Strength in Weakness

This book, then, is a lyrical commentary, which seeks to be a theological re-presentation of the letter both in form and content. It is thus a new form of expository commentary, a "post-liberal" exposition, making use of modern scholarship and trying above all to re-present the themes and motifs of the letter. It searches first of all for the "literal" meaning of the text1-what Paul meant and what the words in their various structures and contexts mean-and for the song that lifts the words beyond themselves to Jesus Christ, crucified Messiah and risen Lord. If it is true to the letter, then, this book will be both a song of suffering transformed by grace and a theology of ministry arising out of Paul's controversy with the super-apostles.