The epistle of 2 Corinthians can appear to rest in the shadow of the better known and more popular 1 Corinthians. First Corinthians is like the popular older brother with all the cool lines. In fact, folks with very little biblical literacy likely know sentences from 1 Corinthians 13. Those resilient words have entered public space and have become commonplace.
It would be a tremendous mistake for a serious follower of Christ to write off 2 Corinthians because it lacks this popular clout.
As a servant of Christ and his apostle, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians with us and over against us. He was a man serving in a challenging situation and a messenger of God delivering the word of the Lord.
Second Corinthians deals with many themes that carry contemporary relevance: faithfulness, service, generosity, suffering, joy, authenticity, grace, eternal rewards and, above all, the lordship of Jesus Christ.
As a pastor and teacher, I often return to 2 Corinthians 4:5 as a source of centering and inspiration: “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
I think the sum of 2 Corinthians’ message is the richly rewarding life of living for Jesus’ sake.
Here are some resources that have helped me use 2 Corinthians to keep the main thing the main thing.
New American Commentary: 2 Corinthians by David Garland
David Garland is arguably the best living New Testament scholar currently writing commentaries. He has a brilliant mind and a passionate heart for Christ and the church.
Garland writes with preachers and teachers in the foreground of his agenda. His New American Commentary on 2 Corinthians is a good example of this.
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He deals with all the important background and cultural issues while helping the reader grasp contemporary relevance. He writes in a crisp and engaging way, so working through 2 Corinthians is a pleasure.
Garland’s commentaries lack the boring quality that serious commentaries sometimes are known for. I recommend this one without reservation.
Word Biblical Themes: 2 Corinthians by David Garland
This work is a theology of 2 Corinthians. Rather than a verse-by-verse treatment this work deals with big ideas that run through the epistle.
The theology includes God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, new covenant ministry in the Spirit, the cruciform manner of new covenant ministry, divine power shrouded in weakness, a new creation in Christ, new community living under grace, and resurrection from the dead.
This volume is worth the effort simply for the chapter on resurrection. It is unique among peers, and you will find it a blessing for your collection.
Word Biblical Commentary: 2 Corinthians by Ralph P. Martin
Ralph Martin’s commentary is a standard in the field. Martin delves into the major historical, rhetorical and theological issues that make 2 Corinthians a challenge.
The revised edition of this commentary provides a needed and helpful makeover.
This commentary is most helpful for students who have a basic proficiency in Greek, but also can be used to great benefit by Bible readers without such ability.
A fun one
Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright
This work is an honest attempt to place Paul’s work and words in the world he actually lived in. Reading this book helps the reader feel the tensions Paul felt and imaginatively concretize his mission. I believe we benefit from this perspective when we attempt to make real his words in the present moment.
Matt Snowden is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Waco and a graduate of Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.
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