Best Commentaries on 2 Corinthians

Before turning to the expert recommendations, here are some recent commentaries written by trusted scholars that may be of interest. Because these volumes are newly published, the commentators on the commentaries have not yet had opportunity to evaluate them. They would, though, come with my recommendation.

• Trent Lee Casto – 2 Corinthians (Reformed Expository Commentaries). This sermon-based commentary promises to be good. (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)
• David Garland – 2 Corinthians (Christian Standard Commentary). The Christian Standard Commentary series is quite a new one, but features some excellent scholars. (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)

And now, here are the expert recommendations:

Paul Barnett – The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (New International Commentary on the New Testament). It was more difficult to find consensus on the best commentaries for 2 Corinthians than for many other books. Still, Barnett’s work is considered by most experts to be the best or one of the best. Keith Mathison says it “is one of those commentaries that is so well written that one can easily read it straight through – rather than treating it as a reference work and consulting whatever section one is researching.” D.A. Carson says “it is extraordinarily rich on the historical and social circumstances that surrounded this complicated book.” (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)

Murray J. Harris – The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (New International Greek Testament Commentary). Harris’ commentary is regarded as among the best available, though it is a commentary on the Greek text and therefore requires some knowledge of that language. Carson commends it for being thorough, convicing and pastorally suggestive, which together make it of especially good value to the preacher. (Amazon, Logos)

Frank J. Matera – 2 Corinthians (The New Testament Library). The New Testament Library series is not one whose volumes tend to be highly praised by the commentators on the commentaries, but Matera’s is a notable exception and is apparently well worth consulting. However, you will definitely want to have another commentary or two available to you if you are embarking on a major study. (Amazon)

David Garland – 2 Corinthians (New American Commentary). Garland’s commentary is widely praised. Jim Rosscup and D.A. Carson both agree that it is one of the best of the recent commentaries. Strangely, I could not find out a whole lot more than that! (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)

Colin Kruse – 2 Corinthians (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). Colin Kruse’s contribution to the Tyndale New Testament Commentary series is the place to begin for someone looking for a relatively short and general-level commentary. This one fits within the limitations of that series which makes it especially helpful for the person who is doing a quicker and less in-depth study. (Amazon, Westminster Books, Logos)

Though Charles Hodge’s commentary is now dated and, therefore, outside the limitations of this series, it is apparently still an important resource on 2 Corinthians and one the preacher will wish to consult. (Amazon)

Let me close with a couple of questions: What are your preferred commentaries on 2 Corinthians? Are there some you’ve found particularly helpful for preaching or for devotional purposes?