This study investigates why Paul makes the theme of suffering so central to his argument in 2 Corinthians. It is pursued through an exegetical analysis of passages where Paul's suffering is described, namely 1:3-11; 2:14-116; 4:7-12; 6:1-10 and 11:23-12:10. By employing a narrative approach, this study argues that Paul's apostolic suffering is grounded in the story of Jesus. There are several implications arising from this approach. First, Paul understands his suffering as necessary and integral to his apostolic mission. Second, Paul claims that his suffering has positive missiological benefits, resulting in giving birth to the Christ-believing community in Corinth. Third, for Paul, the story of Jesus does not end at the event of the cross, and so he extends the invitation to the Corinthians to participate in the story of Jesus. Fourth, Paul's understanding of his suffering also finds its roots in the Hebrew Scriptures as seen in the allusion to and citations of Isaiah and Jeremiah/1 Kingdoms. Finally, Paul expresses his deep concern for the Corinthians in this letter. In essence, Paul sees his own suffering as a reflection of his embodying the ongoing story of Jesus - a story of suffering and death leading to life - and calls the Corinthians also to this cruciform pattern of living. Taking all the above implications together, it is suggested that 2 Corinthians should be read as primarily parenaetic in nature and that Paul's apology for his apostleship only plays a secondary role.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1864.

This research has focused on the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian suffering. A broad concept of suffering is excluded in the study. Of particular concern to this research is 'suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ'. Methods employed in the study are: narrative approach, dialogical approach and synthesis.

If God really cares about people, why does He allow terrorism, disease, war, and financial hardships? Good Always Wins honestly tackles these very tough questions, concluding that, yes—God cares, and He cares deeply. Somehow, He is working in and through the tragedies of our world—from school shootings to crib deaths, from devastating typhoons to automobile accidents—to redeem them and ultimately bring good from the evil. Bible-based answers are provided for key questions such as “Why does God allow suffering?”, “Why natural disasters?”, “Why wars and senseless violence?”, and “Does God truly care?”

KJV, NIV, LB, and NRSV formatted in parallel columns across a 2-page spread 3,120 pp.