Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A strong guide to 2 Corinthians that helps us preach the cross shaped nature of true ministry.

Publication Date(s): 2014

Pages: 535

ISBN: 978-0-8028-3739-4

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.7/10

We find consistent attention to the argument of the passage, with careful handling of context and a disciplined respect for what the text actually says.

Christ Centredness: 8.5/10

We are helped to keep Christ central in both doctrine and application, with connections that arise from the text rather than from habit or sentiment.

Depth of Insight: 8.6/10

We gain real help on interpretive decisions and theological themes, with sustained engagement that rewards careful study.

Clarity of Writing: 8.1/10

Clear structure and controlled prose make it workable for weekly preparation, even when the material is weighty.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.4/10

The exposition supports proclamation and shepherding, helping us press the truth home with realism and hope.

Readability: 7.7/10

Substantial in size, but readable in steady portions, and well suited to ongoing sermon work.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 535 pages
Type: Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Strength: Careful treatment of a complex letter with a clear theology of weakness and grace.
Limitation: The depth is excellent, but it can feel heavy if we are looking for brief notes.

We find Mark A. Seifrid reads 2 Corinthians with close attention to Paul’s theology of weakness and the shape of true ministry. He helps us follow a letter that can feel hard to track, and he brings out its unity and purpose.

Seifrid keeps the cross at the centre. He shows how suffering, integrity, and gospel hope shape both the preacher and the people.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching 2 Corinthians as Scripture for the church, not merely as background to Paul. Seifrid makes careful judgments, and he holds the theological line steady.

He is especially helpful when we are teaching on ministry motives, spiritual power, generosity, and perseverance. The application is not forced, because it arises from the letter’s burden.

For pastors in the ordinary pressures of ministry, this volume offers both truth and ballast.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong advanced commentary for preaching and teaching 2 Corinthians, especially when we want careful exegesis that strengthens conviction, humility, and endurance.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

Amazon Logos