The overall aim of this book is to explain 2 Corinthians with reference to the real-life situation addressed by Paul when he wrote, and with the hope that the study may illuminate the abiding importance of the letter.

Paul was almost certainly aware that the document would remain in the developing body of writings to be recognized in due time as our 'New Testament'.

The second of Paul's two letters to the Corinthians to be included in the New Testament tells of strength in weakness, comfort in distress, provision in need, fellowship in loneliness, certainty in doubt, guidance in perplexity, protection in peril and hope for the future. Above all it tells of the surpassing love of Jesus Christ: if Paul the apostle loved and cared for the troublesome Corinthian church as intensely as he did, he no more than reflected, albeit dimly, the grace of God to his believing people.

Joy in the Lord and in his people, pastoral tenderness, righteous anger, self-vindication in the interests of the ministry, profound theology and concern for harmony, both at home and with churches elsewhere, all vie for expression. Each strand interweaves with the others. This volume covers the first seven chapters of the epistle, in which an introduction is followed by a review of Paul's labours for the church up to the time of writing, with special emphasis placed upon the excellence of the ministry of the new covenant.