
Text -- 2 Corinthians 4:1-3 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Robertson: 2Co 4:1 - -- We faint not ( ouk egkakoumen ).
Present active indicative of egkakeō , late verb (en , kakos ) to behave badly in, to give in to evil, to lose c...
We faint not (
Present active indicative of

Robertson: 2Co 4:2 - -- But we have renounced ( alla apeipametha ).
Indirect middle second aorist (timeless aorist) indicative of apeipon (defective verb) with a of firs...
But we have renounced (
Indirect middle second aorist (timeless aorist) indicative of

Robertson: 2Co 4:2 - -- The hidden things of shame ( ta krupta tēs aischunēs ).
They do attack the minister. His only safety is in instant and courageous defiance to all...
The hidden things of shame (
They do attack the minister. His only safety is in instant and courageous defiance to all the powers of darkness. It is a terrible thing to see a preacher caught in the toils of the tempter.

Robertson: 2Co 4:2 - -- In craftiness ( en panourgiāi ).
Old word from panourgos (pan , ergon ), a doer of any deed (good or bad), clever, cunning, deceitful. See note...
In craftiness (
Old word from

Robertson: 2Co 4:2 - -- Handling deceitfully ( dolountes ).
Present active participle of doloō , from dolos , deceit (from delō , to catch with bait), old and common ver...
Handling deceitfully (
Present active participle of

Robertson: 2Co 4:2 - -- To every conscience of men ( pros pāsan suneidēsin anthrōpōn ).
Not to whim, foible, prejudice. See note on 2Co 3:1-6 for "commending"(sunist...
To every conscience of men (
Not to whim, foible, prejudice. See note on 2Co 3:1-6 for "commending"(

Robertson: 2Co 4:3 - -- It is veiled in them that are perishing ( en tois apollumenois estin kekalummenon ).
Periphrastic perfect passive of kaluptō , to veil in both cond...
It is veiled in them that are perishing (
Periphrastic perfect passive of
Vincent: 2Co 4:1 - -- As we have received mercy
Construe with we have this ministry . Having this ministry as a gift of divine mercy. Compare 1Co 7:25. Bengel s...
As we have received mercy
Construe with we have this ministry . Having this ministry as a gift of divine mercy. Compare 1Co 7:25. Bengel says: " The mercy of God, by which the ministry is received, makes us earnest and sincere."

Vincent: 2Co 4:2 - -- Dishonesty ( τῆς αἰσχύνης )
Rev., more correctly, shame . Compare Eph 5:12.
Dishonesty (
Rev., more correctly, shame . Compare Eph 5:12.

Vincent: 2Co 4:2 - -- Handling deceitfully ( δολοῦντες )
Only here in the New Testament. Primarily, to ensnare ; then to corrupt . Used of adulterati...
Handling deceitfully (
Only here in the New Testament. Primarily, to ensnare ; then to corrupt . Used of adulterating gold, wine, etc. See on which corrupt , 2Co 2:17. This verb has a narrower meaning than the one used there (
" Thus did Sabellius, Arius, and those fools
Who have been even as swords unto the Scriptures
In rendering distorted their straight faces."
" Paradiso ," xiii ., 128-130 .

Have been mercifully supported in all our trials.

We desist not in any degree from our glorious enterprise.

All things which men need to hide, or to be ashamed of.

Wesley: 2Co 4:2 - -- By any additions or alterations, or by attempting to accommodate it to the taste of the hearers.
By any additions or alterations, or by attempting to accommodate it to the taste of the hearers.
JFB: 2Co 4:1 - -- Greek, "For this cause": Because we have the liberty-giving Spirit of the Lord, and with unveiled face behold His glory (2Co 3:17-18).
Greek, "For this cause": Because we have the liberty-giving Spirit of the Lord, and with unveiled face behold His glory (2Co 3:17-18).

