Reading 2 Corinthians: A Literary and Theological Commentary (Reading the New Testament, 2nd Series)

For more than three decades, Jerry Sumney has been recognized as a savvy interpreter of 2 Corinthians, and especially of St. Paul’s vigorous confrontation with his opponents in that complex document. With this perceptive new commentary, Sumney has placed all students of St. Paul even more firmly in his debt.

—John T. Fitzgerald. Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity. University of Notre Dame

Jerry Sumney’s career of living with 2 Corinthians is evident in this excellent book. He incorporates a wide knowledge of ancient philosophy and rhetoric with attention to the flow of the argument of 2 Corinthians in a style that is accessible to a wide audience. He consistently exercises sound exegetical judgment as he examines the text and engages the opinions of other scholars. The book will be a useful resource for scholars, university students, and other study groups.

—James W. Thompson. Abilene Christian University

Jerry Sumney’s Reading 2nd Corinthians is a welcome addition to the vast literature on Paul’s Corinthian Correspondence. Offering careful, judicious commentary on the complex compositional issues in 2 Corinthians, Professor Sumney shows the rhetorical nuances of Paul’s approach to the conflicts he faces with the Corinthians, including the challenges to his apostolic leadership. Sumney recognizes that central to 2 Corinthians—those sections describing at length the nature of Paul’s ministry—are in many ways unparalleled in all of Paul.

—Efrain Agosto. Williams College