was the earliest Church, not a body of like-minded and similarly stationed citizens, but a novel collective of diverse people and interests, never joined before, struggling together to discover the ways of God in a world completely overturned by the advent of Christ.Written by accomplished scholars with all students of Scripture in mind, this innovative new commentary series is designed to make quality Bible study more accessible. Pastors, professors and students of Scripture are discovering that this commentary is a wonderful new tool for enhancing interpretation.Minor’s commentary brings fresh, direct language and interpretive insight to bear on this important and often vexing part of the Pauline canon. She is clear about her audience, namely, clergy, teachers and others who seek a living connection with the ancient text. Avoiding technical jargon without ignoring critical issues, she takes the reader deep into the thought world of Paul and his congregation at Corinth, exploring with intelligence and wit the social and theological tensions that shape Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian Christians. Throughout the commentary, Minor’s sensitivity toward the minority view encourages the reader imaginatively to enter the radically new ekklēsia that was the earliest Church, not a body of like-minded and similarly stationed citizens, but a novel collective of diverse people and interests, never joined before, struggling together to discover the ways of God in a world completely overturned by the advent of Christ. Minor has hit the mark of this series admirably: to bring modern readers and the biblical texts together in a way that stimulates engaged theological reflection “on the ground.” —Alexandra Brown, PhD Jessie Ball Dupont Professor of Religion Washington and Lee University