Includes bibliographical references (pages xiii-xx) and indexes.

Introduction: -- Ministry and conflict -- The argument and structure of 2 Corinthians -- The theology of 2 Corinthians -- Between 1 and 2 Corinthians -- Opposition at Corinth -- One or many letters? -- Part I: The crisis over Paul's apostolic integrity -- A. Paul's narration of recent events -- The letter's theme -- Paul's reliability -- A change of plans and a harsh letter -- Forgiving the offender -- Paul's anxiety at Troas -- B. The integrity of Paul's apostolic ministry -- The ministry of a new covenant -- Qualified by God -- The ministries of Moses and Paul -- Paul's apostolic integrity -- Ministry and apostolic suffering -- Life and death in apostolic ministry -- Present transformation -- Final transformation -- A ministry of reconciliation -- Ambassadors for Christ -- Appeal and defense -- Paul's appeal for reconciliation -- C. Paul's narration of recent events resumed -- Part 2: An appeal to complete the collection -- A. The grace given to the churches of Macedonia -- B. An appeal to complete the collection -- C.A recommendation for Titus and the two brothers -- D. Paul's purpose in sending the delegation -- E. The relationship between sowing and reaping -- F. The theological significance of the collection -- Part 3: Defense and warnings in preparation for Paul's third visit -- A. Paul's integrity and missionary assignment -- Bold whether absent or present -- Paul's assignment -- B. Boasting foolishly -- An initial appeal to bear with Paul -- Not inferior to the super-apostles -- A renewed appeal to bear with Paul -- Daring to boast as a fool -- Boasting in weakness -- Boasting in visions and revelations -- Peroration -- C. Preparations for Paul's third and final visit -- The announcement of the visit -- The need to prepare for Paul's visit -- The letter closing.

"Second Corinthians is the most personal and passionate letter of Paul's correspondence. Written in the midst of a severe crisis that profoundly affected his relationship with the Corinthian community, the letter exhibits the full range of the apostle's emotions, from expressions of tenderness and love to outbursts of anger and resentment toward those who questioned his ministry." "Focusing on the theological and rhetorical dimensions of this letter, and always attentive to its historical setting, Frank Matera provides a reading of 2 Corinthians that embraces the letter's literary integrity."--Jacket.