This statement reflects the underlying purpose of The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Begun in the late 1940s by an international team of New Testament scholars, the NICNT series has become recognized by pastors, students, and scholars alike as a critical yet orthodox commentary marked by solid biblical scholarship within the evangelical Protestant tradition.
While based on a thorough study of the Greek text, the commentary introductions and expositions contain a minimum of Greek references. The NICNT authors evaluate significant textual problems and take into account the most important exegetical literature. More technical aspects — such as grammatical, textual, and historical problems — are dealt with in footnotes, special notes, and appendixes.
Under the general editorship of three outstanding New Testament scholars — first Ned Stonehouse (Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia), then F. F. Bruce (University of Manchester, England), and now Gordon D. Fee (Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia) — the NICNT series has continued to develop over the years. In order to keep the commentary “new” and conversant with contemporary scholarship, the NICNT volumes have been — and will be — revised or replaced as necessary.
The newer NICNT volumes in particular take into account the role of recent rhetorical and sociological inquiry in elucidating the meaning of the text, and they also exhibit concern for the theology and application of the text. As the NICNT series is ever brought up to date, it will continue to find ongoing usefulness as an established guide to the New Testament text.

Paul Barnett is visiting fellow in ancient history at MacquarieUniversity, Sydney, Australia, and teaching fellow in biblicalstudies at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Paul Barnett's profile page

Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"Easy to read and accessible to a wide range of readers. Barnett pays careful attention to the Greek text and clarifies for the readers the grammatical and logical connections between Paul's statements. . . Barnett succeeds in presenting a careful scholarly, theological, and pastoral reading of the text of 2 Corinthians. He traces Paul's argument through 2 Corinthians with care and consistency. He does so with a concern for the pastoral heart and method of Paul, yet without forcing every text into an easy contemporary application. . . A valuable resource for teachers and pastors who seek to understand the issues and argument of 2 Corinthians, especially for those who want to examine how Paul as pastor wrestles with this troubled congregation."
Church Libraries
"An excellent commentary, especially for serious students and pastors."
Internationale Zeitschriftenschau für Bibelwissenschaft und Grenzgebiete (IZBG)
"All theological libraries need this important resource."
Louvain Studies
"There is much thoughtful reflection in this commentary that will be of interest to scholars, pastors, and readers in general. Pastors in particular and Christians in general will find both comfort and challenge in the author's actualizing reflections. . . The work as a whole reflects diligent labor and a spirit both scholarly and pastoral."
Southwestern Journal of Theology
"This book is full of good theological insights and is now the evangelical commentary of choice on II Corinthians. It will serve students and pastors for many years to come. Buy it."
The Bible Today
"Does what a good commentary is supposed to do—provides the reader with a wealth of background on the probable setting of the letter, its literary structure, and major motifs. His comments also have a strong pastoral bent, a plus particularly for this theologically rich letter. Pastors and biblical students will find this a substantial resource for an in-depth study of 2 Corinthians."
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
"In one respect the book fills a much-needed vacuum today. Very little has been done in commentary format with the theology of Paul's letters. And the author takes great pains to tie together the theological threads of 2 Corinthians. . . Another strength is the author's firsthand acquaintance with a wide range of primary sources that helps in setting forth the first-century religious and theological milieu. Also, the theologically focused introductions to each pericope are themselves worth the price of the volume."
Journal of Theological Studies
"Dr. Barnett has made a substantial contribution to this impressive series. While engaging in a thoroughgoing manner with the main thrusts of contemporary research into the problems of a uniquely difficult epistle, he has borne in mind the non-specialists who form an important part of his intended readership. He has made the fruits of scholarship accessible to such readers without any serious loss of depth and penetration."