JFB: 2Co 4:1 - -- "The ministration of the Spirit" (2Co 3:8-9): the ministry of such a spiritual, liberty-giving Gospel: resuming 2Co 3:6, 2Co 3:8.

JFB: 2Co 4:1 - -- From God, in having had this ministry conferred on us (2Co 3:5). The sense of "mercy" received from God, makes men active for God (1Ti 1:11-13).
From God, in having had this ministry conferred on us (2Co 3:5). The sense of "mercy" received from God, makes men active for God (1Ti 1:11-13).

JFB: 2Co 4:1 - -- In boldness of speech and action, and patience in suffering (2Co 4:2, 2Co 4:8-16, &c.).
In boldness of speech and action, and patience in suffering (2Co 4:2, 2Co 4:8-16, &c.).

JFB: 2Co 4:2 - -- Rather, "of shame." "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ" (Rom 1:16). Shame would lead to hiding (2Co 4:3); whereas "we use great plainness of sp...
Rather, "of shame." "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ" (Rom 1:16). Shame would lead to hiding (2Co 4:3); whereas "we use great plainness of speech" (2Co 3:12); "by manifestation of the truth." Compare 2Co 3:3, "manifestly declared." He refers to the disingenuous artifices of "many" teachers at Corinth (2Co 2:17; 2Co 3:1; 2Co 11:13-15).



JFB: 2Co 4:3 - -- Rather (in reference to 2Co 3:13-18), "veiled." "Hid" (Greek, Col 3:3) is said of that withdrawn from view altogether. "Veiled," of a thing within rea...
Rather (in reference to 2Co 3:13-18), "veiled." "Hid" (Greek, Col 3:3) is said of that withdrawn from view altogether. "Veiled," of a thing within reach of the eye, but covered over so as not to be seen. So it was in the case of Moses' face.

In the case only of them: for in itself the Gospel is quite plain.

JFB: 2Co 4:3 - -- Rather, "that are perishing" (1Co 1:18). So the same cloud that was "light" to the people of God, was "darkness" to the Egyptian foes of God (Exo 14:2...
Clarke: 2Co 4:1 - -- Seeing we have this ministry - The Gospel, of which he gave that noble account which we read in the preceding chapter
Seeing we have this ministry - The Gospel, of which he gave that noble account which we read in the preceding chapter

Clarke: 2Co 4:1 - -- We faint not - We meet with many tribulations, but are supported in and through all by the grace of the Gospel. Instead of ουκ εκκακουμ...
We faint not - We meet with many tribulations, but are supported in and through all by the grace of the Gospel. Instead of

Clarke: 2Co 4:2 - -- But have renounced - Απειπαμεθα· We have disclaimed the hidden things of dishonesty; τα κρυπτα της αισχυνης, the hi...
But have renounced -

Clarke: 2Co 4:2 - -- Not walking in craftiness - Πανουργιᾳ· In subtlety and clever cunning, as the false teachers did, who were accomplished fellows, and c...
Not walking in craftiness -

Clarke: 2Co 4:2 - -- Nor handling the word of God deceitfully - Not using the doctrines of the Gospel to serve any secular or carnal purpose; not explaining away their f...
Nor handling the word of God deceitfully - Not using the doctrines of the Gospel to serve any secular or carnal purpose; not explaining away their force so as to palliate or excuse sin; not generalizing its precepts so as to excuse many in particular circumstances from obedience, especially in that which most crossed their inclinations. There were deceitful handlers of this kind in Corinth, and there are many of them still in the garb of Christian ministers; persons who disguise that part of their creed which, though they believe it is of God, would make them unpopular, affecting moderation in order to procure a larger audience and more extensive support; not attacking prevalent and popular vices; calling dissipation of mind, relaxation; and worldly and carnal pleasures, innocent amusements, etc. In a word, turning with the tide, and shifting with the wind of popular opinion, prejudice, fashion, etc

