Abstract
Twomey’s introduction for first-time students of 2 Corinthians focuses on the expected topics with the addition of a chapter on reception history. Chapter one critiques the descriptions of Corinth that paint it as an extraordinarily wicked city. It then sets the time of 55–57 for the composition of the letters in 2 Corinthians. The second chapter succinctly surveys the range of literary integrity theories. While he is tempted by Margaret Mitchell’s hypothesis that sees chapter 8 as the earliest letter of the compilation, Twomey settles for a two letter solution, without deciding whether chapters 10–13 were composed before or after the letter of chapters 1–9.
Twomey’s treatment of the occasions of 2 Corinthians follows the trend of trying to hear voices other than just Paul’s. He emphasizes the varieties of views among these church members and attempts to treat them more sympathetically than is often done. Rejecting the view that Paul is opposing Judaizers, and rightly the term itself, he expresses some sympathies with elements of Georgi’s view of the opponents, but finally gives a less specific description of them.
The fourth chapter critiques Paul’s rhetoric as rather authoritarian in his argumentation and sees the fool’s speech as an act of violence. This again reflects the approach of the book as it privileges what others were thinking and saying in the Corinthian church. Twomey asserts that the debates about apostolic identity in Corinth make it ‘a mistake to privilege [Paul’s] perspective on the topic’ (p. 37). Still, he recognizes Paul’s genuine love and concern for the members of this church.
Suffering, consolation, new creation, and the meaning of the Collection are the theological themes Twomey highlights. The focus of the two latter themes is on the political meanings they had and should have now. The final chapter rejects supersessionist readings of 2 Corinthians 3 and traces uses of a veil in Nathaniel Hawthorne and his interpreters, concluding that meanings of texts are fluid.
This volume expects a great deal of first time critical readers. Twomey’s summaries of arguments are crisp and succinct, but often include momentary mentions of views that most find unlikely and that he does not accept or critique. It will serve upper level undergraduate courses in which the professor can help students sort through options, many of which Twomey mentions without drawing conclusions. Its sustained attention to political and anti-imperial readings may broaden some introductory courses.