Overview
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.
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.
Table of Contents
Series Preface
Introduction
2 Corinthians 1:1-2
The Epistolary Prescript
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
A Blessing Prayer / Rhetorical Introduction
2 Corinthians 1:8-2:16
The Backstory
2 Corinthians 2:17
The Thesis of the Defense
2 Corinthians 3:1-18
The Opening Argument, Part One: The Testimony of the Old Testament and the Corinthians
2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10
The Opening Argument, Part Two: Eternal Treasures in Earthen Vessels
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2
The Opening Argument, Part Three: Paul the Ambassador
2 Corinthians 6:3-13
The Opening Argument, Part Four: Paul's Trials and Tribulations
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
"But I Digress": On Avoiding Entangling Alliances
2 Corinthians 7:2-16
"As I Was Saying": Joy and Sorrow from Titus's Report
2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
Argument Two: "Now, about That Money for the Jerusalem Church"
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Argument Three, Part One: Dueling Ministries
2 Corinthians 11:1-12:10
Argument Three, Part Two: The Fool's Discourse
2 Corinthians 12:11-13:4
Argument Three, Part Three: Parting Shots
2 Corinthians 13:5-10
The Peroration: The Defense Rests
2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Closing Remarks, Greetings, Benediction
Indexes
Introduction
2 Corinthians 1:1-2
The Epistolary Prescript
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
A Blessing Prayer / Rhetorical Introduction
2 Corinthians 1:8-2:16
The Backstory
2 Corinthians 2:17
The Thesis of the Defense
2 Corinthians 3:1-18
The Opening Argument, Part One: The Testimony of the Old Testament and the Corinthians
2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10
The Opening Argument, Part Two: Eternal Treasures in Earthen Vessels
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2
The Opening Argument, Part Three: Paul the Ambassador
2 Corinthians 6:3-13
The Opening Argument, Part Four: Paul's Trials and Tribulations
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
"But I Digress": On Avoiding Entangling Alliances
2 Corinthians 7:2-16
"As I Was Saying": Joy and Sorrow from Titus's Report
2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15
Argument Two: "Now, about That Money for the Jerusalem Church"
2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Argument Three, Part One: Dueling Ministries
2 Corinthians 11:1-12:10
Argument Three, Part Two: The Fool's Discourse
2 Corinthians 12:11-13:4
Argument Three, Part Three: Parting Shots
2 Corinthians 13:5-10
The Peroration: The Defense Rests
2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Closing Remarks, Greetings, Benediction
Indexes
Endorsements
“Once again, Witherington has crafted a masterpiece that carefully balances rhetorical reading, contextual insights, and practical application. Spirit-filled readers will especially appreciate a commentary that acknowledges the enchanted worldview of the biblical text and encourages hearing the Spirit’s voice when ascertaining application for today. Witherington’s gift to take what is complex and make it accessible to a wide readership shines in this book; laity, undergraduate and graduate students, pastors, and more will benefit from his commentary.”
Joy L. Vaughan, assistant professor of New Testament studies, Asbury University
“If you are seeking a reliable, readable, and manageable commentary on 2 Corinthians to inform and enrich your understanding, teaching, and preaching, then look no further. Here, you will discover insightful exegesis and lively prose on page after page. In reading 2 Corinthians with Ben Witherington III as your guide, you will hear the thunder that John Donne heard and that we so need to hear again in our day.”
Todd D. Still, Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean and William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
Praise for the Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament Series
“Whereas existing pentecostal commentary series have been addressed to the growing pentecostal readership, volumes in the Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament series bring pentecostal-charismatic perspectives to wider evangelical and ecumenical audiences, both ecclesial and academic. Each installment gets us one step closer to appreciating how every New Testament document was written not only after Easter but also after Pentecost, and the cumulative witness to the Word and the Spirit will enable deeper awareness of the fundamentally trinitarian character of Christian faith.”
Amos Yong, professor of theology and mission, Fuller Theological Seminary
“There is nothing else like the Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament, and this series fills a major void! It features top scholars who not only exegete the text with precision but also share personal spiritual insights along the way, bringing together the best of both worlds.”
Michael L. Brown, founder and president, FIRE School of Ministry; host of the Line of Fire radio broadcast
Author
Ben,III Witherington
Ben Witherington III (PhD, Durham) is the Jean R. Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and emeritus professor of New Testament at the University of St. Andrews. He is also a John Wesley Fellow for Life and a research fellow at Cambridge University. Witherington is a prolific scholar, having written over 60 books. Two of his books, The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, are Christianity Today Book Award winners. He has appeared on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, and CNN.