2 Corinthians: Believers Church Bible Commentary

by V. George Shillington

Overview

V. George Shillington sees this letter as Paul's personal testimony about his ministry of reconciliation among the Corinthian Christians (chapters 1-9) and his ministry in defending the truth of the gospel (chapters 10-13). The thread that ties the two parts together is Paul's conviction on pastoral ministry under the banner of Christ. Paul insists that ministry is to be borne in affliction like that of Christ crucified. In raising the crucified Messiah out of the old creation, God has inaugurated a new creation, in which believers already participate. The only boast allowed is in the Lord, not in one's own achievements or elevated experiences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780836190731
Publisher:	MennoMedia
Publication date:	04/10/1998
Series:	Believers Church Bible Commentary Series
Pages:	310
Product dimensions:	5.62(w) x 8.75(h) x 0.65(d)

About the Author

V. George Shillington holds a PhD in New Testament literature and history from McMaster University (Hamilton). His MDiv is from Central Baptist Seminary (Toronto). Since 1981 Shillington has served as professor of biblical studies and theology at Concord College (Winnipeg) and has lectured in other institutions, including Harvard University, Trinity College (Dublin), and New College (Edinburgh).

Table of Contents

Abbreviations and Cross-References . . . 8

Series Foreword . . . 9

Author's Preface . . . 11

Introduction . . . 13

Letter of Reconcilliation

Right Relationship in Ministry, 1:1-9:15

Variation 1: Solidarity in Affliction and Joy, 1:1-2:13 . . . 28

The Salutation, 1:1-2 . . . 30

Thanksgiving: The Afflicted Consoled, 1:3-7 . . . 33

The Sentence of Death and the Witness of Conscience, 1:8-14 . . . 39

God's Unequivocal "Yes," 1:15-22 . . . 43

Heart Truth: As God Is My Witness, 1:23-24 . . . 48

An Offender Forgiven, 2:5-11 . . . 53

Looking for Titus in Macedonia, 2:12-13 . . . 58

Variation 2: New Ministry in the Light of Christ, 2:14-7:4 . . . 59

The New Operation of God's Spirit, 2:14-3:18 . . . 61

Renewal of Human Life, 4:1-5:10 . . . 88

The Reconciling of the World to God, 5:11-7:4 . . . 117

Titus's Positive Report: Retrospect and Prospect, 7:5-16 . . . 158

Variation 3: Equity Through a Financial "Gift of Blessing" 8:1-9:15 . . . 170

Collection Encouraged, Collectors Commended, 8:1-24 . . . 172

A Second Appeal for the Collection, 9:1-15 . . . 190

Letter of Defense

Response to Betrayal in Ministry, 10:1-13:13

Variation 4: Weak Minister, Strong God, 10:1-13:13 . . . 202

God's Minister Under Fire: Boasting Ridiculed, 10:1-18 . . . 204

Forced to Boast as a Fool, 11:1-12:13 . . . 214

Warning, Conclusion, Projected Third Visit, 12:14-13:10 . . . 239

Closure, 13:11-13 . . . 252

Outline of 2 Corinthians . . . 256

Essays . . . 260

Map of the New Testament World . . . 283

Bibliography . . . 284

Selected Resources . . . 299

Index of Ancient Sources . . . 301

The Author . . . 309

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"In structure and style, this commentary successfully bridges the gap between biblical scholarship and church life and witness. Keenly sensitive to the precarious relationship between Paul and the Corinthians, Shillington unpacks the arguments in this difficult letter with creative insight and careful exegesis. A very helpful resource!" —William S. Campbell, King's College, London

Endorsement

"In structure and style, this commentary successfully bridges the gap between biblical scholarship and church life and witness. Keenly sensitive to the precarious relationship between Paul and the Corinthians, Shillington unpacks the arguments in this difficult letter with creative insight and careful exegesis. A very helpful resource!" —William S. Campbell, King's College, London