Power through Weakness
Paul's Understanding of the Christian Ministry in 2 Corinthians

An intriguing new interpretation of the paradox at the heart of Paul's understanding of his ministry.

Timothy B. Savage (Author)

9780521616188, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 2 December 2004

268 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.35 kg

"This is a book that will benefit scholar and minister alike." Eugene Hensell O.S.B., The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

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.

Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. Power through Weakness: the Background: 1. The social setting of first-century Corinth: an historical examination
2. The situation in the Corinthian church: a biblical analysis
Part II. Power through Weakness: the Meaning
3. The nature of the Christian ministry: the glory of Christ
4. The nature of the Christian ministry: the shame of the cross
5. The pattern of the Christian ministry: glory through shame
6. The pattern of the Christian ministry: power through weakness
Conclusion
Appendix
Select bibliography
Indexes.

Subject Areas: Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG]