2 Corinthians 4:3-5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:5

Verse 5 5.For we preach not ourselves Some make this to be an instance of Zeugma, (449) in this manner: We preach not ourselves to be lords, but God’s only Son, whom the Father has set over all things, to be the one Lord. (450) I do not, indeed, find fault with that interpretation, but as the expression is more emphatic (εμφατικωτερα) and has a more extensive signification, (451) when it is said, that one preaches himself. I am more inclined to retain this interpretation, especially as it is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

It is still "this ministry." The question, "Who is sufficient for these things?" has been answered in part by a statement of his "sincerity" and "plainness of speech," and he now proceeds to Speak of his courage and steady zeal. "We faint not," allowing no difficulties or dangers to dishearten us. But what was the nature or spirit of this resolute energy? Energetic men, brave men, who are bent on their purpose, are not always choice or chary of the means employed to gain their ends. "Hidden... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

I. WITH FAITH . Many preach with despair and prepare the way for failure. We should reflect that the preaching of the gospel is the divinely appointed way for saving men. We are likely to have success if we lay hold of God when we seek to lay hold of men. Our own salvation furnishes abundant evidence of the Divine power to save. "God shined in our hearts" ( 2 Corinthians 4:6 ); "We obtained mercy" ( 2 Corinthians 4:1 ). What God has done for us he can do for others. And we have the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:3

But if our gospel be hid. This is added to avoid the semblance of a contradiction. He has spoken of "manifestation of the truth," and yet has spoken of all Jews as unable to see it because they will not remove from their hearts the veil which hides it from them. How can "a veiled gospel" be a "manifested truth"? The answer is that the gospel is bright, but the eyes that should gaze on it are wilfully closed. Similarly in 2 Corinthians 2:16 , he has compared the gospel to a fragrance of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

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 4:3

But if our gospel be hid - Paul here calls it his gospel, because it was that which he preached, or the message which he bore; see note, Romans 16:25. The sense here is, “if the gospel which I preach is not understood; if its meaning is obscure or hidden; if its glory is not seen.” It is “implied” here, that to many the beauty and glory of the gospel was not perceived. This was undeniable, notwithstanding the plainness and fullness with which its truths were made known. The “object” of Paul... read more

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