2 Corinthians (The New American Commentary | NAC)

by David E. Garland

Publisher:

B&H

, 1999

Overview

Since a commentary is a fundamental tool for the expositor or teacher who seeks to interpret and apply Scripture in the church or classroom, the NAC focuses on communicating the theological structure and content of each biblical book. The writers seek to illuminate both the historical meaning and contemporary significance of Holy Scripture.

In its attempt to make a unique contribution to the Christian community, the NAC focuses on two concerns. First, the commentary emphasizes how each section of a book fits together so that the reader becomes aware of the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole. The writers, however, remain aware of the Bible’s inherently rich variety. Second, the NAC is produced with the conviction that the Bible primarily belongs to the church. We believe that scholarship and the academy provide an indispensable foundation for biblical understanding and the service of Christ, but the editors and authors of this series have attempted to communicate the findings of their research in a manner that will build up the whole body of Christ. Thus, the commentary concentrates on theological exegesis, while providing practical, applicable exposition.

Contents

Top Highlights

“He rebukes the entire congregation for celebrating a Lord’s Supper that leaves poor members humiliated and hungry (1 Cor 11:17–34). In 2 Corinthians he insists that they forgive the offender who has repented (2:5–11), and the entire letter seeks to bring reconciliation between himself and the church. Clearly, reconciliation does not entail glossing over sin or ignoring it for the sake of maintaining harmony. Paul confronts it directly and forcefully, so forcefully in the letter of tears that it temporarily deepened the breach in his relationship with the Corinthians and prompted this letter to mend any hurt feelings. But Paul knows that there can be no real reconciliation without an acknowledgment of sinful behavior and repentance for it.” (Page 292)

“We learn from the message given to Paul that God’s grace is not just the unmerited favor that saves us but a force that also sustains us throughout our lives.” (Page 524)

“This unit contains three key assertions. (1) God is the driving force behind the redemption of humankind. Reconciliation comes solely at God’s initiative. (2) God acted through Christ’s death, and Christ alone is the means of reconciliation. (3) God continues to act through those who have been reconciled. They have the privilege and responsibility to share in this great divine enterprise and are to call others to be reconciled to God.” (Pages 288–289)

“The ministry of reconciliation therefore involves more than simply explaining to others what God has done in Christ. It requires that one become an active reconciler oneself. Like Christ, a minister of reconciliation plunges into the midst of human tumult to bring harmony out of chaos, reconciliation out of estrangement, and love in the place of hate.” (Pages 291–292)

Product Details

• Title: 2 Corinthians
• Author: David E. Garland
• Series: New American Commentary
• Volume: 29
• Publisher: B&H
• Print Publication Date: 1999
• Logos Release Date: 2001
• Pages: 562
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. 2 Corinthians › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781430086130, 9781433675652, 143367565, 143367565X, 1430086130
• Resource ID: LLS:29.52.4
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-09T17:43:47Z

About David E. Garland

Dr. David E. Garland became Truett Seminary’s fourth dean on June 1, 2007. He also served as interim president of Baylor University from August 2008 until May 2010. He served on the Southern faculty for 21 years, was chairman of the Biblical Division from 1992–1997, and was the Ernest and Mildred Hogan Professor of New Testament Interpretation from 1993–1997.

He has authored, coauthored, and edited 20 books, including The Intention of Matthew 23 (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1979); Reading Matthew: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the First Gospel (Macon: Smyth and Helwys: 2000), Mark, NIVAC (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996) and translated into Spanish, Colossians / Philemon, NIVAC (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998) and translated into Spanish, 2 Corinthians (New American Commentary; Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 1999); “Gospel of Mark” in Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan 2002), and 1 Corinthians, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003), and he has published more than fifty articles.