Ministry in the New Realm: A Theology of 2 Corinthians

by Dane C. Ortlund, Thomas R. Schreiner (Editor), Brian S. Rosner (Editor)

An Introduction to the Theology and Themes of 2 Corinthians by Dane C. Ortlund

Best known for its interpersonal, emotionally raw, and pastorally distressed tone, 2 Corinthians is one of Paul’s most distinctive epistles. In this letter to his complicated church in Corinth, Paul aims to expand on the deeply paradoxical nature of the Christian life. The importance of understanding this key doctrine makes 2 Corinthians an ideal study for believers today.

In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, bestselling author Dane Ortlund explores 2 Corinthians to reveal the core arguments presented by Paul. Through clear and engaging theological examinations, Ortlund expounds two predominant themes—inaugurated eschatology and strength through weakness—and connects various other motifs traced throughout this epistle. Readers will learn how Christ’s resurrection ushered in the new realm—one where life and ministry are flipped upside down, and God’s power is intertwined with human weakness. 

Part of the New Testament Theology  Other volumes include The Joy of Hearing; United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit; The Beginning of the Gospel; and more  Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More  Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople Written by Dane C.  Pastor and bestselling author of Gentle and The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers and  Real Change for Real Sinners

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) is chief publishing officer and Bible publisher at Crossway. He serves as an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Gentle and Lowly and Edwards on the Christian Life. He is an elder at Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. Dane lives with his wife, Stacey, and their five children in Wheaton, Illinois.

Reviews

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! I took my time on this one to let it simmer. Ortlund brings two of my favorite things together: 2 Corinthians and Inaugurated Eschatology. In his usual fashion, Dane seeks to bring the heart of Christ into every part of the book. Whether it’s his exploration of paradox, weakness as strength, or the hope of heaven, this book is one that will grow your mind and your heart.

[Brandon Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could be the best book I've read this year. (And that's saying a lot as I read Left Behind earlier this year).

My man Dane Ortlund nails it again with this one. He writes in such a pleasant way and I was thoroughly enjoying this the whole way through. He treats the text well and thoughtfully.

"JESUS IS HIMSELF THE END. There is nothing revealed to us in the purposes of God which does not have its fulfilment in Jesus Christ (2 Cor 1:20). All that the Old Testament believers looked forward to in the Day of the Lord finds its realisation in Jesus; the Passover (1 Cor 5:7), the Exodus (Luke 9 31), the Covenant (Matt 26:28), the Law (John 13:34, Rom 10:4), the Tabernacle (John 1:14), the bread from heaven (John 6:35), Canaan (1 Pet 1:4, Heb11:16), David (John 1:49), Jerusalem (Heb 12:22, Rev 21:10-14), the Temple (John 2:2, Acts 15:16). But Jesus not only concludes and fulfils the historical experience of old Israel, He fulfils also the more ancient history of creation. He is the last Adam (1 Cor 15:45), the first born of all creation (Col 1:15), who has already received the glory and dominion with which it was God's purpose to endow man (Heb 2:5-9). The End has therefore come in Jesus Christ. There is nothing whatever of all God's purposes of salvation which has not been fulfilled in him."

"We can live at peace now knowing that God will right all wrongs."

"What we long for in the afterlife has already in this life begun... ...heaven itself has taken root in the believer, though we still await the final completion of what has begun."

[Connor Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second reading:
I found this a much richer resource the second time through as I prepare to teach through 2 Corinthians.

“The overarching theological message of 2 Corinthians is this: in the new realm that was inaugurated when Jesus ascended and the Spirit descended, life and ministry are flipped upside down such that God’s strength interlocks not with human strength and sufficiency but with human weakness and pain.”

First reading:
This is a concise and helpful summary of the major themes running through Ortlund’s commentary on 2 Corinthians in the ESVEC series, which I have greatly profited from. I enjoyed this book less than I thought I would given my previous exposure to his commentary.

[Randy Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a profound and impactful book (not a commentary per se) on the New Testament letter 2 Corinthians. Ortlund does a great job unwinding Paul ‘s themes here, primary the Christian concept of strength through weakness, a completely counterculture message to say the least! His other major point is how Christ’s resurrection ushered in the “New Realm” (inaugurated eschatology) where the ways of the old realm is flipped upside down, ie strength through weakness, blessing through suffering, joy through pain, etc etc. These and many other insights are presented in simple not overly academical language.

[Collin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Ortlund articulated well the themes of 2 Corinthians and was very edifying in doing so. This has already proved to be very helpful in my study of this book.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a book of the Bible that is sometimes difficult to interpret, Ortlund identifies some prominent and unifying themes.

In particular, he refers to "inaugurated eschatology" as a foundational concept - the new age resulting from Christ's work and the Spirit's presence. moreover, he identifies the theme of power operating through weakness in the ministry of Paul, following that of Christ.

I somewhat disagree with him about reconciliation in this book. he says that it's not a main theme, but I believe it is an essential and underlying theme of the whole book. much of this letter was written with the aim of reconciling with the church of corinth, in light of the reconciliation that God offers us and calls us to preach.

Overall, he presents this new realm as the land we travel in as we read this book, and strength through weakness as the pathway through it.

[Ben Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing read.

This book has really unlocked the riches of 2 Corinthians for me; would highly recommend. The central thesis is two fold- we are, because of union with Christ, already in the age to come. And second, that will feel like weakness and death now; until resurrection consummation later.

The pastoral insights of that are immense. Ministry and being a Christian feels weak. Sin is ever present, our words feel weak, our ministry feels weak, the outcomes feel weak; and it seems no matter what we do those problems never lessen.

But the stunning contribution of 2 Corinthians is that is not a bug but a feature. It is in the weakness of Christian men and woman that God works- not in their strength. God meets us in weakness.

Perhaps the verse that captures the theology of the book most clearly is 2 Cor. 12:10-

[10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (ESV)

The word content is the same word that the Father used to describe His delight in His Son. So it is more than a simple acceptance; but Paul DELIGHTS in weakness, persecutions, hardships- because it is in those that Christ, the crucified King, draws near.

Reflections abound, and I would have loved more thought on how this might practically work itself out in ministry/Christian walk. But certainly, it is deeply reassuring to comprehend that our ministry is not supposed to look powerful to the world.

I'm really looking forward to studying 2 Corinthians more.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and readable volume for understanding the big picture of 2 Corinthians. Especially the chapters on "inaugurated eschatology" and "strength through weakness." Ortlund is definitely a conservative calvinist... Which he manages to work into various sections. Luckily this isn't too distracting. Definitely helpful for any preacher, teacher, Bible study leader or regular person who is engaging with this underrated epistle of Paul's.

[Luke Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely helpful title in getting an overview of the key theological themes (and general themes) of 2 Corinthians. I very much appreciated the approach and content as it provided an excellent starting point for a study of the letter specifically, to know of these key factors. The author is clear in tone and style, and pastorally helpful.

[Peyton Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great read from Dane Ortlund once again. He beautifully exposits the themes of inaugurated eschatology and “strength through weakness” that I now see clearly in this letter. Would recommend to anyone wanting to dive deep into 2nd Corinthians!

[Bradley Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!! If you are trying to wrap your mind around the key themes of 2 Corinthians and how it impacts the Christians life- this will be an amazing resource.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summary of the theology of 2 Corinthians

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this brief theological overview of 2 Corinthians. Would be a great resource if I ever preach through this book.