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2 Corinthians 4:1

New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— Therefore, having this ministry, as we have had mercy shewn us, we faint not.
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— Wherefore, having this ministry, even as we received mercy, we faint not;
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— Because of this, having this ministration, according as we did receive kindness, we do not faint,
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— Therefore, seeing that we haue this ministerie, as we haue receiued mercy, we faint not:
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— Therefore, seeing we haue this ministery, as we haue receiued mercie wee faint not:
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— FOR this reason we are not weary of the ministry in which we are engaged, just as we are not weary of the mercies that have been upon us;
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— ON this account we have not weariness in this ministry which we have received, according to the mercies that are upon us.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— Therefore, we are not weary in this ministry which we have received, according to the mercies that have been upon us:

Strong's Numbers & Red-LettersGreek New TestamentColor-Code/Key Word Studies
Therefore x1223
(1223) Complement
διά
dia
{dee-ah'}
A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). In composition it retains the same general import.
x5124
(5124) Complement
τοῦτο
touto
{too'-to}
Neuter, singular, nomitive or accusative of G3778; that thing.
seeing y1223
[1223] Standard
διά
dia
{dee-ah'}
A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). In composition it retains the same general import.
y5124
[5124] Standard
τοῦτο
touto
{too'-to}
Neuter, singular, nomitive or accusative of G3778; that thing.
we have 2192
{2192} Prime
ἔχω
echo
{ekh'-o}
A primary verb (including an alternate form σχέω [[scheo]], {skheh'-o}; used in certain tenses only); to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition).
z5723
<5723> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Participle (See G5796)
Count - 2549
this 5026
{5026} Prime
ταύτῃ
taute
{tow'-tay}
Dative, accusative and genitive case respectively of the feminine singular of G3778; (towards or of) this.
ministry, 1248
{1248} Prime
διακονία
diakonia
{dee-ak-on-ee'-ah}
From G1249; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate).
as 2531
{2531} Prime
καθώς
kathos
{kath-oce'}
From G2596 and G5613; just (or inasmuch) as, that.
we have received mercy, 1653
{1653} Prime
ἐλεέω
eleeo
{el-eh-eh'-o}
From G1656; to compassionate (by word or deed, specifically by divine grace).
z5681
<5681> Grammar
Tense - Aorist (See G5777)
Voice - Passive (See G5786)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 602
we faint 1573
{1573} Prime
ἐκκακέω
ekkakeo
{ek-kak-eh'-o}
From G1537 and G2556; to be (bad or) weak, that is, (by implication) to fail (in heart).
z5719
<5719> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774)
Voice - Active (See G5784)
Mood - Indicative (See G5791)
Count - 3019
not; 3756
{3756} Prime
οὐ
ou
{oo}
A primary word; the absolutely negative (compare G3361) adverb; no or not.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

2 Corinthians 4:1

_ _ 2 Corinthians 4:1-18. His preaching is open and sincere, though to many the Gospel is hidden.

_ _ For he preaches Christ, not himself: the human vessel is frail that God may have the glory; yet, though frail, faith and the hope of future glory sustain him amidst the decay of the outward man.

_ _ ThereforeGreek, “For this cause”: Because we have the liberty-giving Spirit of the Lord, and with unveiled face behold His glory (2 Corinthians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

_ _ seeing we have this ministry — “The ministration of the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:8, 2 Corinthians 3:9): the ministry of such a spiritual, liberty-giving Gospel: resuming 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 3:8.

_ _ received mercy — from God, in having had this ministry conferred on us (2 Corinthians 3:5). The sense of “mercy” received from God, makes men active for God (1 Timothy 1:11-13).

_ _ we faint not — in boldness of speech and action, and patience in suffering (2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 4:8-16, etc.).

Matthew Henry's 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 office as ministers of the gospel. They were not puffed up with pride, but spurred on to great diligence: “Seeing we have this ministry, are so much distinguished and dignified, we do not take state upon ourselves, nor indulge in idleness, but are excited to the better performance of our duty.”

_ _ I. Two things in general we have an account of: — Their constancy and sincerity in their work and labour, concerning which observe, 1. Their constancy and perseverance in their work are declared: “We faint not (2 Corinthians 4:1) under the difficulty of our work, nor do we desist from our labour.” And this their stedfastness was owing to the mercy of God. From the same mercy and grace from which they received the apostleship (Romans 1:5), they received strength to persevere in the work of that office. Note, As it is great mercy and grace to be called to be saints, and especially to be counted faithful, and be put into the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12), so it is owing to the mercy and grace of God if we continue faithful and persevere in our work with diligence. The best men in the world would faint in their work, and under their burdens, if they did not receive mercy from God. By the grace of God I am what I am, said this great apostle in his former epistle to these Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 15:10. And that mercy which has helped us out, and helped us on, hitherto, we may rely upon to help us even to the end. 2. Their sincerity in their work is avouched (2 Corinthians 4:2) in several expressions: We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty. The things of dishonesty are hidden things, that will not bear the light; and those who practise them are, or should be, ashamed of them, especially when they are known. Such things the apostle did not allow of, but did renounce and avoid with indignation: Not walking in craftiness, or in disguise, acting with art and cunning, but in great simplicity, and with open freedom. They had no base and wicked designs covered with fair and specious pretences of something that was good. Nor did they in their preaching handle the word of God deceitfully; but, as he said before, they used great plainness of speech, and did not make their ministry serve a turn, or truckle to base designs. They had not cheated the people with falsehood instead of truth. Some think the apostle alludes to the deceit which treacherous gamesters use, or that of hucksters in the market, who mix bad wares with good. The apostles acted not like such persons, but they manifested the truth to every man's conscience, declaring nothing but what in their own conscience they believed to be true, and what might serve for the conviction of their consciences who heard them, who were to judge for themselves, and to give an account for themselves. And all this they did as in the sight of God, desirous thus to commend themselves to God, and to the consciences of men, by their undisguised sincerity. Note, A stedfast adherence to the truths of the gospel will commend ministers and people; and sincerity or uprightness will preserve a man's reputation, and the good opinion of wise and good men concerning him.

