Theologians have not often mined 2 Corinthians for its theological gemstones, but careful reading uncovers significant doctrinal insights. It is not just an occasional letter that battles those inside and outside of the congregation who have belittled Paul for lacking power and glory. He writes as a pastor dousing the flames of dissension, disgruntlement, toxic leadership, and deviant theology.

Therefore, what he says can be meaningful to ministers today who may face the same kinds of problems and seek to live a cruciform ministry. The letter has relevance for the church universal, and Paul's responses to the various issues are grounded in a well-developed theological substructure. The letter offers profound insights into the Trinity, atonement, reconciliation, being in Christ, cruciform ministry, and the hope of the resurrection.

David E. Garland (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor emeritus of Christian Scriptures George W. Truett Seminary, Baylor University. He is the author of A Theology of Mark’s Gospel and has written commentaries on each of the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, Romans, both Corinthian epistles, Colossians, and Philemon. He also serves as the New Testament editor for the revised Expositor's Bible Commentary. Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, University of Durham) is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. He is the author of several academic books including 1-2 Thessalonians (ZCINT), Paul and the Language of Faith, 15 New Testament Words of Life and has published commentaries on Colossians, Philippians, and Galatians. He is co-editor of The State of New Testament Studies and the second edition of Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.