Dr Savage seeks to understand the apostle Paul's apparently contradictory description of his ministry in 2 Corinthians as one in which power is manifested through weakness: 'When I am weak, then I am strong!' This paradox becomes intelligible when it is understood that Paul's critics were influenced by a perspective which was the exact opposite of his: they imbibed the self-exalting outlook of their contemporary world, while he embraced the self-emptying gospel of Christ. Drawing from archaeological data on first-century Corinth, this study is unique in establishing both the secular underpinnings of Paul's paradoxical language and the devastating critique which that language offers on the general outlook of the first century. Paul emerges as a radical foil to the spirit of the age.

An intriguing new interpretation of the paradox at the heart of Paul's understanding of his ministry.
Reviews
"This book is a masterful treatment of Paul's defense of his ministry in 2 Corinthians, a ministry that, ironically, though 'weak' in the eyes of the Corinthians, demonstrated the power of God." Roy Zuck, Bibliotheca Sacra
"This is a sensible book that seeks to explain the paradoxical language of the apostle Paul regarding the nature and character of his ministry in canonical 2 Corinthians....the exegetical portions of this volume make it worthy not only of reading but of study." Thomas Gillespie, Journal of Biblical Literature
"This is a book that will benefit scholar and minister alike." Eugene Hensell O.S.B., The Catholic Biblical Quarterly



Book Information
ISBN 9780521616188
Author Timothy B. Savage
Format Paperback
Page Count 268
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 350g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 17mm