Clarke: 2Co 4:2 - -- But by manifestation of the truth - An open, explicit acknowledgment of what we know to be the truth - what we are assured is the Gospel of Jesus; c...
But by manifestation of the truth - An open, explicit acknowledgment of what we know to be the truth - what we are assured is the Gospel of Jesus; concealing nothing; blunting the edge of no truth; explaining spiritual things, not in the words of man’ s wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit of God

Clarke: 2Co 4:2 - -- Commending ourselves to every man’ s conscience - Speaking so that every man’ s conscience shall bear its testimony that we proclaim the t...
Commending ourselves to every man’ s conscience - Speaking so that every man’ s conscience shall bear its testimony that we proclaim the truth of God. This is one characteristic of Divine truth: even every man’ s conscience will acknowledge it, though it speak decidedly against his own practices

Clarke: 2Co 4:2 - -- In the sight of God - Whose eye is ever on the heart and conscience of man, and who always bears testimony to his own word.
In the sight of God - Whose eye is ever on the heart and conscience of man, and who always bears testimony to his own word.

Clarke: 2Co 4:3 - -- But if our Gospel be hid - Κεκαλυμμενον· Veiled; he refers to the subject that he had treated so particularly in the conclusion of th...
But if our Gospel be hid -
Calvin: 2Co 4:1 - -- 1.Having this ministry He now returns to a commendation of himself personally, from which he had digressed into a general discussion, in reference to...
1.Having this ministry He now returns to a commendation of himself personally, from which he had digressed into a general discussion, in reference to the dignity of the gospel. As, therefore, he has been treating of the nature of the gospel, so he now shows how faithful and upright a minister of it he is. He has previously shown, what is the true gospel of Christ. He now shows what he preaches to be such. “Having,” says he, “ this ministry” — that ministry, the excellence of which he had extolled in terms so magnificent, and the power and usefulness of which he had so abundantly shown forth. Hence, in order that he may not seem to extol himself too much, he premises that it was not by his own efforts, or by his own merits, that he had reached such a pinnacle of honor, but had been led forward by the mercy of God exclusively. Now there was more implied in making the mercy of God the reason of his Apostleship, than if he had attributed it to the grace of God. We faint not 423 that is, we are not deficient in our duty, 424 so as not to discharge it with fidelity.

