2 Corinthians 4:6

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 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness ,.... The causal particle for, shows these words to be also a reason of the foregoing; either why they so clearly beheld the glory of the Lord, 2 Corinthians 4:18 or why they renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, 2 Corinthians 4:2 or why their Gospel could not be hid, 2 Corinthians 4:3 or why they did not preach themselves, but Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:5 because God had shined in their hearts ; and in this light, they... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness - The apostle refers here to Genesis 1:3 . For when God created the heavens and the earth Darkness was on the face of the deep; and God said, Let There Be Light; and there was light. Thus he caused the light to shine out of darkness. Hath shined in our hearts - He has given our hearts the glorious light of the Gospel, as he has given the world the glorious light of the sun. As sure, therefore, as God is the author of the light... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:6

Verse 6 6.God who commanded light to shine out of darkness. I see that this passage may be explained in four different ways. In the first place thus: “God has commanded light to shine forth out of darkness: that is, by the ministry of men, who are in their own nature darkness, He has brought forward the light of His gospel into the world.” Secondly, thus: “God has made the light of the gospel to take the place of the law, which was wrapt up in dark shadows, and thus, He has brought light out of... 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 4:6

Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness. The argument of the verse is that God, who created the material light ( Genesis 1:3 ) and who is the Father of lights ( James 1:1 ) and sent his Son to be the Light of the world ( John 8:12 ), did not shine in our hearts for our sakes only, or that we might hide the light under a bushel for ourselves, but that we might transmit and reflect it. There is an implied comparison between the creation of light and the dawn of the gospel light,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who commanded ... - The design of this verse seems to be, to give a reason why Paul and his fellow-apostles did not preach themselves, but Jesus Christ the Lord, 2 Corinthians 4:5. That reason was, that their minds had been so illuminated by that God who had commanded the light to shine out of darkness, that they had discerned the glory of the divine perfections shining in and through the Redeemer, and they therefore gave themselves. to the work of making him known among people. The... read more

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