The Message of 2 Corinthians (The Bible Speaks Today | BST)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
The letter of 2 Corinthians is important, Paul Barnett believes, for its magnificent message that God's power is brought to people in their weakness, not in human strength.
This momentous theme emerges in a dramatic real-life situation. The apostle confronts shadowy opponents who had recently come to Corinth and formed an alliance with some of the church leaders and members. His letter is a fascinating record of that conflict.
- Applies the truth of Scripture to everyday life in the contemporary world
- Engages a variety of readers with accessible, nontechnical language
- Analyzes the flow of thought in passage-by-passage exposition
- Provides insightful treatment of key themes
Top Highlights
“There is no power so great, no motivation as strong, as the knowledge that someone loves me. Paul’s understanding that Jesus, in his death, loved him, was now the controlling force in the apostle’s life.” (Page 109)
“In response to the doctrine of particular redemption we may say that although the death of Christ is sufficient for all people it is efficient only for those who believe in him.” (Page 111)
“The one who receives reconciliation with God through the death of Christ now says ‘No’ to self and ‘Yes’ to Christ. There is no room for cheap grace here.” (Page 110)
“The power of Christ is rather power-in-weakness, for his grace is apprehended only in the awareness of our weakness.” (Pages 178–179)
“Rather, the person in Christ is to allow those ‘thorns’ to pin him closer to Christ who imparts grace to the sufferer both to bear the pain and also to develop qualities of endurance and patience.” (Pages 179–180)
Paul W. Barnett was until his retirement Anglican bishop of North Sydney, Australia. He remains a visiting fellow in ancient history at Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia) and research professor at Regent College (Vancouver, British Columbia). He has written several books