A multi-faceted commentary that breathes fresh insight into Paul's letter In Second Corinthians, Paul responds to reports of the Corinthian congregation questioning his competency as a divinely sent messenger. Through apologetic demegoria and the use of graphic imagery related to triumphal processions, siege warfare, and emissary travels and negotiation, Paul defends his constancy, persona, and speaking abilities as he extends the offer of clemency and reconciliation to his auditors. Oropeza combines rhetorical pictures (rhetography) with interpretative layers (literary features, intertextuality, socio-cultural, ideological, and sacred textures) to arrive at the rhetorical impact of Paul's message for ancient Mediterranean discourse. Features: A visual, sensory, and imaginative interpretation of the scripture A comprehensive commentary An avant-garde approach to biblical interpretation

A multi-faceted commentary that breathes fresh insight into Paul's letter In Second Corinthians, Paul responds to reports of the Corinthian congregation questioning his competency as a divinely sent messenger. Through apologetic demegoria and the use of graphic imagery related to triumphal processions, siege warfare, and emissary travels and negotiation, Paul defends his constancy, persona, and speaking abilities as he extends the offer of clemency and reconciliation to his auditors. Oropeza combines rhetorical pictures (rhetography) with interpretative layers (literary features, intertextuality, socio-cultural, ideological, and sacred textures) to arrive at the rhetorical impact of Paul's message for ancient Mediterranean discourse. Features: A visual, sensory, and imaginative interpretation of the scripture A comprehensive commentary An avant-garde approach to biblical interpretation

Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

In this addition to the well-received Paideia series, a respected senior New Testament scholar examines cultural context and theological meaning in Second Corinthians. Paideia commentaries explore how New Testament texts form Christian readers by ∙ attending to the ancient narrative and rhetorical strategies the text employs ∙ showing how the text shapes theological convictions and moral habits ∙ commenting on the final, canonical form of each New Testament book ∙ focusing on the cultural, literary, and theological settings of the text ∙ making judicious use of maps, photos, and sidebars in a reader-friendly format Students, pastors, and other readers will appreciate the historical, literary, and theological insight offered in this practical commentary.

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.

"John Phillips writes with enthusiasm and clarity, . . . cutting through the confusion and heretical dangers associated with Bible interpretation." —Moody magazine

The city of ancient Corinth was much like our own modern-day cities: a melting pot of electrifying cultural experiences to be had, along with the myriad pitfalls of spiritual depravity. Still, Paul wrote to the church of God in Corinth. Meaning God's church is meant to thrive in any city and every circumstance in which we find ourselves. Paul's letter is as timely as ever. Over 8 sessions, Kelly Minter will lead you through the Letter of 2 Corinthians, exploring the anchoring truths of bearing treasures in jars of clay, meeting Christ through a pressing thorn, opening wide your heart in the midst of hurtful relationships, and what it means to embrace the lost and lonely as ministers of the new covenant. Each of us has a message to proclaim and live by: Because of Jesus the old has gone, the new has come. Features: - Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups - 7 personal study segments with homework to complete between 8 weeks of group sessions - Recipes for personal enjoyment or when hosting a small group in your home - A great addition to The Living Room series. Benefits: - Grow in biblical literacy with in-depth study of the Book of 2 Corinthians - Discover how God can use you no matter your cultural setting - Learn how your suffering can help you comfort others - Gain wisdom for relationships, and strengthen your church and community - Leave your old self behind as you celebrate the new life of a believer - Understand God's ways will set you free