2 Coríntios 4
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 4:1-2
Utley - Paul wrote in Greek, but thought in Hebrew. The Greek term eleeō (mercy, pity, compassion) is used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew term hesed (ED: CORRECTION - IT IS ACTUALLY THE ROOT NOUN eleos WHICH IS USED TO TRANSLATE hesed = LOVINGKINDNESS. THE VERB eleeo IS USED MOST COMMONLY TO TRANSLATE chanan = GRACIOUS), which relates to covenant fidelity (REFERRING TO hesed) YHWH is faithful to His covenant promises, even when humanity is not! Paul’s dramatic conversion clearly reveals the compassion of God. He acts in mercy to Jews (cf. Ro 9:15, 16, 18, 23–24; 11:30) and to Gentiles (cf. Rom. 11:32) for His own covenant purpose, the restoration of His image in mankind through the work of Christ and the ministry of the Spirit. God’s loyalty to His covenant and His unchanging character of mercy is mankind’s only hope. (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary) Writing to Timothy Paul gave a parallel description of mercy he had received first explaining that... even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy (eleeo) because I acted ignorantly in unbelief. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example (model) of his great patience with even the worst sinners (Paul considered himself a "living epistle" testifying that God could save any sinner [cf 2Co 3:1-4+] - what a mercy filled God!). Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life. (1Ti 1:13-16 - v16 is NLT) Johann Bengel...The mercy (eleeo) of God, through which this ministry is received, makes us (ED: OR SHOULD MAKE US) zealous and sincere ministers. Even Moses obtained mercy, and thereby found so near access, Ex 33:19+. (The Critical English Testament) Paul's acknowledgment of his receipt of (and need for) mercy (eleeo) is a reflection of his continuing attitude of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that his holy calling as an apostle was not due to his works but was a result of his having received mercy. He would have loved Augustus Toplady's great hymn... A debtor to mercy alone, Of covenant mercy I sing; Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on, My person and offering to bring; The terrors of law and of God With me can have nothing to do; My Saviour's obedience and blood Hide all my transgressions from view. (Another Version)
2 Coríntios 4:1-2
Utley - Paul did feel like giving up several times. Jesus appeared to him in visions several times to encourage him (cf. Acts 18:9–10; 23:11; 27:24; 2 Tim. 4:17). In this particular context, in the face of physical trials and problems with the church at Corinth, Paul had confidence that the merciful, covenantal God was there and in control (cf. 3:12). The task was too important to lose heart (cf. Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 1:8). (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary)
2 Coríntios 4:1-2
Utley - “we have renounced” This is AORIST MIDDLE INDICATIVE. There is a series of things which Paul personally refused to use in his own ministry: (1) underhanded means; (2) disgraceful methods; (3) cunning; (4) tampering with or watering down God’s message. Each of these methods reflect the false teachers’ charges or their actions....In this context the phrase seems to describe the methodology of the itinerant false teachers.(2 Corinthians 4 Commentary) Charles Hodge adds that what Paul denies of himself he affirms of the false teachers, their "lack of openness, adopting secret methods to achieve their ends, which they would be ashamed to admit openly." (2 Corinthians Commentary) David Lowery writes that "Already he had adroitly parried the attacks of his accusers several times in the letter (e.g., 2Co 1:17; 2:17; 3:1), but he felt forced to do so again (e.g., 2Co 6:3; 7:3; 2Cor 10:1-13:14). (Bible Knowledge Commentary) Murray J Harris adds that "Evidently he had been accused of deceitful behavior (cf. 2Co 7:2; 12:16). This he emphatically rejects. The openness marking the new covenant had always been reflected in his conduct. His tactics had never been secretive or deceptive, nor had he ever dishonestly manipulated the message of God entrusted to him. (Expositor's Bible Commentary) Broomall - The decisive act, renounced, is explained by two negative concomitants: (1) not walking in craftiness; (2) nor handling the word of God deceitfully. The resultant life is described according to its (1) means—by the