2 Corinthians 4:5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

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... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

4:1-6 Since therefore this part of God's service has been given to us, even as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have refused to have anything to do with hidden and shameful methods. We do not act with unscrupulous cleverness. We do not adulterate the word which God gave us to preach. But by making the truth clear, we commend ourselves to the human conscience in all its forms in the sight of God. But if in fact the good news that we preach is veiled to some, it is veiled in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves ,.... These words contain a reason why the apostles behaved themselves in the manner described, 2 Corinthians 4:2 and serve to explain in what sense this inspired writer is to be understood, when he calls the Gospel our Gospel, 2 Corinthians 4:3 and most clearly proves the Gospel to be a glorious one, which he had asserted, 2 Corinthians 4:4 since Christ, and not themselves, is the subject of it, "for we preach not ourselves". They did not preach any... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves - We neither proclaim our own wisdom nor power; we have nothing but what we have received; we do not wish to establish our own authority, nor to procure our own emolument. But Christ Jesus the Lord - We proclaim the author of this glorious Gospel as Christ, ὁ Χριστος , the same as המשיח hammashiach , the Messiah, the Anointed One; him of whom the prophets wrote; and who is the expectation, as he is the glory, of Israel, We proclaim him as Jesus יהושע ... read more

John Calvin

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 4:5

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

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