After spending eighteen months in Corinth helping to establish a church, the apostle Paul moved on in his mission to build more churches in Asia Minor. But back in Corinth, false teachers began to infiltrate the church, and they were intent on ruining Paul’s character and ministry. This threatened to separate and create chaos among this once-unified body.
Paul wrote this intensely personal and biographical letter to defend his ministry and integrity against the slanderous attacks. Like a seasoned attorney, he deals firmly with the false teachers and their followers by focusing primarily on Christ, while embracing his own weaknesses and imperfections. As a powerful reminder for struggling and maligned believers everywhere, Paul quotes the Savior: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
The MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God with guidance from John MacArthur.
John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
MacArthur is always worthy when preaching through a book. That said, I have continued to believe his books could be edited a tad more. It's obvious that these commentaries come almost directly from his preaching. This means every chapter has lengthier introductions than is necessary (just like his sermons). That said, there is much good here. I borrowed a number of quotes as I preached through 2 Corinthians.
I love the way the author formats the sections of scripture and the commentary notes in the paperback version of the book, but the Kindle version is hard to follow. Also, some of the questions were hard to respond to without using the MacArthur Study Bible with all of his notes. More summary and less questions would have been more helpful. I went through this study with an adult Sunday school class, and each chapter/section was hard to get through in just one hour. Would probably recommend allocating 90 minutes for each section/chapter if using this study in a small group setting.
Simple to use, love the questions throughout each chapter. Love the parallel scripture with the texts as well. I might need to buy some more of these commentaries on other books of the bible!
The MacArthur Bible Studies always help illuminate scripture, giving context and deeper meanings. The e-book had more type errors than other ones I’ve read. But, I would still recommend to anyone trying to grow their knowledge around scripture.
Years ago when I was young in my faith, I followed MacArthur on radio, through the "Lending Library", and studies. The most defining thing he said was "Scripture interprets Scripture". This book once again proves that to be true. He indeed is a God inspired teacher. I would recommend this and any of his other writings to both believers and nonbelievers. Everyone will learn something new in each chapter. I was reminded of things I had learned and forgot and I asked to learn something new each time I read, and God did not disappoint. Blessings
Anything in the MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series is worth the read, and this one was no exception. Though I had to borrow it from our pastor as it is not easy to get one's hands on in SA, it was worth it.
I only have a couple in this series in my library, but one, just one day, by the grace of God, I may have them all.