Fathers

2 Corinthians 4

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Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 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. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 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. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 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. 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. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 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; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 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.

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What the Fathers say

2 Corinthians 4:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Seeing he had uttered great things and had set himself and all the faithful before Moses, aware of the height and greatness of what he had said, observe how he moderates his tone again. For it was necessary on account of the false Apostles to exalt his hearers also, and again to calm down that swelling; yet not to do it away, since this would be a trifler's part. Wherefore he manages this in another manner, by showing that not of their own merits was it, but all of the loving-kindness of God. …

Homily 8 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since he expressed many great things, saying that we, the apostles, are above Moses (for if all are above, then all the more so they), he tempers his word and says: all this belongs to God. For we are only ministers, and the fact that we have been appointed as ministers is not ours either, but, he says, this too belongs to the mercy of God. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Having shown the dignity of the New Testament ministry, the Apostle now discusses the exercise of this ministry. In regard to this he does two things. First, he shows that the exercise of this ministry should consist in doing good; secondly it should consist also in enduring evils patiently (v. 7). In regard to the first he does two things. First, he lays down the use of this ministry; secondly, he excludes an objection (v. 3). …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