2 Corinthians 4:5

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Corinthians 4:5

(5) For we preach not ourselves.—The words, like those about “commending ourselves,” imply a reference to something that had been said. He was charged with being egotistic in his preaching, perhaps with special reference to passages like 1 Corinthians 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 3:1-10; 1 Corinthians 4:11-13. He indignantly repudiates that charge. “Christ Jesus” had been all along the subject of his preaching. (Comp. 1 Corinthians 2:2.) So far as he had spoken of himself at all, it had been as a... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

The Triumph of Continuance 2 Corinthians 4:1 'We all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, as from a Lord who is Spirit.' St. Paul follows these sublime words with a reference to his own life labour. 'Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.' 'We faint not.' We expect, perhaps, a clearer, prouder, more triumphant note. The word, for its place, seems tame and quiet The... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Chapter 11THE GOSPEL DEFINED.2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (R.V)IN these verses Paul resumes for the last time the line of thought on which he had set out at 2 Corinthians 3:4, and again at 2 Corinthians 3:12. Twice he has allowed himself to be carried away into digressions, not less interesting than his argument; but now he proceeds without further interruption. His subject is the New Testament ministry, and his own conduct as a minister."Seeing we have this ministry," he writes, "even as we obtained... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

5. The Character of the True Ministry. CHAPTER 4 1. The Gospel of the Glory of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:1-6 ) 2. The Treasure in Earthen Vessels; Weakness and Power. (2 Corinthians 4:7-12 ) 3. Resurrection and Coming Glory. (2 Corinthians 4:13-18 .) This ministry which the apostle mentions is the ministry of the Gospel. And those who know it by having received mercy are to be the witnesses. Every Christian who has obtained mercy, who is saved by grace, is called to witness to this blessed... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:5

4:5 {3} For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for {f} Jesus’ sake.(3) He removes according to his accustomed manner, all suspicion of ambition, affirming that he teaches faithfully, but as a servant, and witnessing that all this light which he and his associates give to others, proceeds from the Lord.(f) To preach this self same Jesus to you. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Chapters 4 and 5 now show some of the precious, practical results of this ministry, seen in those entrusted with it; for it is such a ministry itself that works powerfully in them to enable them to communicate it. Considering the marvel of the ministry they have, and receiving mercy from God, they faint not. Why should one be discouraged when he has goods to freely give which are infinitely better than all that for which man is willing to pay dearly? Of course there is Satanic opposition, but... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

TRIUMPHS OF PAUL ’S MINISTRY Pursuing the consideration of his principles of action, Paul now shows his ministry to have been a triumphant one, notwithstanding the opposition of his enemies (2 Corinthians 2:14-17 ). The triumph however, was of God’s power and grace, and not in himself. Note the comparison between himself and the false teachers (2 Corinthians 2:17 ). It was not only a triumphant ministry but one fully accredited by themselves (2 Corinthians 3:1-5 ). It was a spiritual... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

The Changeable and the Unchangeable 2Co 4:18 Have we in our experiences, apart from the religious life, any knowledge of such a distinction? Is it real, or is it fanciful? Is the distinction found in law, in institutions? Is it within the lines of the Church itself? Are all things temporal? are all things eternal? Or is there a specific difference between the one and the other? If we find the distinction in our daily life, without regard to Bible or Church or altar, we may be prepared to... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

(1) Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

1-7 The best of men would faint, if they did not receive mercy from God. And that mercy which has helped us out, and helped us on, hitherto, we may rely upon to help us even to the end. The apostles had no base and wicked designs, covered with fair and specious pretences. They did not try to make their ministry serve a turn. Sincerity or uprightness will keep the favourable opinion of wise and good men. Christ by his gospel makes a glorious discovery to the minds of men. But the design of the... read more

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