2 Corinthians (NIV)

College Press NIV Commentary Series is formatted with a verse-by-verse explanation of the text. It was developed for both the scholar and the average Bible student. The Colllege Press NIV Commentary Series is the only full commentary set in print from the Restoration Movement. Each volume (41 volumes for the Old & New Testament) contains the following helpful features:

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2 Corinthians:

The city of Corinth was a busy place. The economy was better than average due to the sea-merchant trade. The inhabitants of Corinth honored many pagan gods. The elements of unholy worship, a fluid populance, and abundant money compound the many problems that crept into this church. New leaders began to question the authority of Paul, or at least the intentions Paul might have for the collection that was for the saints in Jerusalem. This apostolic letter was sent to a church in need of specific instruction and encouragement.

This is possibly the fourth letter from Paul to the Christians in Corinth. A lost letter is rederred to in 1 Corinthians 5:9. It preceded and spurred the questions answered in 1 Corinthians. At a later time when questions arose about the collection and Paul's apostolic authority, a third letter commonly known as the "severe letter" was dispatched (2 Corinthians 7:8). Second Corinthians is in part a letter of joy, for a report came to Paul that the Corinthians had rejected the troublemakers and wished to rejoin themselves to him.

Heart and passion rise to the surface in this letter. Not wanting to boast about himself, Paul indicates that the Corinthians themselves were his letter of recommendation. He appealed to thier firsthand knowledge and experience. Paul also recounted the tribulations he endured to keep spreading the gospel.

The undermining of Paul's apostolic authority provides the backdrop to many issues in this letter. His concerns include: - Will the Corinthians even listen since he has been away? - Will a repentant man be restored to fellowship? - Will the collection falter, or at Paul's encouragement will it pick up new enthusiasm?

Biblical history recourds that the collection was completed, confirming that the Corinthians embraced Paul as their spiritual leader in Christ.

2 Corinthians has 470 pages.

2 Corinthians Introduction & Outline

About the Author...

William R. Baker, Ph.D is professor of New Testament at Cincinnati Christian University. Dr. Baker graduated from Lincoln Christian College with a B.A. in ministry and music in 1974. He went on to earn the M.A. and M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1976 and 1978. He completed doctoral studies at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in 1987. Dr. Baker is the general editor of the Stone-Campbell Journal. Books previously published by Dr. Baker include Sticks and Stones: The Biblical Ethics of Talk (InterVarsity), and studies of James and the Epistles of John (Standard Publishing).

About the Editors…

Anthony L. Ash, Ph.D is professor of Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University and minister at Minter Lane Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas. Dr. Ash holds the A.A. from Florida Christian College, the B.S. from Florida State University, the M.A. from Abilene Christian University, and the Ph.D. from University of Southern California. He has authored nine books including commentaries on Luke, Acts (chapters 1-12), Psalms (with Clyde Miller), and Jeremiah & Lamentations. He has spoken at over 400 meetings and extended lectureships and has also spoken on over 45 college and university campuses.

Jack Cottrell is Professor of Theology at Cincinnati Christian University. He received his BA, ThB, Cincinnati Bible College & University; BA, University of Cincinnati; MDiv, Westminister Theological Seminary; PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary.