FocusChrist preached as Lord
Connection to the wholePaul rejects deceit and explains the gospel's light in relation to God's shining in the heart and the knowledge of His glory in Jesus Christ.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 4:5
KJVFor we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
Read it in context
An open proclamation
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 4:1 (2 Corinthians 4:1 to 2 Corinthians 4:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul rejects deceit and explains the gospel's light in relation to God's shining in the heart and the knowledge of His glory in Jesus Christ.
- 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
- 4:2 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.
- 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
- 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
- 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
- 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? An open proclamation. Read 2 Corinthians 4:1 through 2 Corinthians 4:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul rejects deceit and explains the gospel's light in relation to God's shining in the heart and the knowledge of His glory in Jesus Christ. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in An open proclamation (2 Corinthians 4:1 to 2 Corinthians 4:6). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2 Corinthians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- we Matt 3:11 John 1:21-23 John 3:27-31 John 7:18 Acts 3:12-13 Acts 8:9-10 Acts 10:25-26 Acts 14:11-15
- Christ 2 Cor 1:19 Matt 23:8 Acts 2:36 Acts 5:31 Acts 10:36 Rom 14:8-9 1 Cor 1:23 1 Cor 2:2
- and 2 Cor 1:24 2 Cor 5:14-15 Matt 20:25-27 Luke 22:25-26 John 13:14-15 Rom 15:1-2 1 Cor 9:19-23 Gal 5:13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 4
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Treasure in earthen vessels
2 Corinthians 4:7–18FocusAffliction and enduring hope
Connection to the wholeThe weakness of the messengers highlights God's power, and their suffering is set beside resurrection hope and the weight of eternal glory.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.