Summary
We find Scott J. Hafemann’s 2 Corinthians in the NIV Application Commentary series a strong help for hearing Paul’s heart, and for tracing the logic of gospel shaped ministry under pressure. He keeps the letter’s emotional intensity tied to its theological purpose, and he helps us read the whole argument rather than treating it as scattered fragments.
The commentary is especially alert to themes of weakness, comfort, integrity, and the new covenant, which makes it well suited to pastors handling hard passages in public ministry.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We should own this commentary when we need help preaching 2 Corinthians with honesty and steadiness. Hafemann helps us see how Paul defends his ministry without self promotion, because the gospel itself is at stake, and because Christ’s power is displayed in weakness.
We also benefit from the careful application. It does not turn Paul into a motivational speaker. It keeps us close to the text, then pushes us to examine our instincts about success, comfort, and reputation in ministry and church life.
For our preaching and leadership, it supports a tone that is both firm and tender, shaped by the comfort of God and the fear of the Lord.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this as a strong mid level commentary for preaching and teaching 2 Corinthians, especially for pastors working through ministry tensions, suffering, and contested leadership. Pair it with a technical work if you want deeper engagement with scholarly debate.
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.
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Scott J. Hafemann
Scott J. Hafemann is an American New Testament scholar of the contemporary era, writing within evangelical scholarship with strong interest in biblical theology.
He is best known for work on 2 Corinthians, where he helps pastors follow Paul’s defence of his ministry and his theology of suffering and weakness. Hafemann brings clarity to the letter’s argument, showing how the cross shapes apostolic ministry, Christian endurance, and the church’s understanding of power.
He remains valued because he is serious about the text and serious about the church, and he helps preachers apply hard passages without softening Paul’s edge. Recommended titles include 2 Corinthians in the NIV Application Commentary, his work on Pauline theology, and his writing on the new covenant and ministry shaped by the cross.
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical