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The "Be" Commentary
Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians): God Can Turn Your Trials into Triumphs
The road of spiritual growth can get bumpy. From the new believer to the seasoned disciple, we all experience frustrations and setbacks in our pursuit of God. And perhaps no one understands spiritual struggles better than the apostle Paul. In the book of 2 Corinthians, Paul shares a revealing look at his own challenges, and offers a profound message of encouragement for every believer. Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Encouraged has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares words of hope for your own journey of faith.
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1984
100 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
662 books415 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 8, 2022
I have grown to expect to be challenged and encouraged by Wiersbe’s books and this was no different. A good portion of it was directed more specifically to a preacher/minister, but I would still recommend it to any Christian, because we should all know how a church should be biblically run.
Wow was this book so full of encouragement though! In particular, the first few chapters and last chapters were just what I needed. It isn’t all about encouragement, though. It’s also a challenge to actually live in line with Scripture, to adopt the promises, and to apply the principles (but in a very non-legalistic way).
Actually, on legalism, I did appreciate his approach to that. Because the Corinthians were dealing with Judaizers, who were a legalistic, rule-following bunch, there was a good picture of what it means to be legalistic versus grace-filled. I have been under a lot of teaching that is legalistic, so I greatly appreciate the balance and legalism being called what it is.
Just two quotes (I probably highlighted dozens):
“Strength that knows itself to be strength is actually weakness, but weakness that knows itself to be weakness is actually strength.”
“Sometimes God does meet the need by substitution; but other times he meets the need by transformation. He does not remove the affliction, but he gives us his grace so that the affliction works for us and not against us.”
Wow was this book so full of encouragement though! In particular, the first few chapters and last chapters were just what I needed. It isn’t all about encouragement, though. It’s also a challenge to actually live in line with Scripture, to adopt the promises, and to apply the principles (but in a very non-legalistic way).
Actually, on legalism, I did appreciate his approach to that. Because the Corinthians were dealing with Judaizers, who were a legalistic, rule-following bunch, there was a good picture of what it means to be legalistic versus grace-filled. I have been under a lot of teaching that is legalistic, so I greatly appreciate the balance and legalism being called what it is.
Just two quotes (I probably highlighted dozens):
“Strength that knows itself to be strength is actually weakness, but weakness that knows itself to be weakness is actually strength.”
“Sometimes God does meet the need by substitution; but other times he meets the need by transformation. He does not remove the affliction, but he gives us his grace so that the affliction works for us and not against us.”
July 22, 2016
A great help in studying 2 Corinthians. Brings out the main ideas in a good way.
February 7, 2017
Here there is true spiritual and worldly encouragement supporting Paul's excellent writing to the Corinthians. This is an easy, yet challenging and insightful commentary, as ever from Wiersbe.
October 1, 2018
After reading several books from Warren Wiersbe’s “The BE Series,” I thought I knew what to expect with “Be Encouraged.” But when I started reading this one, I was surprised how different it was! It was the perfect blend between explaining the doctrinal part of the Scripture and the historical aspect of what was happening in Corinth at that time.
As someone who has not heard a lot of sermons on this New Testament book, I was excited to learn more about Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church. As you read 2 Corinthians, you’ll quickly realize that something was going on between Paul and the church there. But..with doctrinal truths sandwiched in between, it’s hard to make out how it all connects through a casual read of the book. “Be Encouraged” took you through a verse by verse study and did a great job of explaining, well, everything! I loved how Wiersbe went through those passages and made it concise, yet, put the timeline and history together so it all made sense.
In addition, the doctrinal teaching was good! Maybe 2 Corinthians isn’t the first book you’d turn to for “encouragement,” but after reading Wiersbe’s take on it, it became clear why his book was titled, “Be Encouraged.” 2 Corinthians really does have a lot of encouraging things to say if we give it a chance! As I read Wiersbe’s thoughts on the verses in chapter one that talk about God being the great comforter, I was impacted by the simplicity and sincerity of what he wrote.
Conclusion: Warren Wiersbe’s commentaries in “The BE Series” aren’t the deepest when it comes to exposition, but, they are great for overviews or a quick study. I, myself couldn’t complain with “Be Encouraged.” My knowledge on 2 Corinthians was zero when I started this commentary, so I felt what he wrote was really helpful. As soon as he explained a verse about something the church was struggling with in Corinth, he went on to give practical advice on how not to let the same thing happen in our churches today. The doctrinal exposition was also very practical and not just restricted to life in the church - everything could be applied to the Christian life in and outside of the house of God. And I loved that! It made the Word of God applicable in every situation! As I’ve already mentioned several times, the author did an excellent job with this commentary! A great commentary on a oft overlooked book of the Bible!
As someone who has not heard a lot of sermons on this New Testament book, I was excited to learn more about Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church. As you read 2 Corinthians, you’ll quickly realize that something was going on between Paul and the church there. But..with doctrinal truths sandwiched in between, it’s hard to make out how it all connects through a casual read of the book. “Be Encouraged” took you through a verse by verse study and did a great job of explaining, well, everything! I loved how Wiersbe went through those passages and made it concise, yet, put the timeline and history together so it all made sense.
In addition, the doctrinal teaching was good! Maybe 2 Corinthians isn’t the first book you’d turn to for “encouragement,” but after reading Wiersbe’s take on it, it became clear why his book was titled, “Be Encouraged.” 2 Corinthians really does have a lot of encouraging things to say if we give it a chance! As I read Wiersbe’s thoughts on the verses in chapter one that talk about God being the great comforter, I was impacted by the simplicity and sincerity of what he wrote.
