The Theology of the Second Letter to the Corinthians [Paperback]

Experienced New Testament scholar Father Murphy-O'Conner provides background to the dialogue of Paul's Second letter.In addition to depicting a particularly accessible picture of the distinctive theological contribution made by 2 Corinthians, this analysis provides new insights into the relation of Christ to the ministry of the Church.In addition to depicting a particularly accessible picture of the distinctive theological contribution made by 2 Corinthians, this analysis provides new insights into the relation of Christ to the ministry of the Church.The resonances in the dialogue of Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians are difficult to detect unless the reader has some knowledge of the social, religious, and economic situation of the community to which the apostle was writing. In this lucid and clear survey, Father Murphy-O'Connor attempts to provide such background information, which he integrates skillfully into a flowing exposition of Paul's thought. St. Paul's theology thus comes to life as the complex interplay of factors that prompted him to write as he did to the Corinthians are examined and explored. In addition to providing a particularly accessible picture of the distinctive theological contribution made by 2 Corinthians, the author's book prompts new insights into the relation of Christ to the ministry of the Church.Part I. Introduction: 1. Life in Corinth; 2. The background of 2 Corinthians; Part II. The Letters: 3. Clearing up misunderstandings (1:1-2:13); 4. Authentic ministry (2:14-6:10); 5. Relations with Corinth (6:11-7:16); 6. The collection for Jerusalem (8:1 - 9:15); 7. What went wrong at Corinth?; 8. Paul takes the offensive (10:1-18); 9. The fool's speech (11:1-12:13); 10. A warning prepares a visit (12:4-13:13); Part III. Then and Now: 11. 2 Corinthians and the New Testament; 12. The significance of 2 Corinthians for today; Suggestions for further reading; Footnotes; Index. They are very useful volumes produced in the best tradition of l³&