manifestation of the truth; (2) method—commending ourselves to every man’s conscience; (3) measure—in the sight of God. Christians should renounce (as here), repudiate (cf. 2Co 6:14-17), and reprove ( Cf. Eph 5:11) the hidden things of shame (ASV; Cf. Ro 6:21; 1Cor 4:5). (Wycliffe Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4) UBS Handbook explains that "The words “of shame” characterize those things that are hidden; they are “secret and shameful deeds.” More specifically, does Paul mean that the people who do such deeds are, in fact, ashamed of their deeds? (Revised English Bible “the deeds that people hide for very shame.”) Or does he mean that they should be ashamed and are not? Either is possible, but the majority opinion seems to be that the practices were “so shameful that they have to be kept hidden” (Barclay). (United Bible Societies' New Testament Handbook Series) J H Bernard - the hidden things of shame; cf. Ro 13:12, Eph. 4:22. The stress is on ta krupta (the hidden); it is the openness and candor of his ministry on which he insists (cf. John 3:20). (Expositor's Greek Testament) Henry Alford adds that the meaning here is that "The having any views, ends or practices which, such as have them, hide through shame...Shame is subjective, meaning fear arising from expectation of exposure. It is plain from the context that it refers, not to crimes and unholy practices, but to crooked arts, of which men are ashamed, and which perhaps were made use of by the false teachers (The New Testament for English Readers). Renounced (550) (apeipomen from apó = from + eípon <> épo = speak) literally means to speak off or to speak out (against) and so to refuse, deny, denounce, renounce, spurn, disown with aversion. Found only here in the NT. Expresses strong disapproval of something with the idea of "distancing" one's self from the thing denounced or renounced. Renounce (English definitions) to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration. To refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further. To disown; to disclaim; to reject; as a title or claim; to refuse to own or acknowledge as belonging to as to renounce a title to land or a claim to reward; to renounce all pretensions to applause. To renounce allegiance. To cast off or reject as a possession; to forsake. Four uses in the Septuagint - 1 Ki. 11:2; Job 6:14; Job 10:3; Zech. 11:12 Hidden (2927)(kruptos from krupto = keep secret; English ~ cryptic, etc) means concealed, secret, hidden either to protect it or for self-serving purposes. Krupto describes something that is unknown because it is being kept secret or hidden. Liddell-Scott give an example of a secular use of kruptos -- "a trench covered and concealed by planks and earth". Giving and praying are to be done in secret (Mt 6:4, Mt 6:6) for God sees all things and there is nothing hidden from Him so that all things will one day be brought to the light by Him (Mt 10:26 Mk 4:22 Lk 8:17 Lk 12:2 1Co 4:5). Kruptos conveys the idea of privately in Jn 7:4, 10, 18:20. Kruptos describes the "secrets" of men's hearts (Ro 2:16, 1Co 14:25). "The hidden person of the heart" in 1Pe 3:4 which
2 Coríntios 4:1-2
Utley - Paul uses this same word (1) in a quote from Job 5:13 referring to human wisdom (cf. 1 Cor. 3:19); (2) of Satan tempting Eve (cf. 2 Cor. 11:3); (3) of the trickery of Satan and the false teachers (cf. Eph. 4:14); and (4) here of the methods of false teachers (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary)
2 Coríntios 4:1-2
Utley adds doloo "and its related forms mean (1) watered down (cf. 2Co 2:17); (2) entrapped with bait (cf. Matt. 26:4; Mark 14:1); or (3) defrauded or deceived (cf. 2 Cor. 11:13; Rom. 3:13). It refers to a changing message based on the hearer’s sensibilities or trying to trick the hearers (cf. 1 Cor. 1:23)." (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary) Word (3056) (logos from légō = to speak with words; English = logic, logical) means something said and describes a communication whereby the mind finds expression in words. The Words of the Bible express the mind of God. But (alla) draws a marked contrast between negative portrait of the trickery and deceit of the false teachers and the positive picture of Paul's open presentation of the Word of Truth. This is a good reminder to all of us that the best "antidote" for false teaching is the Word of Truth. Remember that spiritual warfare is not so much a "power" struggle as it is a truth