The Apostle Paul was an effective and faithful preacher, one to whom pastors and seminarians can look as a model. Paul preached Christ crucified and Christ resurrected. But these two key themes provided more than just the content for Paul’s preaching; they also provided the shape for how Paul viewed and went about the task of preaching. That is to say, Paul’s proclamation arose out of and indeed modeled a cruciform spirituality. This cruciform posture in preaching led to the spiritual transformation of both Paul and his hearers. It is this vision of spirituality, rather than a particular rhetorical strategy, that lies at the heart of effective, faithful, gospel-centered preaching that transforms lives.

We Preach Not Ourselves employs a close study of 2 Corinthians 1:1-6:13 to shed light on Paul’s theology of preaching. Further, it demonstrates that Paul indeed practiced what he preached. The reflections are based in solid exegesis and are informed by the struggles and concerns of one who has occupied the pulpit. An excellent text for homiletics courses, it will prove helpful in courses on 2 Corinthians and will also be of interest to Pauline scholars and students.