II Corinthians 1:24
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Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Not for that--that is, Not that. "Faith" is here emphatic. He had "dominion" or a right to control them in matters of discipline, but in matters of "faith" he was only a "fellow helper of their joy" (namely, in believing, Rom 15:13; Phi 1:25). The Greek is, "Not that we lord it over your faith." This he adds to soften the magisterial tone of Co2 1:23. His desire is to cause them not sorrow (Co2 2:1-2), but "joy." The Greek for "helpers" implies a mutual leaning, one on the other, like the mutually supporting buttresses of a sacred building. "By faith (Rom 11:20) ye stand"; therefore it is that I bestow such pains in "helping" your faith, which is the source of all true "joy" (Rom 15:13). I want nothing more, not to lord it over your faith. Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 2
Open source ↗After the introduction (Co2 1:1, Co2 1:2) the apostle begins with the narrative of his troubles and God's goodness, which he had met with in Asia, by way of thanksgiving to God (Co2 1:3-6), and for the edification of the Corinthians (Co2 1:7-11). Then he attests his and his fellow-labourers' integrity (Co2 1:12-14), and afterwards vindicates himself from the imputation of levity and inconstancy (Co2 1:15-24).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm.
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.