Conclusion: Warren Wiersbe’s commentaries in “The BE Series” aren’t the deepest when it comes to exposition, but, they are great for overviews or a quick study. I, myself couldn’t complain with “Be Encouraged.” My knowledge on 2 Corinthians was zero when I started this commentary, so I felt what he wrote was really helpful. As soon as he explained a verse about something the church was struggling with in Corinth, he went on to give practical advice on how not to let the same thing happen in our churches today. The doctrinal exposition was also very practical and not just restricted to life in the church - everything could be applied to the Christian life in and outside of the house of God. And I loved that! It made the Word of God applicable in every situation! As I’ve already mentioned several times, the author did an excellent job with this commentary! A great commentary on a oft overlooked book of the Bible!
February 15, 2015
This book is excellent! Every other sentence is a Scripture verse, and it is very God-focused, instead of like so many devotionals now-a-days that are self-focused. Loving it! Much of the application is written to pastors or those in the ministry, but it still applies to the normal Christian as well. Wonderful writing!
January 10, 2011
A good devotional commentary on 2 Corinthians.
July 25, 2015
Love the clarity, depth, but simplicity Wiersbe has. Great expository teaching on 2 Corinthians.
July 2, 2017
Excellent book on II Corinthians, Christian Living
November 16, 2022
Warren Wiersbe's commentaries have become my favorites. I use them constantly for whatever book of the Bible I'm teaching at that point. His books are easy to read and really make sense.
April 23, 2022
The church in Corinthians had lots of problems. 2 Corinthians is actually the fourth letter Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. His second letter to them is our 1 Corinthians. Some of Paul’s opponents had invaded the church and stirred up rebellion. A previous visit by Paul to deal with the issues had not gone well. Paul left and then sent by Titus a “severe” letter. He rejoiced that many in Corinth repented. So in this letter, Paul wanted to encourage those who had repented but warn those who had not.
He also had to defend his apostleship from various charges.
Plus, the Corinthians had promised some time before to send an offering for the poor in Jerusalem, but had not done so yet. Paul planned to pick up their donations to take along with what he had collected from other churches, so he encouraged them to give and give cheerfully. The offering would not only help meet material needs, but would help unite the Jewish and Gentile congregations.
Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s short commentary on 1 Corinthians is Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians): God Can Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs.As always, his insights help us gain more understanding from the Bible.
He also had to defend his apostleship from various charges.
Plus, the Corinthians had promised some time before to send an offering for the poor in Jerusalem, but had not done so yet. Paul planned to pick up their donations to take along with what he had collected from other churches, so he encouraged them to give and give cheerfully. The offering would not only help meet material needs, but would help unite the Jewish and Gentile congregations.
Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s short commentary on 1 Corinthians is Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians): God Can Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs.As always, his insights help us gain more understanding from the Bible.
August 29, 2025
Another good guide to studying scriptures. I hadn't studied 2 Corinthians before, so Wiersbe's insights were helpful. I appreciate the history behind the book, and the definition of words. I particularly found the definition of perfect helpful since it meant being restored to God or right with God, not being without flaws or sins.
I didn't read everything since wiersbe pulls from other scriptures or books or tells anecdotal stories instead of staying with the passage. I prefer to stick to the passage being discussed and go verse by verse
As with other books in the Be series, I didn't agree with all of his outlines insights, but I did find the history, some definitions, and some cultural history helpful.
I didn't read everything since wiersbe pulls from other scriptures or books or tells anecdotal stories instead of staying with the passage. I prefer to stick to the passage being discussed and go verse by verse
As with other books in the Be series, I didn't agree with all of his outlines insights, but I did find the history, some definitions, and some cultural history helpful.
December 18, 2019
God’s grace
I was encouraged by reading this commentary on the book on 2 Corinthians. This is one of my favorite quotes from the book: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us of His birth, when He became poor in order to make us rich (see 2 Cor. 8: 9). The “love of God” takes us to Calvary, where God gave His Son as the sacrifice for our sins (John 3: 16). The “communion of the Holy Ghost” reminds us of Pentecost, when the Spirit of God came and formed the church (Acts 2).”
I was encouraged by reading this commentary on the book on 2 Corinthians. This is one of my favorite quotes from the book: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us of His birth, when He became poor in order to make us rich (see 2 Cor. 8: 9). The “love of God” takes us to Calvary, where God gave His Son as the sacrifice for our sins (John 3: 16). The “communion of the Holy Ghost” reminds us of Pentecost, when the Spirit of God came and formed the church (Acts 2).”
June 4, 2019
22/50 of be series. i read alphabetically.
like many of the books in the series, the exegesis not that strong, but the explanation much practical. this is just great for a bible study group.
like many of the books in the series, the exegesis not that strong, but the explanation much practical. this is just great for a bible study group.
June 23, 2020
Wiersbevis one of the best when it comes to unpacking the word of God in a simple way that speaks
August 23, 2020
I really enjoy the Be series. They contain so many truths and applications that one can use in daily life!
October 21, 2020
As always, this author’s Bible commentaries are excellent. This book helped me best understand the nuances of the apostle Paul’s 2 Corinthians letter. Worth reading it.
November 30, 2020
Easy to read commentary
December 23, 2021
With this little commentary, I gained added insight into Paul's ministry as I studied 2 Corinthians.
August 23, 2022
I love all of the Wiersbe Be Series! I am looking forward to doing one for every book of the bible. Makes it easy to understand the bible and apply it to your life.
June 20, 2023
Good practical book we used for Sunday School class! Even has study questions in the back of the chapters
July 27, 2024
Excellent as all Warren W. Wiersbe's BE series. I got a lot out of this commentary.
December 7, 2025
be encouraged
I was abundantly blessed by this book. It’s full of wonderful information and encouraging notes. I will look for more books in this series.
I was abundantly blessed by this book. It’s full of wonderful information and encouraging notes. I will look for more books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews