Overview
Examine the New Testament from within the living tradition of the Catholic Church
There is an increasing hunger among Catholics to study the Bible in depth and in a way that integrates Scripture with Catholic doctrine, worship, and daily life.
Second Corinthians is the fourth of seventeen volumes in the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS), a new series that will cover the entire New Testament and interprets Scripture from within the living tradition of the Church.
The CCSS relates Scripture to Christian life today, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students better comprehend the Bible and use it more effectively.
Commentary features include:
● Biblical text from the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
● References to the Catechism, the Lectionary, and related biblical texts
● Theological insights from Church fathers, saints, and popes
● Reflection and application sections for daily Christian living
● Suggested resources and an index of pastoral subjects
Attractively packaged and accessibly written, the CCSS aims to help readers understand their faith more deeply, nourish their spiritual life, and share the good news with others.
There is an increasing hunger among Catholics to study the Bible in depth and in a way that integrates Scripture with Catholic doctrine, worship, and daily life.
Second Corinthians is the fourth of seventeen volumes in the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS), a new series that will cover the entire New Testament and interprets Scripture from within the living tradition of the Church.
The CCSS relates Scripture to Christian life today, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students better comprehend the Bible and use it more effectively.
Commentary features include:
● Biblical text from the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
● References to the Catechism, the Lectionary, and related biblical texts
● Theological insights from Church fathers, saints, and popes
● Reflection and application sections for daily Christian living
● Suggested resources and an index of pastoral subjects
Attractively packaged and accessibly written, the CCSS aims to help readers understand their faith more deeply, nourish their spiritual life, and share the good news with others.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Setting the Stage (1:1-11)
Aligned with the Yes of Jesus (1:12-22)
Clearing the Air (1:23-2:13)
Minister of the New Covenant (2:14-3:11)
Transformed into "the Image of God" (3:12-4:6)
Suffering As a Mark of Apostleship (4:7-15)
Resurrection Hope (4:16-5:10)
Christ's Compelling Love and God's Gift of Reconciliation (5:11-21)
Résumé of the Minister of Reconciliation (6:1-10)
"Open Your Hearts" (6:11-7:4)
Looking Back, Once More (7:5-16)
Collection for the Jerusalem Church (1): Participating in the Work of Grace (8:1-24)
Collection for the Jerusalem Church (2): Theological Foundation and Fruits (9:1-15)
"Battling" on Behalf of God (10:1-18)
Paul vs. the "Superapostles" (11:1-15)
Foolish Boasting (11:16-33)
Power in Weakness (12:1-13)
Announcing His Third Visit (12:14-13:4)
"Take on the Character of Jesus" (13:5-13)
Suggested Resources
Glossary
Indexes
Map
Setting the Stage (1:1-11)
Aligned with the Yes of Jesus (1:12-22)
Clearing the Air (1:23-2:13)
Minister of the New Covenant (2:14-3:11)
Transformed into "the Image of God" (3:12-4:6)
Suffering As a Mark of Apostleship (4:7-15)
Resurrection Hope (4:16-5:10)
Christ's Compelling Love and God's Gift of Reconciliation (5:11-21)
Résumé of the Minister of Reconciliation (6:1-10)
"Open Your Hearts" (6:11-7:4)
Looking Back, Once More (7:5-16)
Collection for the Jerusalem Church (1): Participating in the Work of Grace (8:1-24)
Collection for the Jerusalem Church (2): Theological Foundation and Fruits (9:1-15)
"Battling" on Behalf of God (10:1-18)
Paul vs. the "Superapostles" (11:1-15)
Foolish Boasting (11:16-33)
Power in Weakness (12:1-13)
Announcing His Third Visit (12:14-13:4)
"Take on the Character of Jesus" (13:5-13)
Suggested Resources
Glossary
Indexes
Map
Endorsements
“Thomas Stegman’s commentary on 2 Corinthians is elegant, clear, and deeply insightful. He takes one of Paul’s hardest letters and makes it intelligible. With a masterful grasp of Paul’s rhetoric, he shows readers how the apostle challenges his ancient readers—and readers today—to live out the character of Jesus Christ.”
Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Candler School of Theology, Emory University
“A blessing offered to the whole Church, Tom Stegman’s commentary presents the heart of St. Paul’s message: the fullness of God’s love for us that has opened up a new way of life, empowered by the intimate presence of the Holy Spirit, who shapes us more and more in the likeness of Christ. This inspiring book will encourage numerous Catholics and other Christians in understanding better and accepting more generously a truly Christ-centered existence.”
Gerald O’Collins, SJ, emeritus professor of theology, Pontifical Gregorian University
Praise for the CCSS Series
“After twenty years of teaching priests as well as teaching Catholic laypeople, seminarians, and deacons in formation, I can say with confidence that the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture is a landmark achievement in theological interpretation of Scripture in and for the Church. Everything about it is inviting and edifying, from the format, photos, background notes, and cross-references (to Scripture and the Catechism) to the rich exposition of the text, quotations from the Church’s living tradition, and reflections for contemporary life. It is a wonderful gift to the Catholic Church and a model for the rest of us. Highly recommended for all!”
Michael J. Gorman, professor of Sacred Scripture and dean of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology, St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore
“By bringing together historical background, exegetical interpretation, Church tradition, theological reflection, and pastoral application, this series promises to enkindle thoughtful discussion about the implications of the New Testament for lived Christian faith in the Church today. Its accessible format and multi-angled approach offer a model for teaching and ministry.”
Katherine Hayes, associate professor of Sacred Scripture, Seminary of the Immaculate Conception
“This series represents a much-needed approach, based on good scholarship but not overloaded with it. The frequent references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church help us to read Holy Scripture with a vivid sense of the living tradition of the Church.”
Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna
Author
Thomas D.,SJ Stegman
Thomas D. Stegman, SJ (1963-2023; PhD, Emory University), served as dean of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. He is the author of The Character of Jesus: The Linchpin to Paul's Argument in 2 Corinthians.