2 Corinthians

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding for NIVAC
Review: Dr. Hafemann's Second Corinthians is an unmatched source for understanding Paul's letter. The biggest strength of Hafemann's ministry is that it is led first and foremost by his desire to build up the followers of Christ, a goal he achieves through the teaching and preaching of the Word of God. Dr. Hafemann makes no apology towards his assurance that the promises of God are real and eternally relevant for everyone.

Hafemann brings a wealth of resources to the text of second Corinthians. He has a solid theological understanding of the WHOLE bible, with special emphasis on those sections which form the backdrop to Paul's letter. He has a fluent understanding of the original languages of both the Old and New Testament, elaborating on many of the areas where the English translation is not clear. Finally, Hafemann shows a true mastery of the text of Second Corinthians, a letter he has examined critically in two of his earlier books as well as his dissertation.

Some of the highlights I found were the unpacking of:

**Paul explanation that his suffering validates his true ministry in the Spirit, and that it is through this suffering that God is mediating the gospel to the Corinthians. **Paul's comparison of his call with the call of Moses, and his subsequent comparison of their respective ministries. **Paul's understanding that a life of faith and a life of persevering in obedience are one and the same thing.

Zondervan's hardcover binding and acid free paper insures this book will last the test of time. Its stiff pages, however, make it difficult to lay open. This is an especially annoying problem if your trying to take down some McDonald's fries while you read it :)

This commentary has been an invaluable resource in my own life. I confidently recommend it to anyone who wishes a solid understanding of Paul's view of his ministry and that of the gospel as a whole.

Pete Richert

[e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding for NIVAC
Review: Hafemann's commentary is probably the best in the whole NIVAC series. His exegesis, while not detailed, is solid and insightful. This commentary has some really excellent theology, and some fine application as well. Given the stated aim of this series, Hafemman's commentary is first rate. Of course, it is not as detailed as Furnish, Barnett or Garland, but it does capture the flow and thrust of the letter better than most. I was impressed by its numerous insights. As for those who are worried about his theology of justification, I really can't see the problem with insisting that we are justified by faith alone, but that faith always includes works (including repentence!) within itself. No magisterial Reformer ever denied the necessity of works as a part of faith, they denied that works apart from faith can save. I highly recommend this commentary as filling a real need for the pastor preaching through 2 Corinthians.

Rating:
Summary: Helpful informative commentary
Review: This commentary series is touted as a light series, but I have found that Hafemann's book gets you down deep into the world of Paul.

I have used his book when preaching on chapters 8 and 9 and have found his comments to be stimulating and provocative. I have also appreciated what Craig Blomberg says on these chapters in his "Neither Poverty nor Riches," also available from Amazon.

And he is also insightful on one of my favourite bible passages, chapter 4. I can't get enough of the concept that when God's Spirit illuminates us, it is like the original blaze of light when God said LET THERE BE LIGHT in Genesis chapter 1.
And the thought that we have been given the right to see God's glory shining in Christ's face.

Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Reader, Beware!
Review: Those of you who want to purchase a commentary on 2 Corinthians written from an orthodox Protestant perspective should NOT look here. Hafemann (who follows the soteriology of Daniel Fuller and the neo-Reformational gang) teaches that salvation is obtained not only by faith in Christ but by our obedience (an obedience that is empowerd by the Holy Spirit). Instead of teaching that justification is purely forensic and we can add nothing to Christ's perfect sacrifice, Hafemann argues that we must continually do good works (or obey the Law) in order to be justified and granted eternal life at the Last Judgment. Such a view has no place among those who profess to call themselves evangelical orthodox Protestants.