Ministry in the New Realm: A Theology of 2 Corinthians (Ortland)

Best known for its interpersonal, emotionally raw, and pastorally distressed tone, 2 Corinthians is one of Paul’s most distinctive epistles. In this letter to his complicated church in Corinth, Paul aims to expand on the deeply paradoxical nature of the Christian life. The importance of understanding this key doctrine makes 2 Corinthians an ideal study for believers today. 

In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, bestselling author Dane Ortlund explores 2 Corinthians to reveal the core arguments presented by Paul. Through clear and engaging theological examinations, Ortlund expounds two predominant themes—inaugurated eschatology and strength through weakness—and connects various other motifs traced throughout this epistle. Readers will learn how Christ’s resurrection ushered in the new realm—one where life and ministry are flipped upside down, and God’s power is intertwined with human weakness. 

Author

Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is the author of Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers and Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners. Dane and his wife, Stacey, have five children.

Endorsements

“I have twice worked through 2 Corinthians with Dane Ortlund’s marvelous commentary and benefited enormously. Now this volume distills the insights of that exegetical work. Weakness, deprivation, loss, exclusion—things the world sees as curses—will, if met with faith in Christ, turn out to be blessings. God’s power generally comes to us through our weakness. Ortlund unfolds the implications of this radical, counterintuitive, and countercultural message in ways that are deeply provocative but also profoundly comforting.”
Tim Keller, Founding Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City; Cofounder, Redeemer City to City

“Most Christians think they know the theology of the apostle Paul. But few, I fear, know Paul himself. I have always believed that the best way to discover the heart of this man is by reading and reflecting on 2 Corinthians and the way in which the dawning of the new age transformed this formerly angry Pharisee into the apostle of Jesus Christ. This epistle, to the surprise of many, is my favorite New Testament book. Dane Ortlund’s excellent unpacking of its theology only confirms my esteem. If you’ve never immersed yourself in 2 Corinthians, this short treatment of its primary focus is the place to begin. I trust it will lead you to take a deep dive into the way in which the gospel enabled Paul to find strength in the midst of weakness, peace in the midst of conflict, and hope in the face of constant opposition.”
Sam Storms, Founder and President, Enjoying God Ministries