struggle. by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God - ("by plain statement of the truths of the Gospel in public preaching" [Bernard]) Amplified = "but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience." Manifestation of (the) truth means causing truth to be fully known by clearly revealing it and making it plain. By simple exhibition of the truth, stating it as it is, without "additives" (as with philosophies, traditions, etc, cp Col 2:8, 9+), not taking a text out of its context, etc. The fact that truth has the definite article preceding it (indicating Paul is referring to a specific body of truth) supports the premise that he is referring to truth of the Gospel. In the first letter to the Corinthians Paul emphasized his approach to ministry writing that "when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (1 Co 2:1, 2+). Ritchie makes an interesting statement regarding the manifestation of truth - Men intuitively recognize the truth. They do not need to be convinced of it. God has so constituted our consciences that we know truth when we hear it. When it is declared a sympathetic vibration is set up in side us. Truth does not really need to be proved to us. The reason people reject the truth is not that they do not sense it is true but because they choose to disbelieve. They would rather go their own way than respond to the truth. (Ref)
2 Coríntios 4:1-2
Utley - The false teachers acted in shameful ways, secret ways, but Paul preached the full truth publicly. (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary)
2 Coríntios 4:5-6
Utley - in the face of Christ” This is the continuing comparison between the veil of Moses (cf. 2Cor 3:13) and the perfect reflection of Jesus Christ (cf. Heb. 1:3). Believers have seen the glory of Christ in the gospel (cf. 2Co 3:18). Vincent on the face of Christ - Containing the thought of ch. 3:18. The knowledge of the divine glory becomes clear revelation to men in the face of Christ as it appears in the Gospel: “So that in this seen countenance that clear-shining knowledge has the source of its light, as it were, its focus” (Meyer). (2 Corinthians 4) J A Beet commenting on in the face of Christ notes that from His glorious face "shines forth the light which reveals the glory of God. While we gaze upon that face as reflected in the Gospel mirror, i.e. while we contemplate His character as portrayed in the Gospel, we behold in the face of Christ the greatness of God. That the light which filled Paul’s heart was an outshining of God in creative power, and that it had shone forth in him that men might know and wonder at the grandeur of God, moved him to devote himself to the service of men by proclaiming this glorious Gospel. (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary) In Jesus Christ we see what God is like! He who has seen Me has seen the Father Face (4383)(prosopon from prós = toward + ops = the eye or face) is literally the eye toward, the front part of one's head, the countenance (Latin ~ con = with + teneo = to hold, literally the contents of a body and then the outline which constitutes the whole figure, the face as expressing a person's character or mood). Prosopon is used in the Septuagint (LXX) translation of Numbers 6 in the famous "Aaronic blessing"... The Lord make His face (Hebrew = panim = face; Lxx = prosopon) shine (Hebrew = or = to become light; Lxx = epiphaino [Eng = epiphany] = be manifest, literally "shine upon") on you, and be gracious to you (Nu 6:25, cp Nu 6:23, 24). Comment: Indeed when Jehovah-Jesus makes His face to shine upon us as we are enabled to see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. Dwight L Moody commenting on the Aaronic Blessing said: Here is a benediction that can go all the world over, and can give all the time without being impoverished. Every heart may utter it: it is the speech of God: every letter may conclude with it; every day may begin with it; every night may be sanctified by it. Here is blessing—keeping—shining—the uplifting upon our poor life of all heaven’s glad morning. It is the Lord Himself Who brings this bar of music from heaven’s infinite anthems Christ (5547) (Christos from chrio = to anoint, rub with oil, consecrate to an office) is the Anointed One, the Messiah, Christos being the Greek equivalent of the transliterated Hebrew word Messiah. