Hafemann’s NIVAC volume is far more original than the series designation might suggest. Drawing on his specialist work on 2 Corinthians 2–3, he reads Paul’s apostolic suffering and apparent defeat as the very arena in which God displays the pattern of Christ’s death and resurrection. His controversial interpretation of the triumphal procession sees Paul as a defeated captive being led toward death rather than as a victorious participant, and his larger synthesis of new covenant, Spirit, weakness, glory and apostolic ministry is exceptionally fertile. Later arguments, particularly Guthrie’s alternative reading of the triumph imagery, pose serious challenges to some details, and Hafemann’s salvation-historical framework can become controlling. Yet the commentary remains one of the most original theological readings of 2 Corinthians.

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Nijay K. Gupta

July 5, 2019

Hafemann has become a leading expert in the area of “whole-Bible” biblical theology. This lay-level commentary packs a powerful theological punch for its modest size. [Full Review]

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John Glynn