Table of Contents

Series Editors' Preface
Preface and Acknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Setting the Scene
2. The Social Identity Approach to Leadership
Commentary Part A: 2 CORINTHIANS 1-7: PAUL RE-ESTABLISHES HIS LEADERSHIP
3. Reconnecting with the Corinthians (1.1-22)
4. Paul Explains Himself to the Corinthians (1.23-2.13)
5. Pauline Leadership and the New Covenant (2.14-3.18)
6. The Signs, Trials and Triumph of Leadership (4.1-15)
7. The Future Destiny of Christ-followers (4.16-5.10)
8. The Foundation and Exercise of Pauline Leadership (5.11-6.2)
9. Leadership and Ingroup Identity(6.3-7.4)
10. Paul, Titus and the Corinthians (7.5-16)
Commentary: Part B: 2: Corinthians 8-9: The Collection
11. The Collection (2 Corinthians 8-9): Introductory Issues
12. The Collection (2 Corinthians 8-9)
Commentary: Part C: 2 Corinthians 10-13: Paul Defends His Leadership Against His Opponents And Stiffens The Corinthians’ Identity In Christ
13. Paul’s Opponents and His Response in a Social Identity Perspective
14. Paul’s Assertion of His Leadership Against the Claims of His Opponents (2 Corinthians 10)
15. Claiming Honour as a Fool (2 Corinthians 11)
16. Paul’s Vision and His Impending Visit to Corinth (2 Corinthians 12)
17.Confrontation in Corinth and Conclusion (2 Corinthians 13)
References
Index of Authors
Index of Ancient and Biblical References

Promotional Information

Philip Esler provides a commentary on Paul's second letter to the Corinthians considering it from the perspective of social identity theory

About the Author

Philip F. Esler is Portland Chair in New Testament Studies at the University of Gloucestershire, UK.

Reviews

While "social identity" is the underlying guiding focus, Esler's commentary provides a well-informed and illuminating analysis of the letter as a whole and the rich Pauline theology it expresses.
*The Bible Today*

Philip Esler’s 2 Corinthians: A Social Identity Commentary is not only a careful and sensitive reading of a very difficult and complex Pauline letter, but is effectively a primer for Social Identity Theory, illustrating what new insights SIT has to contribute to understanding the interactions between the Corinthian Christ group and its prototypical values on the one hand, and Paul’s role as an exemplar and entrepreneur on the other. Esler engages an impressive array of exegetical and theoretical issues, and yet produces a clear and readable commentary.
*John S. Kloppenborg, University of Toronto, Canada*

This is an excellent resource that will appeal to those interested in the application of social identity theory in reading the New Testament. In addition, it is also an extremely helpful commentary that not only complements the plethora of traditional commentaries but also provides fresh insights in reading 2 Corinthians from the lens of leadership gleaned from social identity theory.
*RBL*