Strength in Weakness

To teach things simply you need to understand them profoundly, and that is certainly the case when it comes to the writing of this volume. With incisive observation, pastoral wisdom and careful attention to the original context, this will be a terrific help to you as you wrestle with this tear-stained letter.

—Jonathan Gemmell
Director of Conferences and Resources,
The Proclamation Trust

Written in small and accessible portions, this book is full of vitamin shots of God’s grace, shaping our understanding of the reality of the Christian life and life in community.

—Carmen Castillo
Sub-regional Coordinator,
Southern Cone, IFES Latin America

Every leader must be a person of integrity in all their relationships. I highly recommend this book by Jonathan Lamb, which addresses the challenge of upholding integrity and shows us how we can find strength in weakness through Christ.

—Rev Dr Patrick Fung
General Director, OMF International

In a very clear and faithful manner, without avoiding the scholarly debates, Jonathan Lamb opens the book of 2 Corinthians with such skillfulness and simplicity that its message comes alive today, stirring the mind, gripping the heart, and challenging the reader to godly living and authentic biblical ministry in an age of showmanship.

—Emeka Egbo
Associate Director for Africa, Langham Preaching

Jonathan Lamb’s commentary will be my “go to” resource for 2 Corinthians. The headings themselves are sermon outlines in waiting.

—Jeremy McQuoid, DMin
Teaching Pastor,
Deeside Christian Fellowship Church, Aberdeen, UK

Lamb brings his rich experience and personal study into this refreshing treatment of Paul’s very personal epistle. I strongly endorse this book – it should be on the desk of any serious Bible student or teacher of the word.

—CB Samuel
Theological Advisor, Micah Global
and the Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief

1. Welcome! Using This Book
2. Paul and the Corinthians
3. Section 1: Paul Explains His Actions – 2 Corinthians 1:1–2:11
1. Christian Relationships (1:1–2)
2. Comfort in Suffering (1:3–7)
1. Health and Wealth
3. God’s Deliverance (1:8–11)
4. Paul’s Faithfulness (1:12–22)
1. Paul’s Travel Plans
5. Tough Love (1:23–2:4)
1. Paul’s Letters to Corinth
6. Firmness and Forgiveness (2:5–11)
1. The Offender
4. Section 2: Paul Describes His Ministry – 2 Corinthians 2:12–7:16
1. Making Christ Known (2:12–17)
2. Sufficient Resources (3:1–6)
1. Paul’s Opponents
2. Covenant
3. Greater Glory (3:7–11)
4. An Open and Shut Case (3:12–18)
1. Glory
5. Realistic Ministry (4:1–6)
6. Life in Christ (4:7–15)
7. The Real World (4:16–18)
8. Our Future Home (5:1–5)
1. Resurrection
9. Our Eyes on the Horizon (5:6–10)
10. Motivation for Ministry (5:11–15)
1. Universalism
11. The Ministry of Reconciliation (5:16–21)
1. Atonement
12. Consistent Behaviour (6:1–13)
13. No Compromise (6:14–7:1)
14. A Deep Personal Involvement (7:2–5)
15. The Right Kind of Sorrow (7:6–16)
5. Section 3: Paul Appeals for Generosity – 2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15
1. Triangular Giving (8:1–5)
1. The Collection
2. Enough Is Enough (8:6–15)
3. Take Care (8:16–9:5)
4. Harvest Thanksgiving (9:6–15)
1. Tithing
6. Section 4: Paul Exerts His Authority – 2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14
1. True Authority (10:1–11)
2. The Unity of 2 Corinthians
3. The Real Reward (10:12–18)
4. True or False (11:1–15)
5. Something to Be Proud Of (11:16–33)
6. The Vision and the Thorn (12:1–10)
7. A True Apostle (12:11–19)
8. Be Prepared (12:20–13:10)
9. Final Encouragements (13:11–14)
1. 1. True Authority (10:1–11)
   1. The Unity of 2 Corinthians
   2. The Real Reward (10:12–18)
   3. True or False (11:1–15)
   4. Something to Be Proud Of (11:16–33)
   5. The Vision and the Thorn (12:1–10)
   6. A True Apostle (12:11–19)
   7. Be Prepared (12:20–13:10)
   8. Final Encouragements (13:11–14)