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go by George Matheson O love that will not let me go -Indelible Grace More Classic Version O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be. O light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to thee; My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be. O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be. O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life’s glory dead, And from the ground there blosso A Lantern Lit By Christ - In Benjamin Franklin’s day the streets of Philadelphia were dark after sunset. Nighttime pedestrians had to walk cautiously to avoid rocks and holes. Franklin decided to set a good example for his fellow citizens by placing a lantern outside his home. As people stumbled down his street at night, they would come to that oasis of light and realize what a blessing it was. Soon other Philadelphians were putting up their own lanterns. After sunset the whole village became a place of illuminated safety. The world around us is dark with spiritual ignorance. For multitudes of people, the aimlessness of their existence leads to unspoken despair. We can’t single-handedly drive back the darkness everywhere, but we can do something significant. We can let our redeemed, Christ-ignited lives serve as lanterns of light. Our Savior commands us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:16). We've a Savior to show to the nations, Who the path of sorrow has trod, That all of the world's great peoples Might come to the truth of God. —Nichol The smallest light still shines in the darkest night. Lamb-Chop Witness - Have you ever heard of witnessing with a lamb chop? W. H. Lax, a Methodist minister in London for 38 years, did just that. An old man was gravely ill, and Pastor Lax called on him. The man had no time for ministers, and as soon as he saw Lax’s clerical collar he turned away and refused to speak. Lax suspected that the man’s food supply had run low. So when he left the house, the minister stopped at a local butcher shop and had two lamb chops sent over. He called again in a few days and the old fellow was a bit friendlier. On his way home, Lax left another order with the butcher. By his third visit there was a noticeable change. The man was congenial and outgoing; he even allowed the minister to witness to him. While Lax was away on a preaching mission, the old man died. Apparently he had put his trust in Christ, for just before he died he said, “Tell the minister that it’s all right now. I’m going to God. But be sure to tell him it wasn’t his talking that changed me. It was those lamb chops!” Putting It Into Practice Are there people in your neighborhood or workplace who are resisting the gospel? How can you show your love and concern by meeting their needs? Sometimes the best witness is kindness.
2 Coríntios 4:7-9
Utley - The first eight PARTICIPLES are in contrasting pairs. The first describes Paul’s ministry experience and the second limits the consequences. Examples of this word play are: (1) “at loss but not utter loss” and (2) “knocked down but not knocked out.” This section can be compared to 2 Cor. 1:6; 6:4–10; 11:23–28. Astheneia of Humanity Dunamis of Divinity Afflicted Crushed Perplexed Not despairing Persecuted Not forsaken Struck down Not destroyed The first element of each pair characterizes frailty of humanity, especially in man's service to God. These two passages are the first of four lists of Paul's sufferings in 2 Corinthians (2Co 4:8, 9; 2Co 6:4, 5, 8, 9, 10; 2Co 11:23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28; 2Co 12:10). Paul Apple - In what ways are you physically challenged? Paul experienced such severe suffering that he could say that he was “constantly being delivered over to death.” Showcasing Jesus instead of ourselves requires dying so others may live. Plummer adds that "The ruling idea throughout is that God manifests His power in His servants’ weakness. Whatever hostile agents, whether human or diabolical, may do, the earthen vessels are able to bear the shock and continue to render service. (2 Corinthians 4 Commentary) “The test of a true ministry is not stars, but scars!” (cp Gal. 6:17+) -- Warren Wiersbe
2 Coríntios 4:10-12
Utley says it well that "As our earthly vessel is broken, the treasure inside becomes more visible (cf. 2Co 12:9–10)." This brings to mind the picture of "walking posters," people walking on the street with placards or boards on their front and back clearly advertising something such as the nearby restaurant. Think of yourself as "Posters for Jesus!"
