2 Corinthians 4
Lutheran reading notes
In 2 Corinthians chapter 4, the message of the gospel develops the theme of Paul’s defense of ministry and encouragement to believers. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 Corinthians 4:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {dishonesty: Gr. shame}
2 Corinthians 4:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2 Corinthians 4:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 4:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Corinthians 4:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {hath: Gr. is he who hath}
2 Corinthians 4:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
2 Corinthians 4:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
{We are} troubled on every side, yet not distressed; {we are} perplexed, but not in despair; {in despair: or, altogether without help, or, means}
2 Corinthians 4:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
2 Corinthians 4:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
2 Corinthians 4:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present {us} with you.
2 Corinthians 4:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
For all things {are} for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward {man} is renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding {and} eternal weight of glory;
2 Corinthians 4:17 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen {are} temporal; but the things which are not seen {are} eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.