The essence of Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth is summarised in the expression "changed from glory to glory". (2 Co 3:18) The entire letter is, in one way or another, a description of what that transformation means and how it is achieved for us in Christ. May that be your experience as you read the following pages, and especially as you search the scriptures, to which I will constantly draw your attention.
And one further explanation. You may wonder why there is no comment in this book upon several significant passages contained in 2 Corinthians? The reason is simple: I have already expounded those verses in other books. Then again, if you discover in this book things that you have read in one or more of my other books, you may wonder about the repetition. That too is simply explained. I felt the material was too significant to be omitted. And it seldom does us any harm to be reminded even of what we already know!
Perhaps the greatest orator the church has ever known was John, Archbishop of Constantinople, who flourished during the latter part of the 4th century. He is today called "Chrysostom" – a Greek word that means "the golden-voice". It is said that he could make his vast congregation roar with laughter one moment and convulse with tears the next. On one occasion, he preached so eloquently against people who applauded his sermons that he received a standing ovation!
His style of preaching followed a consistent pattern. He would start with a text, or a passage of scripture, and begin to expound it carefully and sequentially. But then, in the middle of his exposition, a thought would enflame his soul, stir his imagination, and rouse him to glorious eloquence. He would then roam far and wide, developing this thought in manifold and amazing ways. Even after many centuries, and often dull translation, his sermons still ring with passion and conviction.
Martin Luther (the great 16th century German Reformer), in his writings, followed much the same pattern. He begins with a text, expounds it, but then wanders to all parts of the Bible seeking explanation and illustration - in a word, treasures!
Why do I mention Chrysostom and Luther? Simply to justify my style in this present book! It is not a sequential commentary on Corinthians. On the contrary, following the wonderful example of the great men just mentioned, I too begin with an idea from the letter, then travel throughout the Bible finding ways to explain and apply that idea.
Of course, I make no claim to their greatness; but I am not embarrassed by following their pattern. Indeed, I had thought to begin this introduction with the cry of the patriarch –
Would that my words might be written down, that they might be engraved in an inscription, incised with an iron tool and filled with lead, carved in rock as a witness! (Jb 19:23-24, WEB)
But that seemed too much like claiming a level of inspiration akin to the divine, to which I have not the smallest pre-tension. But I do hope the words you will find here are worth reading and remembering and will be life changing. Even more, may the scriptures, whose ambassadors they are, truly capture your heart and mind, and, if your steps have become hesitant, propel you irresistibly onward to Paradise!
Perhaps a more useful quotation is this, from Proverbs –
One has joy from an apt response; a word in season, how good it is! (15:23, NABRE)
For it is indeed my prayer that you will find in these pages useful expositions and applications of scripture, but even more, that reading in the providence of God you will find many a "word in season" – that is, may the book truly speak to you in your present situation and possible need.