2 Coríntios 4:10-12
Utley comments that "Theological insight into this verse can be seen in 1 Cor. 4:9, where the Apostles are on exhibition both to angels and men. Believers also are on exhibition to a lost world and the angelic world (cf. Eph. 2:7; 3:10)." REITERATION OF THE TRUTH OF THE DEATH THAT GIVES LIFE Continues the thought from verse 10. Paul acknowledges the reality that any of his daily trials could have resulted in physical death (and finally did result in his martyrdom). However, through his weaknesses and sufferings (see who God uses - 1Co 1:26-29), Christ's resurrection power and life in Him (cp Gal 2:20) was put on display and became instrumental in bringing spiritual life to the Corinthians. Even as a precious stone is best seen against a black background, the precious life of Christ in us the hope of glory (Col 1:27) is best seen against the dark background of death. For (gar) is explanatory. "Explanation and confirmation of 2Co 4:10" (Alford). In a sense Paul is repeating himself as he continues to amplify his teaching on life coming from death. In fact, Bernard writes "The key to the interpretation of 2Co 4:10 is to observe that 2Co 4:11 is the explanation of it; the two verses are strictly parallel: “our mortal flesh” of 2Co 4:11 is only a more emphatic and literal way of describing “our body” of 2Co 4:10. (2 Corinthians 4) William MacDonald is correct when he says that life out of death "is one of the deepest principles of our existence. The meat we eat and by which we live comes through the death of animals. It is so in the spiritual realm. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” The more the church is persecuted and afflicted and hunted and pursued, the more Christianity spreads. And yet it is difficult for us to accept this truth. When violence comes to a servant of the Lord, we normally think of it as a tragedy. Actually, this is God’s normal way of dealing. It is not the exception. Constant exposure to death for Jesus’ sake is the divine manner in which the life of Jesus is manifested in our mortal bodies. (Believer's Bible Commentary) Homer Kent - In this parallel expression, Paul’s meaning in the preceding verse is more fully explained. (A Heart Opened Wide - Studies in 2 Corinthians; see also 2 Corinthians 2:14-4:18 The Glory of Christian Ministry - An Analysis) We who live are constantly (aei) being delivered (paradidomi like a prisoner to the executioner, cf 2Co 1:9) over to death for Jesus' sake - Literally "the living". Constantly is first in the Greek text for emphasis (parallels "always" in 2Co 4:10). In this passage Paul is referring to physical life, and yet to be sure he is also experiencing the divine paradox of living life to the full, by allowing the dying of Jesus to continually take place. Being delivered is in the present tense emphasizing that this is a continual process in Paul's life (deliverance over to the power of death) (cp his statement "I die daily" 1Co 15:31+ = Daily Paul was exposed to the possibility of literal death. While the daily exposure to physical death is the primary sense, it certainly does not exclude that He also died daily to self. Cp Lk 9:23 where taking up the Cross speaks of death to self and possibly even physical death) Utley - The call to ministry is a call to intentional daily death to self (cf. 2Co 5:14–15; Ro 6:7; 1 Cor. 15:31; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 3:8, 10; 1 John 3:16). This attitude is the reversal of the fall of mankind. It is evidence of Christlikeness, which is the restoration of the image of God in humanity. Murray Harris has a slightly different interpretation of constantly (aei) being delivered (paradidomi) over to death for Jesus' sake than Utley - He faced perilous hazards every hour and death every day, as he says in 1Co 15:30, 31 (cf. 1 Cor 4:9). This contextual interpretation of the phrase seems preferable to understanding it as a reference to the Christian’s once-for-all baptismal identification with Christ in his death (Ro 6:3–5), or his daily mortification of his sinful nature (Gal 5:24; cf. Luke 9:23), or the gradual weakening of his physical powers while serving Christ. (Expositor's Bible Commentary) Death is personified as a power to which Paul was given over continually. He allowed himself to be continually delivered over to suffering. This was costly in many ways and he could have easily reasoned "I've had enough. It's time to retire." But Paul kept the goal of prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus continually in his vision as he ran with endurance, tired yes, but giving up, never.