Paul for Everyone: 2 Corinthians

New Testament For Everyone #12

by Tom Wright, N.T. Wright

Making use of his scholar's understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright helps us to understand from the beginning of the second letter to the Corinthians that something unexplained yet terrible has happened. We feel the pain of Paul from the very opening lines as he confronts dreadful issues of sorrow and hurt, emerging with a clearer picture of what it meant to say that Jesus himself suffered for us and rose up in triumph. The letter itself moves through tragedy and from there leads into the sunlight.

Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion, with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ISBN 0664227929 here.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Reference, Biblical Studies, Religion, New Testament, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

He also publishes under N.T. Wright.

Reviews

[Brady Kronmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth had revealed to Paul that the coming of God’s kingdom had happened at last, though not at all, in the way he had imagined…To say that death is anything other than an enemy is to deny the goodness, beauty and power of God’s good creation. And the point of resurrection is that it is the defeat of death. It is not a way of saying that death isn’t so bad after all.”

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

wise commentary

helpful commentary on an important letter. Wright serves us with this. accessible and rich for all levels of study within thenchurch.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide to this sometimes confusing letter. A beautifully balanced combination of history and contemporary reflection. Will be helpful for those wanting a good devotional study, or who are preparing Bible studies and sermons. Less ideal for academic work.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

N.T. Wright is one of todays most prominent New Testament scholars. He is also a leader in church ministry with a pastor’s heart, and this series is specifically written for laypeople (folks without any particular theological education). It is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to dig deeper into the Bible.

This volume on 2 Corinthians was very helpful to me . It provided a lot of insights into the possible conflict between Paul and the Corinthian church. The main thing I am taking away from this commentary is Paul’s determination to continue in fellowship and the work of the gospel despite any in all conflict. Because Jesus persisted in love and showed power through weakness, Paul forges ahead and urges his friends in Corinth to do the same.

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good overview of a pastoral letter that covers the full range of emotions that a person’s letter could include. N. T. Wright covers the basics of the background needed to understand what Paul is writing about—particularly, the history of Paul and the church in Corinth, and the cultural influence of the Sophists and Stoics. As usual in this series, the focus is always on the big picture and the main point, rather than getting lost in tangential questions that have no clear, definite answer (and there are a number of points in this letter where we could wish we had just a bit more information from Paul).

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading through II Corinthians, taking my time, studying it deeply over a period of several months. Reading through N.T. Wright's commentary on II Corinthians has been a super way to end my study. I have a much greater understanding of this book now because of his clear explanations. I like how Rev Wright starts each section with a real-life example so that we can understand what Paul was talking about in that section of the book.

[Joe Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little series of commentaries is the perfect companion for your daily Bible study. N.T. Wright is brilliant, but these are written in short bursts to help you navigate the text in a timely, yet scholarly manner. Loved this one on 2 Corinthians!

[Robert Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good commentary

I have found the book of 2 Corinthians to be somewhat challenging due to the need to be aware of the context that isn't too obvious. Wright is able to explain the cultural dynamics at play, and relate them to the struggles being experienced by the church

[John Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The loneliness, joy and pain of Christian ministry

. N.T. Wright shares the heart of Paul as he ministers to this beloved church. As you minister today, you will find correlations that will help you in your journey!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate The New Testament for everyone series. Each of these books breaks down the scriptures with commentary that explain concepts and historical significance. Highly recommend this series!

[Wesley Frizzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy recommendation for daily reading of the New Testament.

[Fr. Thomas Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful resource. Good scholarship, helpful application, and extremely lay-friendly. Used this for a Bible Study with my parish (have also used his "Hebrews for Everyone").

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Corinthians is an under-explored book in the church, and certainly in my own reading of scripture. Wright does a pretty good job of helping explain and understand the letter.

[Jeffrey N. Hora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing and clear.

[Jose Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

These types of books are the best biblical commentary. Deep concepts in simple language.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to challenge my thinking through Wright's fascinating writing

[Matt Maples · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like these commentaries by N.T. Wright. They are short, easy to digest, and they get straight to the punch. If you need a short, solid take on 2 Corinthians then check this book out.

[Zoe]

This was great, I particularly enjoyed NT Wrights uses of analogies at the beginning of each commentary section!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Mr. Wright shows himself at his best when he puts a New Testament book into its original context. In this much shorter examination of the apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, Mr. Wright plays to his strengths by bringing to the forefront the first-century Jewish and Gentile cultures in which this letter was originally written in as well as some of the backstory too. A close reading of 2 Corinthians reveals that Paul had had a stressful time during his last visit to Corinth, which happened after the writing of 1 Corinthians and before the persecutions he faced in Ephesus as described in Acts 19. Some of his sadness and anxiety from this time comes out in 2 Corinthians and it is Mr. Wright's great gift to bring that out along with the controversies that were still swirling around the Corinthian church, although 2 Corinthians makes clear that they had made some progress. As per usual, Mr. Wright uses his own stories and analogies to highlight his particular points and they are hit-and-miss. However, the brevity of this work, at about 150 pages in its main narrative, makes this one of the easiest commentaries to pick up. I highly recommend this along with Mr. Wright's commentary on 1 Corinthians to anyone who is interested in going deeper into these two fascinating letters.

[Stephen Willcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent layperson commentary. thoroughly loved reading it and will likely get the others commentaries in this series.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to read anything by N.T. Wright that is not filled with deep insight into both ancient and contemporary Christianity. This volume continues that tradition. One of St. Paul's most intimate letters, Wright takes one on a journey of deep and profound understanding of God's grace manifested in Jesus Christ, and called forth to be revealed in each one of us in our daily lives as the body of Christ today. Issues of forgiveness and grace, both revealed and now possible, run throughout the letter, inspiring the Church today to be so much more than we are today. Both challenging and inspiring, this daily devotional resource is a gem. I highly recommend to any and all.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy Tom Wright's "Everyone" series of Biblical commentaries. They are written in such layman's language that they make some of the most challenging passages digestible and provide clarity as to their meaning.

I particularly enjoy how Tom grabs an analogy from his own life to relate to the particular passage being analysed. This makes the passage far more comprehendible and meaningful.

I'd encourage anyone tackling Corinthians to use these commentaries for reference.

[David Holford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Useful Accessible Introduction

As always, the For Everyone series lives up to the billing. As Wright notes, except for a few verses plucked out of the early chapters, 2 Corinthians is not a popular book for Bible studies. Wright opens up the heavier later chapters as easily as the early ones and brings out practical applications and insights in his easy anecdotal style.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read one from this series in awhile, and I have to say it reminded me why I stopped using them. While I think NT Wright is a great author and have enjoyed some of his books, I found the points he was making in this a bit unclear and not very applicable. It just wasn't what I'm after in a devotional. I'm sure others will find it much more helpful but I don't think this series is for me.

[Kyle McFerren · Rating 4 out of 5]

(2nd time reading)

This isn't N.T. Wright's strongest volume in this series, but it's still pretty solid. I especially enjoyed his treatment of "the aroma of Christ" passage, as well as his discussion of how weakness and power come together in the Christian life.

[Wilhelmina Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Corinthians is a tough nut to crack, but it is filled with very good things when you do. Wright's commentaries are always great.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wright does an fine job opening up this book, highlighting especially ministry (calling it 'the' pastoral epistle) and the Christian's identity in Christ. Excellent devotional commentary.

[Alan Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful.

I have enjoyed reading this book. It is an easy read but most people will gain new insights from it. Recommended.

[J Grimsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting Read