2 Corinthians, 2nd ed. (Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 40 | WBC)

by Ralph P. Martin

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2014

Overview

Ralph P. Martin gives insight into the unique problems expressed in the ancient, hedonistic, cosmopolitan setting of Corinth. He shows how Paul’s attempt to clearly distinguish the gospel from Hellenistic Judaism and Hellenistic Jewish Christian ideology results in a moving statement of the Christian message. Rather than the “theology of glory” prevalent in Corinth, Paul articulates his theology of the cross as a “theology of weakness,” of servanthood and ministry. What was at stake at Corinth, says Dr. Martin, was “nothing less than the essence of the kerygma as expressed in the way of the cross . . . for proclamation and daily living.” This edition includes new sections on the “collection” and Paul’s rhetoric, issues of composition and social setting, and topics such as the Spirit, the opponents, Paul’s theology, and the Resurrection.

Contents

Top Highlights

“In light of the context, Paul has urged the Corinthians to open wide their hearts (6:13). Possibly the purpose of the passage is to remind the Corinthians not to open so wide their hearts as to permit illicit unions to enter in their lives. The sudden change of direction at this point is to show that opening wide to Paul does not allow for deviation from the narrow way of allegiance to his gospel. And this deviation would be in the form of close and consequential union with unbelievers.” (Page 361)

“Betz¹¹⁶³ also sees a meaning for ἄπιστοι, ‘unbelievers,’ other than relating to pagan nonbelievers.” (Page 361)

“The passage here functions as a conclusion to 5:1–10 as well as a transition to what follows (see Comment). Paul” (Page 275)

“There must have been considerable intermixing of races in its population, and this resulted in a variety of religious cults. Corinth’s chief shrine was the temple of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and life.⁶ In Corinth her cult appeared in a debased form, because of the admixture of certain oriental influences. This meant a low moral tone and sexual perversion in a possibly attested cult of sacred prostitution.” (Page 30)

“Acts 18:1–11 tells us that the church was formed as a result of Paul’s preaching in the local synagogue. Nonetheless, it is probably correct to assume that the preponderance of the church members were Gentile, converted to Christ from a pagan milieu.” (Pages 31–32)

Product Details

• Title: Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 40: 2 Corinthians (Second Edition)
• Author: Ralph P. Martin
• Edition: Second Edition
• Series: Word Biblical Commentary
• Volume: 40
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 2014
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 752
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. 2 Corinthians › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780310520252, 9781418507732, 0310520258, 1418507733
• Resource ID: LLS:WBC682NDED
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-19T00:30:21Z

About Ralph P. Martin

Ralph P. Martin (1925–2013) served as scholar-in-residence at several schools, including Fuller Theological Seminary, Haggard School of Theology, and Azusa Pacific University. He was a professor emeritus of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary and an associate professor in biblical studies at the University of Sheffield in England.

Martin earned degrees at University of London and King’s College. He has written several commentaries and books, including Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, the commentaries on 2 Corinthians in the Word Biblical Commentary series, and many more!