Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 2 Corinthians 4:1 - 4:1

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Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 2 Corinthians 4:1 - 4:1


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

2Co 4:1-6. THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED

As between the first and second chapters, the division between the third and fourth is badly made. Chapter 3 should have continued to 2Co 4:6. From 2Co 3:7 to 2Co 4:6 there is no very decided break in the subject.

1–6. He perseveres with his vindication of the Apostolic office, with special reference to the charges of insincerity and self-seeking.

Διὰ τοῦτο. For this cause (2Co 7:13, 2Co 13:10; 1Co 4:17; &c.), to distinguish διὰ τοῦτο from διό (2Co 4:16) and οὖν (2Co 5:20). This at once shows that the connexion with what precedes is close. ‘Seeing that the Christian dispensation is so immeasurably superior to the Jewish (2Co 3:17-18), we (is Timothy or anyone else included?), as possessing the ministry just described (2Co 3:7 ff.), have no feeling of despair.’

καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν. Even as we received mercy. It is well to distinguish καθώς from ὡς: and the aorist, which refers to the time when he was made an Apostle, should be retained in translation. It is a very humble way of speaking of his call (1Co 7:25; 1Co 15:9-10; 1Ti 1:13; 1Ti 1:16).

οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν. We faint not, do not lose courage, but πολλῇ παρρησίᾳ χρώμεθα (2Co 3:12). Ellicott says that ἐγκακεῖν means “to lose heart in a course of action,” and ἐκκακεῖν “to retire through fear out of it”: but see critical note; also Lightfoot on 2Th 3:13. In the LXX. neither word is found, but in the version of Symmachus ἐγκ. occurs Gen 27:46; Num 21:5; Pro 3:11; Isa 7:16; and ἐκκ. Jer 18:12. Cowardice leads readily to τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης.