Power Through Weakness
Power Through Weakness
Dr. Tim Savage seeks to understand the apostle Paul’s apparently contradictory description of the Christian life as one in which power is manifested in weakness: ‘When I am weak, then I am strong!’ This paradox becomes intelligible when it is understood that Paul’s critics were influenced by a perspective that was the exact opposite of his: they imbibed the self-exalting outlook of their contemporary world, while he embraced the self-emptying gospel of Christ. Drawing on archaeological data from the first century, this book is unique in establishing both the secular underpinnings of Paul’s paradoxical language and the devastating critique which that language offers on the general outlook of the day. Paul emerges as a radical foil to the spirit of the age.
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of Power Through Weakness
Tim Savage’s book, Power through Weakness, is not only an outstanding exegesis and exposition of certain parts of 2 Corinthians, but unusually for a book of such scholarly competence, simultaneously explains the biblical texts and utters a prophetic word for our own time. Those who are concerned about the extent to which Christian ministry today succumbs to ugly individualism and self-display urgently need to read this book. The clarity of the writing style makes this volume accessible not only to scholars but to ministers and other serious leaders in the church of Christ.
D. A. Carson
Co-founder, The Gospel Coalition; Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Today, there is much confusion over the nature of the ministry and the Church is poorer and sicker for it. Tim Savage’s book, by contrast, understands that in the appearance of the preacher’s weakness, a weakness which we still find intolerable today, is found the means through which God’s power is made known. Without this power there is no effective ministry, even in the context of great success. This book is a sure-footed and excellent study of Paul’s thought.
David F. Wells
Distinguished Senior Research Professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
As with ancient Corinth, the message of our own culture, even much of our religious establishment, is in stark contrast to the message of weakness preached by Paul. Dr. Savage’s brilliant analysis of this paradox presented in Paul’s letters provides a cogent exhortation for
Dr. Bill Bright
humility, especially in all of us who have been called to serve him as clergy and laymen.
Founder and Former President, Campus Crusade for Christ International
Tim Savage’s Power through Weakness is a fine analysis of Christ-honoring, cross-centered ministry as it was in Paul and as it needs to be in today’s Christian leaders.
J. I. Packer
Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College
This book is a masterful treatment of Paul’s defense of his ministry in 2 Corinthians, a ministry that, ironically, though ‘weak’ in the eyes of the Corinthians, demonstrated the power of God.
Dr. Roy B. Zuck
Senior Professor Emeritus of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary
Tim Savage’s Power through Weakness is a careful academic study, from 2 Corinthians, of Paul’s understanding of the Christian ministry. The structure and the writing style make Savage’s book quite accessible. It deserves to reach beyond narrowly academic circles.
John Proctor
Director of Studies, Westminster College, Cambridge University
This Cambridge doctoral dissertation explores Paul’s paradoxical description of his ministry in 2 Corinthians against the background of his readers’ probable self-regard, characteristic of their culture. The monograph will be read by those doing research on this epistle or on ministry in the New Testament, but is unlikely to be used in undergraduate or ministerial teaching. That is a pity because the subject and its treatment are suggestive for contemporary ministers, and those who work through it may well be edified.
Robert Morgan
Linacre College, Oxford University