Calvin: 2Co 4:2 - -- 2.But renounce the hidden things While he commends his own sincerity, 425 he, on the other hand, indirectly reproves the false Apostles, who, while t...
2.But renounce the hidden things While he commends his own sincerity, 425 he, on the other hand, indirectly reproves the false Apostles, who, while they corrupted by their ambition the genuine excellence of the gospel, were, nevertheless, desirous of exclusive distinction. Hence the faults, from which he declares himself to be exempt, he indirectly imputes to them. By the hidden things of disgrace, or concealments, some understand the shadows of the Mosaic law. Chrysostom understands the expression to mean the vain show, by which they endeavored to recommend themselves. I understand by it — all the disguises, with which they adulterated the pure and native beauty of the gospel. For as chaste and virtuous women, satisfied with the gracefulness of natural beauty, do not resort to artificial adornings, while harlots never think themselves sufficiently adorned, unless they have corrupted nature, so Paul glories in having set forth the pure gospel, while others set forth one that was disguised, and covered over with unseemly additions. For as they were ashamed of the simplicity of Christ, or at least could not have distinction 426 from true excellencies of Apostles, they framed a new gospel, not unlike a profane philosophy, swelled up with empty bombast, while altogether devoid of the efficacy of the Spirit. Spurious ornaments of this nature, 427 by which the gospel is disfigured, he calls the concealments of disgrace, because the nakedness of those, who have recourse to concealments and disguises, must of necessity be dishonorable and disgraceful.
As to himself, he says that he rejects or disdains disguises, because Christ’s face, the more that it is seen opened up to view in his preaching, shines forth so much the more gloriously. I do not, however, deny, that he alludes at the same time to the veil of Moses, (Exo 34:33,) of which he had made mention, but he ascribes a quite different veil to the false Apostles. For Moses covered his face, because the excessive brightness of the glory of the law could not be endured by tender and blear eyes. They, 428 on the other hand, put on a veil by way of ornament. Besides, as they would be despicable, nay, infamous, if the simplicity of the gospel shone forth, they, on this account, hide their shame under ever so many cloaks and masks.
Not walking in craftiness There can be no doubt, that the false Apostles delighted themselves greatly in the craftiness that Paul reproves, as though it had been a distinguished excellence, as we see even at this day some, even of those who profess the gospel, who would rather be esteemed subtile than sincere, and sublime rather than solid, while in the mean time all their refinement is mere childishness. But what would you do? It delights them to have a name for acuteness, and they have, under that pretext, applause among the ignorant. 429 We learn, however, in what estimation Paul holds this appearance of excellence. Craftiness he declares to be unworthy of Christ’s servants.
As to what follows — nor handling deceitfully — I am not sure that this sufficiently brings out Paul’s meaning; for the verb
But by manifestation of the truth He claims to himself this praise — that he had proclaimed the pure doctrine of the gospel in simplicity and without disguise, and has the consciences of all as witnesses of this in the sight of God. As he has placed the manifestation of the truth in contrast with the disguised 432 doctrine of the sophists, so he appeals the decision to their consciences, and to the judgment-seat of God, whereas they abused the mistaken judgment of men, or their corrupt affection, and were not so desirous to be in reality worthy of praise as they were eager to appear so. Hence we infer, that there is a contrast here between the consciences of men and their ears. Let the servants of Christ, therefore, reckon it enough to have approved their integrity to the consciences of men in the sight of God, and pay no regard to the corrupt inclinations of men, or to popular applause.

Calvin: 2Co 4:3 - -- 3.But if our gospel is hid It might have been an easy thing to pour calumny upon what he had said as to the clearness of his preaching, because he ha...
3.But if our gospel is hid It might have been an easy thing to pour calumny upon what he had said as to the clearness of his preaching, because he had many adversaries. That calumny he repels with stern authority, for he threatens all who do not acknowledge the power of his gospel, and warns them that this is a token of reprobation and ruin. “ Should any one affirm that he does not perceive that manifestation of Christ of which I boast, he clearly shows himself, by this very token, to be a reprobate, 433 for my sincerity in the work of instructing 434 is clearly and distinctly perceived by all that have eyes. Those, therefore, from whom it is hid, must be blind, and destitute of all rational understanding.” The sum is this — that the blindness of unbelievers detracts nothing from the clearness of his gospel; for the sun is not less resplendent, that the blind do not perceive his light. 435
But some one will say that this applies equally to the law, for in itself it is a lamp 436 to guide our feet, (Psa 119:105,) enlightens the eyes, (Psa 19:8,) etc., and is hid only from those that perish. I answer that, when Christ is included in the law, the sun shines forth through the midst of the clouds, so that men have light enough for their use; but when Christ is disjoined from it, there is nothing left but darkness, or a false appearance of light, that dazzles men’s eyes instead of assisting them. It is, however, a token of great confidence, that he ventures to regard as reprobates all that reject his doctrine. It is befitting, however, that all that would be looked upon as ministers of God’s word should be endued with the like confidence, that with a fearless confidence they may unhesitatingly summon all the adversaries of their doctrine to the judgment-seat of God, that they may bring thence a sure condemnation.
TSK: 2Co 4:1 - -- seeing : 2Co 3:6, 2Co 3:12, 2Co 5:18; Eph 3:7, Eph 3:8
as : 1Co 7:25; 1Ti 1:13; 1Pe 2:10
we faint not : 2Co 4:16; Isa 40:30; Gal 6:9; Eph 3:13; Phi 4:...

