The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Black’s New Testament Commentary | BNTC)

by C. K. Barrett

Publisher:

Continuum

, 1973

Overview

Eminent New Testament scholar C. K. Barrett makes 2 Corinthians come alive both in its original setting and in the life of the church today. Barrett's arguments will challenge even the most seasoned scholars to rethink their interpretation of the many controversial passages.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Affliction and poverty, however caused, have not suppressed but rather quickened the Macedonians’ generosity” (Page 219)

“To behold the glory of God, and to receive knowledge of him (cf. 4:6), is to be transformed.” (Page 125)

“the fullest and most passionate account of what Paul meant by apostleship” (Page 53)

“We correspondingly, and through God’s loving act in Christ, have come to stand in that relation with God which is described by the term righteousness, that is, we are acquitted in his court, justified, reconciled. We are no longer his judicial enemies, but his friends. Compare the similar pronouncement in Gal. 3:13 f.: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law when he became a curse [Paul, notwithstanding his quotation, does not say, accursed] on our behalf, for it is written, Cursed is every one who hangs on a tree; in order that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Jesus Christ.” (Page 180)

“Paul does not say, for by definition it would not have been true, that Christ became a sinner, transgressing God’s law; neither does he say, for it would have contradicted all experience (not least in Corinth) that every believer becomes immediately and automatically morally righteous, good as God is good. He says rather that Christ became sin; that is, he came to stand in that relation with God which normally is the result of sin, estranged from God and the object of his wrath. Bachmann has shown conclusively that sin (ἁμαρτία) does not here mean ‘sin-offering’” (Page 180)

Endorsements

2 Corinthians is one of the most difficult writings in the New Testament to interpret. Yet, this commentary, which follows Barrett's works on Romans and 1 Corinthians in the same series, is superb in every respect. The author's command of the Greek language, his skillful use of the Old Testament and background writings, and his sensitive handling of complex exegetical problems provide a panorama of a mature scholar's work which is at times almost breathtaking. Moreover, the restrained use of Greek and technical terms makes this commentary as useful for the layman or pastor as it is for the scholar.

—Review and Expositor

These [the Corinthian letters and Romans] are among the greatest of New Testament writings and Barrett is among the greatest of present day commentators. He has put us all very much in his debt with his earlier works and this latest volume does nothing to diminish our gratitude. . . . This book will take its place as a standard work and will enrich our studies for years to come.

—Churchman

Product Details

• Title: The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
• Author: C. K. Barrett
• Series: Black’s New Testament Commentary
• Publisher: Continuum
• Print Publication Date: 1973
• Logos Release Date: 2009
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. 2 Corinthians › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780826471369, 0826471366
• Resource ID: LLS:BLACK68CO2
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:13:41Z

About C. K. Barrett

C. K. Barrett (1917–2011) was emeritus professor of divinity at the University of Durham in England, and a determined Methodist. His work is held in very high regard and is featured prominently in many contemporary publications.

C. K. (Charles Kingsley) Barrett first studied at Shebbear College but soon transferred to Pembroke College to study theology. Barrett then trained for the Methodist ministry at Wesley House in Cambridge. In 1945, he was appointed lecturer in divinity at the University of Durham where he was eventually elected professor in 1958.

Barrett was especially known for having authored numerous scholarly articles and books, including commentaries on The Epistle to the Romans, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, and The Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the Black’s New Testament Commentary (BNTC) series, as well as On Paul: Essays on His Life, Work, and Influence in the Early Church and the titles in Select Works of C. K. Barrett (7 vols.).