II Corinthians 4
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Seeing we have this ministry - The Gospel, of which he gave that noble account which we read in the preceding chapter. We faint not - We meet with many tribulations, but are supported in and through all by the grace of the Gospel. Instead of ουκ εκκακουμεν, we faint not, ουκ εγκακουμεν, we act not wickedly, is the reading of ADFG, and some others. Wakefield thinks it the genuine reading; it certainly makes a very good sense with what goes before and what follows. If we follow this reading the whole verse may be read thus: Wherefore, as we have obtained mercy, or been graciously intrusted, ηλεηθημην, with this ministry, we do not act wickedly, but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, etc.
Open source ↗HIS PREACHING IS OPEN AND SINCERE, THOUGH TO MANY THE GOSPEL IS HIDDEN. (2Co. 4:1-18) Therefore--Greek, "For this cause": Because we have the liberty-giving Spirit of the Lord, and with unveiled face behold His glory (Co2 3:17-18). seeing we have this ministry--"The ministration of the Spirit" (Co2 3:8-9): the ministry of such a spiritual, liberty-giving Gospel: resuming Co2 3:6, Co2 3:8. received mercy--from God, in having had this ministry conferred on us (Co2 3:5). The sense of "mercy" received from God, makes men active for God (Ti1 1:11-13). we faint not--in boldness of speech and action, and patience in suffering (Co2 4:2, Co2 4:8-16, &c.).
Open source ↗Therefore seeing we have this ministry,.... The apostle having largely insisted on the difference between the law and the Gospel, the ministration of the one and of the other, proceeds to give an account of his own conduct, and that of his fellow apostles and ministers: "we", says he, "faint not"; under all the reproaches cast upon us, persecutions raised against us, and tribulations that attend us; we do not sink in our spirits, or give out from the ministry; we go on cheerfully in our work, in the thee of all opposition, encouraged by the consideration of the excellency of the ministry, which they had from the Lord, were put into, and continued in; which was so valuable in itself, and so useful in its effects; being the ministration of the Spirit and of righteousness, having in it such an excelling glory to the law, and attended with so much light and liberty: to which he adds the consideration of the mercy of God they were partakers of, as we have received mercy; which may refer either to the grace and mercy of God, which they had received in conversion; a sense of which abiding upon them, so influenced their minds, to hold forth the riches of abounding grace and mercy to poor sinners in the Gospel, that nothing could deter them from it; or to the grace, favour, and good will of God, in making, supporting, and continuing them as ministers of the word; all which, they were sensible, was owing not to men, but God; not to their merit, but to his mercy; not to their worthiness, parts, learning, &c. but to his free gift, favour, and grace, by which only they were what they were, as preachers of the Gospel.
Open source ↗The apostle had, in the foregoing chapter, been magnifying his office, upon the consideration of the excellency or glory of that gospel about which he did officiate; and now in this chapter his design is to vindicate their ministry from the accusation of false teachers, who charged them as deceitful workers, or endeavoured to prejudice the minds of the people against them on account of their sufferings. He tells them, therefore, how they believed, and how they showed their value for their office as ministers of the gospel. They were not puffed up with pride, but spurred on to great diligence: "Seeing we have this ministry, are so much distinguished and dignified, we do not take state upon ourselves, nor indulge in idleness, but are excited to the better performance of our duty." I. Two things in general we have an account of: - Their constancy and sincerity in their work and labour, concerning which observe, 1. Their constancy and perseverance in their work are declared: "We faint not (Co2 4:1) under the difficulty of our work, nor do we desist from our labour." And this their stedfastness was owing to the mercy of God. From the same mercy and grace from which they received the apostleship (Rom 1:5), they received strength to persevere in the work of that office. Note, As it is great mercy and grace to be called to be saints, and especially to be counted faithful, and be put into the ministry (Ti1 1:12), so it is owing to the mercy and grace of God if we continue faithful and persevere in our work with diligence. The best men in the world would faint in their work, and under their burdens, if they did not receive mercy from God. By the grace of God I am what I am, said this great apostle in his former epistle to these Corinthians, Co1 15:10. And that mercy which has hel…
