Reviews

"The reading of this commentary is made easier by extra additions to the comments on the paragraphs of 2 Corinthians. Collins provides fifteen different pictures within the work. . . . There are also maps. . . . These add greater interest to the student of 2 Corinthians. Also aiding the reader are many informative sidebars. . . . There are many aspects that make this volume accessible to those with an undergraduate or master's-level education. The commentary does not focus on technical language or things that would interest scholars alone. All Hebrew and Greek words are transliterated. . . . Collins also writes in a clear and understandable manner. . . . [This work] provides in a concise and accessible manner a great amount of exposition on 2 Corinthians. It will benefit pastors and teachers who are looking for the main theological ideas of Paul's writing within 2 Corinthians."

H. H. Drake Williams III,

Review of Biblical Literature

"Paideia commentaries aim to instruct contemporary student readers with 'basic grounding in academic New Testament' studies as well as emphasize scripture as literary texts formed by educational ideas (such as rhetoric) along with shaping the moral and theological outlook of the readers. In this regard, Raymond Collins's commentary on 2 Corinthians will not disappoint. It is user-friendly, addresses theological issues at the end of each chapter, and contains many information boxes that comment on the structure of the text, relevant topics, word translations, and rhetorical features Paul may be using."

B. J. Oropeza,

Review of Biblical Literature

"One of the remarkable features of this commentary is Collins's gift for portraying quite vividly the historical realities of Paul. . . . For serious non-academic readers, Collins grants access to a close reading of the rhetorical forms at work in 2 Corinthians, to the Greek text, and to a masterful understanding of Paul's theology. The layout of the volume, with highlighted discussions of theological terms and rhetorical strategies, enhances its ability to provide the reader with tools required for engagement with even the most difficult passages of 2 Corinthians. Ministerial students often ask me which books they should consider buying for their permanent libraries as guides for teaching and preaching. This is definitely one such book."

Jane Lancaster Patterson,

Interpretation

"[Collins] writes in a clear and engaging style, which is a pleasure to read. . . . The presentation of the commentary is enhanced by numerous text boxes. . . . Collins frequently places Paul's words in context alongside the ideas of ancient authors, both Jewish and non-Jewish, and the text is supplemented with well-chosen photos. . . . The exegesis is insightful and well informed. As a wide-ranging, fair, and reliable introduction to the text of 2 Corinthians, this commentary comes highly recommended."

Philip Richardson,

Religious Studies Review

"The numerous sidebars provide helpful supplementary information on textual, literary, cultural, and thematic issues and quotations from the Church Fathers and other ancient authors. . . . Throughout the volume Collins keeps the reader well informed about literary methods Paul uses. It is worth saying a word about Collins's own style. His occasional informality lends a lively tone that keeps the reader engaged. . . . This commentary will serve as a sure guide for those seeking to explore 2 Corinthians. The reader will benefit significantly from Collins's vast scholarship as well as his insight into Paul's world, literary approach, and theology."

John Gillman,

Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"The Paideia Commentary series has established itself as a solid series of concise works that focus on the final form of the biblical text, highlighting narrative flow, rhetorical devices and structure, and commenting particularly on relevant historical background and theological significance. . . . I find extremely little with which to disagree throughout Collins' fine work. . . . [A] theologically rich and exegetically persuasive commentary. I did not even notice a typographical mistake anywhere, a true rarity in today's fast-paced world of digital publishing. . . . [This volume] belongs on anyone's list of key up-to-date, reliable commentaries on this enigmatic but richly rewarding New Testament epistle."

Craig L. Blomberg,

Denver Journal

"The goal of this commentary series is to provide serious students of the New Testament and pastors an exposition of the biblical books that is both well-informed about the original context and meaning of the Scripture and also addresses its meaning for today. This commentary focuses on one of the most personal and theologically challenging of Paul's letters. Collins, a veteran Catholic biblical scholar, provides an informative introduction to the letter and its critical questions and then, in the standard format of the series, provides a section-by-section commentary on the text."

Donald Senior, CP,

The Bible Today

"[Collins's] exposition allows tricky parts of the text to sound easy to comprehend, and he provides an impressive amount of information while still making it accessible and readable. . . . Graphics and sidebars are plentiful in this commentary, which is perhaps the best feature that sets it apart from other volumes on 2 Corinthians. . . . The sidebars help bring less advanced students up to speed. . . . Meanwhile, the boxes drawing parallels between 2 Corinthians and other primary sources inspire advanced research on the part of more expert readers. . . . This commentary does an excellent job of introducing the relevance of these sources for biblical literature studies. Collis is furthermore to be commended on his balanced use of both Greco-Roman and Jewish backgrounds for the understanding of 2 Corinthians."

Ruth Whiteford,

Trinity Journal

Praise for the Paideia series

"The Paideia commentary series has established itself as a solid series of concise works that focus on the final form of the biblical text, highlighting narrative flow, rhetorical devices and structure, and commenting particularly on relevant historical background and theological significance."

Craig L. Blomberg,

Denver Journal

"[I] continue to be impressed by the contributors' skill in combining academic rigor with accessibility. . . . The [series] authors . . . combine historical and linguistic analysis with theological reflection, which makes these commentaries useful for those interested in bridging the gap between the ancient world and contemporary Christianity (seminarians, clergy). . . . Frequent inserts with asides [offer] additional explanations or attempts to relate ancient texts to contemporary issues."

Michael Gilmour,

Catholic Biblical Quarterly