コリント人への手紙Ⅱ 4:4-5 JCB

The condition of unregenerated men. "But if our gospel be hid," etc. These words give an appalling view of ungodly men. I. They are BLIND TO THE GOSPEL . "If our gospel be hid [or, 'veiled']." Men have different organs of vision. There is the bodily eye: the gospel is not "hid" from that—they can see the volume that contains it, they can see the print, and perhaps read its chapters. There is the intellectual eye to discover its sense and discern its meaning. There is the ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:4

The god of this world; rather, the god of this age . It is, as Bengel says, "a great and horrible description of the devil." He is not, however, here called a god of the kosmos, but only of the olam hazzeh, the present dispensation of things as it exists among those who refuse to enter that kingdom in which the power of Satan is brought to nought. The melancholy attempt to get rid of Manichean arguments by rendering the verse "in whom God blinded the thoughts of the unbelievers of this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves. There is no glory or illumination on our faces, and we have no personal ends to gain, nor are we "lords" over your faith. This is, perhaps, meant as an answer to some charge of egotism. The Lord; rather, as Lord ( Philippians 2:11 ; 1 Corinthians 12:3 ). Your servants; literally, your slaves ( 1 Corinthians 9:19 ). For Jesus' sake. So Christ had himself desired ( Matthew 20:27 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:5

Two imputations had been cast on St. Paul during his absence from Corinth, and to each of these this verse contains a reply. It had been said that he sought commendation; and he answered that he set forth, not himself, but his Lord. It had been said that he tried to domineer over the Churches; and he answered that he was a servant of the Church for Jesus' sake. I. THE PROMINENCE GIVEN TO THE LORD . "We preach not ourselves." By this disclaimer is not meant that the apostle... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom - In respect to whom; among whom; or in whose hearts. The design of this verse is to account for the fact that the glory of the gospel was not seen by them. It is to be traced entirely to the agency of him whom Paul here calls “the god of this world.”The god of this world - There can be no doubt that Satan is here designated by this appellation; though some of the fathers supposed that it means the true God, and Clarke inclines to this opinion. In John 12:31, he is called “the prince of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves - The connection here is not very apparent, and the design of this verse has been variously understood. The connection seems to me to be this. Paul gives here a reason for what he had said in the previous parts of the Epistle respecting his conduct in the ministry. He had said that his course had been open, and pure, and free from all dishonest arts and tricks, and that he had not corrupted the Word of God, or resorted to any artifice to accomplish his designs; 2... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

2 Corinthians 4:3-4. But if our gospel also, (so it is in the original,) be hid Κεκαλυμμενον , veiled, as well as the law of Moses; it is veiled to them that are lost Εν τοις απολλυμενοις , in those that are perishing, namely, in a state of ignorance and unbelief; of guilt, depravity, weakness, and wretchedness. “In 2 Corinthians 3:13-14, the apostle had observed that there were two veils, by which the Israelites were blinded, or prevented from understanding the meaning of the law,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

2 Corinthians 4:5-6. For, &c. As if he had said, The cause of their continuing in unbelief, and perishing, is not in us, nor in the doctrine they hear from us; for we preach not ourselves As able either to enlighten, or pardon, or sanctify mankind; but Christ Jesus the Lord Their only infallible Teacher, all-sufficient Saviour, and righteous Governor; their only wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; and ourselves your servants Ready to do the meanest offices, and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

The life and work of a servant (4:1-18)God’s true servants do not avoid their responsibilities or use dishonest methods. They do not change the plain meaning of God’s Word to suit themselves, but teach that Word faithfully and directly (4:1-2). Not all will believe, because Satan blinds their minds, but true preachers remember always that the message they preach is Christ’s, not theirs. Then, when the hearers allow the light of that message to shine into their hearts, they see Christ as their... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:5

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

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