2 Corinthians

I have become a collector of commentaries ever since my seminary days in the 1990s. As such, I am only going to recommend the best overall commentary for each book of the Bible on this site. In one's study of 2 Corinthians, start with Garland. You may not agree with everything he says, but he will make you think. I find his observations insightful and fresh. (Also, add to your library Roy Clements' "The Strength of Weakness).

In the previous post, I recommended owning Garland’s 1 Corinthians (BECNT) commentary; this would make a nice complement, albeit in a different series. It is less technical than the BECNT series, but still brings Garland’s characteristic theological insight and pastoral wisdom, along with trenchant exegetical analysis. This is almost always the first commentary I consult on 2 Corinthians for exegetical and theological matters. [Full Review]

For non-Greek users, this is probably the best option available. This series is specifically geared towards pastors, so the text is handled in preachable sized chunks, with specific attention to theological meaning of the text without getting into detailed analysis of the Greek text.

Garland’s commentary is widely praised. Jim Rosscup and D.A. Carson both agree that it is one of the best of the recent commentaries. Strangely, I could not find out a whole lot more than that! [Full Review]

Garland’s introduction to the letter argues for the unity of 2 Corinthians, although the details of that argument is the commentary itself. He finds a great deal more unity in the letter, and shows that the letter is better understood as we have it in the canonical form. The body of the commentary deals with the Greek via the English text (all Greek is transliterated). He does an exceptional job comparing Paul’s rhetorical style with Greco-Roman orators. Garland’s commentary is in dialogue with major commentaries, but the text is readable and useful for pastor or layman. [Full Review]

I will not add much new to what most reviewers have already said. This commentary is great. It needs to be on your shelf and used. Well written, well organized, well argued. Technical but still very understandable to the laymen. I learned a ton, journaled a ton, grew in my love for Jesus, and better understood what walking in the way of Jesus will mean for my own life.

An excellent commentary in the top ranks of the NAC. Insightful and engaging with good ties to biblical theology.

[Full Review]