Global Witness Through Weakness: Insights into Missionary Life and Ministry from Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians

by Joseph M. Lear

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2025

Overview

The apostle Paul is recognized as the paramount example of what it means to be a Christian missionary committed to the cause of Christ. In his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, we read of the struggles he endured in establishing the church in Corinth. These struggles gave rise to his expose of his own paradoxical life and ministry, based on his firm conviction that strength only comes through weakness. Paul, in his confessed weakness, poured out his life as a participant in the sufferings and death of the Savior. He believed that only in such participation would resurrection grace and power be released for the salvation of lost humanity. This letter is a powerful blueprint for missionary training institutes and sending agencies as they prepare, select, and send missionaries to the four corners of the earth.

Praise for Global Witness Through Weakness

“From the platform of a lifetime of sacrificial missionary service, Joseph Lear dives deep into the apostolic witness of Paul to bring out a crucial requisite of the kingdom’s advance. His exposition of 2 Corinthians makes a valuable contribution to the missiological literature that deserves the attention of the next generation of Gospel workers everywhere.”

—Joseph Castleberry, President Emeritus, Northwest University



“In this book, Joe Lear combines his deep understanding of God’s word with many years of fruitful work on various fields. His missiological insights are both profound and intensely practical as he considers the account of the master missionary, the apostle Paul, as recorded in 2 Corinthians. Lear carefully applies all this to the modern-day global worker. This book provides a comprehensive view of what it takes to do God’s work in today’s world.”

—Kevin E. Beery, Provost, Continental Theological Seminary



“I was both encouraged and challenged through this excellent work by my friend Joe Lear. One thing I know about Joe is he ‘walks the walk.’ I would consider this book an essential read for every missionary candidate, new missionary, or even a veteran missionary who simply needs some important refreshers for solid Christian service.”

—Don James, Superintendent, New Jersey Ministry Network

Product Details

• Title: Global Witness Through Weakness: Insights into Missionary Life and Ministry from Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians
• Author: Joseph M. Lear
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2025
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Pages: 230
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9798385245680, 9798385245666, 9798385245673
• Resource ID: LLS:9798385245680
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-23T00:31:54Z