_ _ II. An objection is obviated, which might be thus formed: “If it be thus, how then does it come to pass, that the gospel is hid, and proves ineffectual, as to some who hear it?” To which the apostle answers, by showing that this was not the fault of the gospel, nor of the preachers thereof. But the true reasons of this are, 1. Those are lost souls to whom the gospel is hid, or is ineffectual, 2 Corinthians 4:3. Christ came to save that which was lost (Matthew 17:11), and the gospel of Christ is sent to save such; and, if this do not find and save them, they are lost for ever; they must never expect any thing else to save them, for there is no other method or means of salvation. The hiding of the gospel therefore from souls is both an evidence and cause of their ruin. 2. The god of this world hath blinded their minds, 2 Corinthians 4:4. They are under the influence and power of the devil, who is here called the god of this world, and elsewhere the prince of this world, because of the great interest he has in this world, the homage that is paid to him by multitudes in this world, and the great sway that, by divine permission, he bears in the world, and in the hearts of his subjects, or rather slaves. And as he is the prince of darkness, and ruler of the darkness of this world, so he darkens the understandings of men, and increases their prejudices, and supports his interest by keeping them in the dark, blinding their minds with ignorance, and error, and prejudices, that they should not behold the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. Observe, (1.) Christ's design by his gospel is to make a glorious discovery of God to the minds of men. Thus, as the image of God, he demonstrates the power and wisdom of God, and the grace and mercy of God for their salvation. But, (2.) The design of the devil is to keep men in ignorance; and, when he cannot keep the light of the gospel out of the world, he makes it his great business to keep it out of the hearts of men.

_ _ III. A proof of their integrity is given, 2 Corinthians 4:5. They made it their business to preach Christ, and not themselves: We preach not ourselves. Self was not the matter nor the end of the apostles' preaching: they did not give their own notions and private opinions, nor their passions and prejudices, for the word and will of God; nor did they seek themselves, to advance their own secular interest or glory. But they preached Christ Jesus the Lord; and thus it did become them and behove them to do, as being Christ's servants. Their business was to make their Master known to the world as the Messiah, or the Christ of God, and as Jesus, the only Saviour of men, and as the rightful Lord, and to advance his honour and glory. Note, All the lines of Christian doctrine centre in Christ; and in preaching Christ we preach all we should preach. “As to ourselves,” says the apostle, “we preach, or declare, that we are your servants for Jesus' sake.” This was no compliment, but a real profession of a readiness to do good to their souls, and to promote their spiritual and eternal interest, and that for Jesus' sake; not for their own sake or their own advantage, but for Christ's sake, that they might imitate his great example, and advance his glory. Note, Ministers should not be of proud spirits, lording it over God's heritage, who are servants to the souls of men: yet, at the same time, they must avoid the meanness of spirit implied in becoming the servants of the humours or the lusts of men; if they should thus seek to please men, they would not be the servants of Christ, Galatians 1:10. And there was good reason, 1. Why they should preach Christ. For by gospel light we have the knowledge of the glory of God, which shines in the face of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:6. And the light of this Sun of righteousness is more glorious than that light which God commanded to shine out of darkness. It is a pleasant thing for the eye to behold the sun in the firmament; but it is more pleasant and profitable when the gospel shines in the heart. Note, As light was the first-born of the first creation, so it is in the new creation: the illumination of the Spirit is his first work upon the soul. The grace of God created such a light in the soul that those who were sometimes darkness are made light in the Lord, Ephesians 5:8. 2. Why they should not preach themselves: because they were but earthen vessels, things of little or no worth or value. Here seems to be an allusion to the lamps which Gideon's soldiers carried in earthen pitchers, Judges 7:16. The treasure of gospel light and grace is put into earthen vessels. The ministers of the gospel are weak and frail creatures, and subject to like passions and infirmities as other men; they are mortal, and soon broken in pieces. And God has so ordered it that the weaker the vessels are the stronger his power may appear to be, that the treasure itself should be valued the more. Note, There is an excellency of power in the gospel of Christ, to enlighten the mind, to convince the conscience, to convert the soul, and to rejoice the heart; but all this power is from God the author, and not from men, who are but instruments, so that God in all things must be glorified.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

2 Corinthians 4:1

Therefore having this ministry — Spoken of, 2 Corinthians 3:6. As we have received mercy — Have been mercifully supported in all our trials. We faint not — We desist not in any degree from our glorious enterprise.

Geneva Bible Translation Notes

2 Corinthians 4:1

Therefore (1) seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we (a) faint not;

(1) Now he plainly witnesses that both he and his associates (through the mercy of God) do their vocation and duty uprightly and sincerely, neglecting all dangers.

(a) Though we are broken in pieces with miseries and calamities, yet we do not yield.

Cross-Reference Topical ResearchStrong's Concordance
seeing:

2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
Ephesians 3:7-8 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. ... Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

as:

1 Corinthians 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.
1 Peter 2:10 Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

we faint not:

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.
Isaiah 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
*marg.
Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Revelation 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
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Chain-Reference Bible SearchCross References with Concordance

Is 40:30. 1Co 7:25. 2Co 3:6, 12; 4:16; 5:18. Ga 6:9. Ep 3:7, 13. Php 4:13. 2Th 3:13. 1Ti 1:13. He 12:3. 1P 2:10. Rv 2:3.

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