Exploring Second Corinthians: Death and Life, Hardship and Rivalry

In Second Corinthians, Paul responds to reports of the Corinthian congregation questioning his competency as a divinely sent messenger. They have become increasingly estranged from him not only because of a recent uncomfortable visit and harsh letter, but also due to their welcoming ministers in Christ who are encouraging the Corinthians to question Paul's authority. Through apologetic demegoria and the use of graphic imagery related to triumphal processions, siege warfare, and emissary travels and negotiation, Paul defends his constancy, persona, and speaking abilities as he extends the offer of clemency and reconciliation to his auditors. His message on life, death, and hardship presents them with a challenge in which salvation in the new creation is at stake. Oropeza combines rhetorical pictures (rhetography) with interpretative layers (literary features, intertextuality, socio-cultural, ideological, and sacred textures) to arrive at the rhetorical impact of Paul's message for ancient Mediterranean discourse. This multi-faceted commentary breathes fresh insight into Paul's letter on different levels.