We Preach Not Ourselves: Paul on Proclamation - Softcover

Contains a study of both what Paul said about preaching and how Paul preached.

"We Preach Not Ourselves is really two books seamlessly woven into one rich tapestry: a theological-spiritual commentary on the first half of 2 Corinthians and a spirituality of preaching for the twenty-first century. Michael Knowles insightfully demonstrates how Paul the preacher creatively embodies, describes, and applies the life-giving cruciform pattern of Christ the Lord. Paul's counterintuitive spirituality is a needed corrective today as much as it was in first-century Corinth; every preacher should wrestle with this bold and provocative book."--Michael J. Gorman, The Ecumenical Institute of Theology, St. Mary's Seminary & University"Michael Knowles has brought together homiletics and New Testament interpretation in a stimulating and delightful way. It is refreshing to read the work of one who is well trained in exegesis and criticism on the one hand, and well practiced in preaching and communication on the other. We Preach Not Ourselves makes several original and insightful observations and will be read with appreciation by New Testament interpreters and clergy alike. It is highly recommended."--Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Acadia Divinity College"Michael Knowles's incisive recovery of Paul's theology of ministry is an important, even risky, reminder of our cruciform--'Christoform'--identity in the midst of a consumer culture that constantly threatens to deform our mission and message according to its own standards for success. This is a thoroughly humiliating read for preachers, in the most transformative sense of the word."--André Resner, professor of homiletics and church worship, Hood Theological Seminary"Today 'successful' preachers are often those whose broad smiles and upbeat personalities radiate the optimistic belief that the faithful can expect lives stuffed with goodness and happiness. The Apostle Paul viewed preachers and preaching quite differently, and in this compelling book Michael Knowles reminds us why. The faithful preacher proclaims a crucified Savior from the context of a life and ministry touched by sorrows and acquainted with grief. The cruciform preacher may not embody happiness as society defines it, but like Paul himself, such a preacher is transparent to the Savior by whose wounds we are healed."--Scott Hoezee, The Center for Excellence in Preaching, Calvin Theological Seminary