2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness

Preaching the Word

by R. Kent Hughes

During Paul's ministry, Corinth was a newly rebuilt, bustling, important city in the Roman Empire. It was a place full of pride, individualism, wealth, and religious pluralism. No wonder its inhabitants held little regard for Paul's message! Sound familiar? Our contemporary culture has much in common with ancient Corinth. The relevance of this book to churches today is astounding. Paul delivers powerful theology that turns the values of the ancient Roman world upside-down-the grace of God, the centrality of the cross, and God's power made perfect in weakness. He challenges us to live counterculturally. In this commentary on 2 Corinthians, Pastor R. Kent Hughes carefully examines this letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, continuing to provide rich biblical insight for the body of Christ. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Reference

272 pages, Hardcover

First published February 2, 2006

About the author

R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and a visiting professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.

Reviews

[Todd Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kent Hughes. Well—his writings, at least. We’ve never met this side of eternity, but he encourages me every time I read him.

I don’t come to every conclusion he comes to but this was a worthy read—and I cannot fathom preaching through 2 Corinthians without it.

This volume is “full of grace and truth”!!

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hughes has put together a gospel-centered, scholarly responsible, and practically tangible commentary on the epistle into Paul’s heart. The central theme throughout the book is Christ’s power in our weakness. I found this freeing and refreshing in so many ways. Hughes also surprised me with his careful exposition grounded in Old Testament allusions throughout 2 Corinthians. Great book worth the time and money.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional preaching commentary here on Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. Hughes ties in historic academics and current insights to stir and encourage the reader in the gospel.

[Steve Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best commentary I've read so far. It's was my third in the PTW series and I read it alongside the M'cheyne bible reading plan. Kent provides great context and is able to get into Pauls head to drag out what the text was meant to be teaching. I learnt a lot. I started taking notes, but ended up underlining half the book. Will certainly be pulling this one out again. A few memorable/convicting quotes:

"For Paul, the church was central to Christian existence. He never concieved of Christians living apart from the visible church. Rather, Christians lived in such profound relationship that the pain of one was truely felt by all."

Prayer is indeed a mystery, but it is stressed over and over again in the New Testament as a vital prerequisite for the release and experience of Gods power.

God comforted Paul in ALL his afflictions, not some, all. Affliction is essential, it was the key to Pauls effective ministry

God can achieve his purpose through the absence of human power and resources, or the abandonment of reliance on them. All through history God has chosen and used nobodies, because their unusual dependence on him made possible the unique display of his power and grace. He chose and used somebodies only when they renounced dependence on their natural abilities and resources. Oswald Chambers

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hughes always has some good stories, but the treatment is generally not deep enough for my purposes.

[Stephen Willcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really have enjoyed this while series. they are a great commentary set for both pastors and laity.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this is almost like hearing Hughes' preaching voice, which is a good thing. Strong on the ministry and strength in weakness. It is not a critical commentary, but instead was a good devotional opening up of the book for the church.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on 2 Cor from a preacher's perspective

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of the Preaching the Word series. They are so helpful for diving into scripture and getting a lot out of my time with God.