Evaluation
Overall Score: 8.4/10
A thoughtful, well-shaped exposition that opens up Paul’s pastoral heart with clarity and balance.
Summary
At a Glance
- Length
- 576 pages
- Type
- Expositional, Expository (Mid-Level)
- Theo. Perspective
- Reformed
- Overall score
- 8.4 / 10
- Strength
- Draws out the pastoral and emotional contours of 2 Corinthians with clarity and theological sensitivity.
- Limitation
- Lacks deeper engagement with advanced textual questions and scholarly debates around the letter’s structure.
Simon J. Kistemaker’s commentary on 2 Corinthians (Baker Book House, 1997) is part of the respected Hendriksen–Kistemaker New Testament Commentary series. It provides a verse-by-verse exposition of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, written from a Reformed evangelical perspective, aimed at pastors, Bible teachers and serious students seeking dependable help for preaching and study.
The commentary follows the text closely, offering translation notes, structural commentary, theological reflection and practical application. Kistemaker interacts with the Greek text lightly and focusses on the interplay of divine sovereignty, Christian ministry and the life of the church as Paul reflects on his apostolic identity, suffering, reconciliation and hope in Christ.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We commend this volume for its strong theological grounding. Kistemaker treats the epistle as authentic, inspired Scripture and highlights key themes such as reconciliation in Christ, the ministry of the new covenant, the believer’s earthly weakness and heavenly glory. His treatment of chapters such as 4–5 and 12 is thoughtful and pastorally sensitive, helping the reader navigate issues of divine strength in weakness and the call to live by faith while awaiting the eternal.
In practical ministry terms, the commentary is particularly useful for those handling difficult passages on suffering, apostolic authority, church division, and the real-life outworking of the gospel. Kistemaker offers helpful section introductions, clear structure and frequent application sections that draw the text into congregational life. While it is not the most critically intensive work in the field, it makes up for this in clarity and ministry-focus.
Moreover, the accessible style means the book works well as a working tool in sermon preparation and teaching. The reader is not overwhelmed by heavy technical apparatus but still benefits from sound exegesis and theological reflection rooted in the Reformed tradition.
Closing Recommendation
We wholeheartedly recommend this commentary to pastors, elders and serious students operating in a Reformed evangelical context who wish to preach or teach 2 Corinthians with confidence. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a dependable, ministry-oriented commentary that marries sound doctrine with faithful exposition.
For those requiring the latest scholarship in Greek linguistics or the most advanced critical interaction, this may be supplemented by more technical resources—but as a core ministry companion this Kistemaker volume remains thoroughly valuable.
Classification
- Level: Mid-level
- Best For: Busy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-training
- Priority: Strong recommendation