TSK: 2Co 4:2 - -- renounced : 1Co 4:5
dishonesty : or, shame, Rom 1:16, Rom 6:21; Eph 5:12
not : 2Co 1:12, 2Co 2:17, 2Co 11:3, 2Co 11:6, 2Co 11:13-15; Eph 4:14; 1Th 2:3...

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: 2Co 4:1 - -- Therefore - Διὰ τοῦτο Dia touto . On account of this. That is, because the light of the gospel is so clear; because it reveals ...
Therefore -
Seeing we have this ministry - The gospel ministry, so much more glorious than that of Moses 2Co 3:6; which is the ministry by which the Holy Spirit acts on the hearts of people 2Co 3:8; which is the ministry of that system by which people are justified 2Co 3:9; and which is the ministry of a system so pure and unclouded, 2Co 3:9-11, 2Co 3:18.
As we have received mercy - Tyndale renders this: "even as mercy is sure in us."The idea is, that it was by the mere mercy and favor of God, that he had been entrusted with the ministry, and the object of Paul is doubtless to prevent the "appearance"of arrogance and self-confidence by stating that it was to be traced entirely to God that he was put into the ministry. He doubtless had his eye on the fact that he had been a persecutor and blasphemer; and that it was by the mere favor of God that he had been converted and entrusted with the ministry, 1Ti 1:13. Nothing will more effectually humble a minister, and prevent his assuming any arrogant and self-confident airs, than to look over his past life; especially if his life was one of blasphemy, vice, or infidelity; and to remember that it is by the mere mercy of God that he is entrusted with the high office of an ambassador of Jesus Christ. Paul never forgot to trace his hope, his appointment to the ministerial office, and his success, to the mere grace of God.
We faint not - This is one of the effects of being entrusted with such a ministry. The word used here (

