2 Corinthians

"In this Social Identity Commentary, Philip Esler provides a comprehensive coverage of the issues and concerns related to 2 Corinthians from the perspective of social identity. Elser outlines his interpretation of the theoretical issues concerned, and then applies this to provide a clear overview of historical and critical issues related to the study of 2 Corinthians. This provides a clear engagement with the text that will serve as a useful resource for scholars, students, clergy, and people interested in the formation and purpose of the letter. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians deals with key aspects of the formation of the Christian community at Corinth. Paul uses his correspondence with the Corinthians to address issues of morality, of community structure, of ritual and of religious behaviour. The letter is a key document for understanding the development of Christianity and for understanding Christianity in its earliest context, and Esler proves how 2 Corinthians may be read through the lens of social identity theory."--