Open source ↗4:1 This new way (or This new ministry) shows us God’s mercy. Paul felt privileged to have the ministry of sharing the message of good news (1 Cor 15:9-11; 1 Tim 1:12-17).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ταύτῃ (taútēi, G5026) — (towards or of) this διακονία (diakonía, G1248) — attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service… καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ἐλεέω (eleéō, G1653) — to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace) ἐκκακέω (ekkakéō, G1573) — to be (bad or) weak, i.e. (by implication) to fail (in heart) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἀπειπόμην (apeipómēn, G550) — to say off for oneself, i.e. disown κρυπτός (kryptós, G2927) — concealed, i.e. private αἰσχύνη (aischýnē, G152) — shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πανουργία (panourgía, G3834) — adroitness, i.e. (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry μηδέ (mēdé, G3366) — but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor δολόω (dolóō, G1389) — to ensnare, i.e. (figuratively) adulterate λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very φανέρωσις (phanérōsis, G5321) — exhibition, i.e. (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἰ καί (ei kaí, G1499) — if also (or even) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are καλύπτω (kalýptō, G2572) — to cover up (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi, G622) — to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very τούτου (toútou, G5127) — of (from or concerning) this (person or thing) αἰών (aiṓn, G165) — properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world;… τυφλόω (typhlóō, G5186) — to make blind, i.e. (figuratively) to obscure νόημα (nóēma, G3540) — a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself ἄπιστος (ápistos, G571) — (actively) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively)… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… φωτισμός (phōtismós, G5462) — illumination (figuratively) δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… κηρύσσω (kērýssō, G2784) — to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) φῶς (phōs, G5457) — compare G5316 (φαίνω), G5346 (φημί)); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or… λάμπω (lámpō, G2989) — to beam, i.e. radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) σκότος (skótos, G4655) — shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… φωτισμός (phōtismós, G5462) — illumination (figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… τοῦτον (toûton, G5126) — this (person, as objective of verb or preposition) θησαυρός (thēsaurós, G2344) — a deposit, i.e. wealth (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὀστράκινος (ostrákinos, G3749) — earthen-ware, i.e. clayey; by implication, frail σκεῦος (skeûos, G4632) — a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specially, a wife… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ὑπερβολή (hyperbolḗ, G5236) — a throwing beyond others, i.e. (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with G1519… δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… ὦ (ō, G5600) — (may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with G1487 (εἰ) and its… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer…
Open source ↗θλίβω (thlíbō, G2346) — to crowd (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not στενοχωρέω (stenochōréō, G4729) — to hem in closely, i.e. (figuratively) cramp ἀπορέω (aporéō, G639) — to have no way out, i.e. be at a loss (mentally) ἐξαπορέομαι (exaporéomai, G1820) — to be utterly at a loss, i.e. despond
Open source ↗διώκω (diṓkō, G1377) — compare the base of G1169 (δειλός) and G1249 (διάκονος)); to pursue (literally or… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐγκαταλείπω (enkataleípō, G1459) — to leave behind in some place, i.e. (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad… καταβάλλω (katabállō, G2598) — to throw down ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi, G622) — to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
Open source ↗πάντοτε (pántote, G3842) — every when, i.e. at all times περιφέρω (periphérō, G4064) — to convey around, i.e. transport hither and thither ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σῶμα (sōma, G4983) — the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively νέκρωσις (nékrōsis, G3500) — decease; figuratively, impotency κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us
Open source ↗ἡμεῖς (hēmeîs, G2249) — we (only used when emphatic) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi, G3860) — to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit ἀεί (aeí, G104) — "ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… θάνατος (thánatos, G2288) — (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ὥστε (hṓste, G5620) — so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… θάνατος (thánatos, G2288) — (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively) ἐνεργέω (energéō, G1754) — to be active, efficient ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… διό (dió, G1352) — through which thing, i.e. consequently λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words ἡμεῖς (hēmeîs, G2249) — we (only used when emphatic) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other…
Open source ↗εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐγείρω (egeírō, G1453) — to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) παρίστημι (parístēmi, G3936) — to stand beside, i.e. (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend,… σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you
Open source ↗Cross-references
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But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.