2 Corinthians (Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 40 | WBC)
Overview
In a penetrating analysis of Paul’s responses to the various crises within the Corinthian congregation, Ralph Martin gives new insight into the particular problems of Christianity as expressed in the hedonistic, cosmopolitan setting of Corinth. He shows how Paul’s attempt to redefine the gospel in terms that clearly distinguish it from Hellenistic Jewish Christian ideology results in a moving statement of the Christian message. Rather than the “theology of glory” prevalent at Corinth, Paul articulates his theology of the cross as a “theology of weakness,” of servant- hood and ministry. What was at stake at Corinth, says Martin, was “nothing less than the essence of the kerygma as expressed in the way of the cross.”
The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.
This is the first edition of Ralph P. Martin’s beloved commentary on 2 Corinthians. For the most recent, updated edition, see Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 40: 2 Corinthians (Second Edition).
Top Highlights
“Williamson and Collange concur in giving a paradoxical nuance: Paul is the conquered slave exposed to public ridicule (1 Cor 4:9, 10, 13) … and, at the same time, ‘he is the joyful participant in Christ’s victory celebration. It is, in fact, just the kind of paradox Paul loved!’ (Williamson, 325 f.). See Collange, Enigmes, 24, 25, who appeals to 4:10 and 12:9, and sees in the paradox of ‘strength-in-weakness’” (Page 46)
“Second, Paul goes on to teach that the law had an honorable purpose, but it was only temporary.” (Page 73)
“Paul is talking of a ‘new act of creation,’ not an individual’s renovation as a proselyte or a forgiven sinner in the Day of Atonement service. There is even an ontological dimension to Paul’s thought (so P. Stuhlmacher, ‘Erwägungen’), suggesting that with Christ’s coming a new chapter in cosmic relations to God opened and reversed the catastrophic effect of Adam’s fall which began the old creation (Kümmel, 205). To conclude: ἐν Χριστῷ, καινὴ κτίσις in this context relates to the new eschatological situation which has emerged from Christ’s advent (unlike the sense of Gal. 6:14, 15).” (Page 152)
“The lengthy, weighty passage in vv 16–21 has many facets but one master theme. In it Paul is setting down the Christian conviction that in the Christ event a new world has been born and a new age has supervened on world history. Phrases like ‘a new creation,’ ‘reconciliation,’ and ‘righteousness of God’ are all virtual synonyms for this new eon which has radically affected both divine-human and all earthly relationships.” (Page 158)
Ralph P. Martin was a New Testament professor at the University of Manchester and Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of Worship in the Early Church, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Ephesians, Colossians, & Philemon, and coedited Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.
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5/9/2016
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