Barnes: 2Co 4:2 - -- But have renounced - ( ἀπειπάμεθα apeipametha from ἀπὸ apo and εἶπον eipon ). The word means prop...
But have renounced - (
The hidden things of dishonesty - Margin, "shame."The Greek word most commonly means shame, or disgrace. The hidden things of shame here mean disgraceful conduct; clandestine and secret arts, which were in themselves shameful and disgraceful. They denote all "underhanded"dealings; all dishonest artifices and plans, such as were common among the pagan, and such probably as the false teachers adopted in the propagation of their opinions at Corinth. The expression here does not imply that the apostles ever had anything to do with such arts; but that they solemnly abjured and abhorred them. Religion is open, plain, straightforward. It has no alliance with cunning, and trick, and artifice. It should be defended openly; stated clearly; and urged with steady argument. It is a work of light, and not of darkness.
Not walking in craftiness - Not acting craftily; not behaving in a crafty manner. The word used here
Nor handling the word of God deceitfully - (
But by manifestation of the truth - By making the truth manifest; that is, by a simple exhibition of the truth. By stating it just as it is, in an undisguised and open manner. Not by adulterating it with foreign mixtures; not by mingling it with philosophy, or traditions; not by blunting its edge, or concealing anything, or explaining it away; but by an open, plain, straightforward exhibition of it as it is in Jesus. Preaching should consist in a simple exhibition of the truth. There is no deceit in the gospel itself; and there should be none in the manner of exhibiting it. It should consist of a simple statement of things as they are. The whole design of preaching is, to make known the truth. And this is done in an effectual manner only when it is simple, open, undisguised, without craft, and without deceit.
Commending ourselves to every man’ s conscience - That is, so speaking the truth that every man’ s conscience shall approve it "as"true; every man shall see it to be true, and to be in accordance with what he knows to be right. Conscience is that faculty of the mind which distinguishes between right and wrong, and which prompts us to choose the former and avoid the latter; Joh 8:9; Rom 2:15 note; 1Co 10:25, 1Co 10:27-29 notes; 2Co 1:12 note. It is implied here:
(1) That a course of life, and a manner of preaching that shall be free from dishonesty, and art, and trick, will be such as the consciences of people will approve. Paul sought such a course of life as should accord with their sense of "right,"and thus serve to commend the gospel to them.
\caps1 (2) t\caps0 hat the gospel may be so preached as to be seen by men to be true; so as to be approved as right; and so that every man’ s conscience shall bear testimony to its truth. People do not "love"it, but they may see that it is "true;"they may hate it, but they may see that the truth which condemns their practices is from heaven. This is an exceedingly important principle in regard to preaching, and vastly momentous in its bearing on the views which ministers should have of their own work. The gospel is reasonable. It may be seen to be true by every man to whom it is preached. And it should be the aim of every preacher so to preach it, as to enlist the consciences of his hearers in his layout. And it is a very material fact that when so preached the conscience and reason of every man is in its favor, and they know that it is true even when it pronounces their own condemnation, and denounces their own sins. This passage proves, therefore, the following things:
(1) That the gospel may be so preached as to be seen to be true by all people. People are capable of seeing the truth, and even when they do not love it; they can perceive that it has demonstration that it is from God. It is a system so reasonable; so well established by evidence; so fortified by miracles, and the fulfillment of prophecies; so pure in its nature; so well-adapted to man; so suited to his condition, and so well designed to make him better; and so happy in its influence on society, that people may be led to see that it is true. And this I take to be the case with almost all those people who habitually attend on the preaching of the gospel. Infidels do not often visit the sanctuary; and when they are in the habit of doing it, it is a fact that they gradually come to the conviction that the Christian religion is true. It is rare to find professed infidels in our places of worship; and the great mass of those who attend on the preaching of the gospel may be set down as speculative believers in the truth of Christianity.
\caps1 (2) t\caps0 he consciences of people are on the side of truth, and the gospel may be so preached as to enlist their consciences in its favor. Conscience prompts to do right, and condemns us if we do wrong. It can never be made to approve of wrong, never to give a man peace if he does that which he knows to be evil. By no art or device; by no system of laws, or bad government; by no training or discipline, can it be made the advocate of sin. In all lands, at all times, and in all circumstances, it prompts a man to do what is right, and condemns him if he does wrong. It may be silenced for a time; it may be "seared as with a hot iron,"and for a time be insensible, but if it speak at all, it speaks to prompt a man to do what he believes to be right, and condemns him if he does that which is wrong. The consciences of people are on the side of the gospel; and it is only their hearts which are opposed to it. Their consciences are in favor of the gospel in the following, among other respects:
(a) They approve of it as a just, pure, holy, and reasonable system; as in accordance with what they feel to be right; as recommending that which ought to be done, and forbidding that which ought not to be done.
(b) In its special requirements on themselves. Their consciences tell them that they ought to love God with all the heart; to repent of their sins; to trust in that Saviour who died for them; and to lead a life of prayer and of devotedness to the service of God; that they ought to be sincere and humble Christians, and prepare to meet God in peace.
© Their consciences approve the truth that condemns them. No matter how strict it may seem to be; no matter how loud its denunciation against their sins; no matter how much the gospel may condemn their pride, avarice, sensuality, levity, dishonesty, fraud, intemperance, profaneness, biasphemy, or their neglect of their soul, yet their consciences approve of it as right, and proclaim that these things ought to be condemned, and ought to be abandoned. The heart may love them, but the conscience cannot be made to approve them. And the minister of the gospel may "always"approach his people, or an individual man, with the assurance that however much they may "love"the ways of sin, yet that he has their consciences in his favor, and that in urging the claims of God on them, their "consciences"will always coincide with his appeals.
\caps1 (3) t\caps0 he "way"in which a minister is to commend himself to the consciences of people, is that which was pursued by Paul. He must:
(a) Have a clear and unwavering conviction of the truth himself. On this subject he should have no doubt. He should be able to look on it as on a burnished mirror (note, 2Co 3:18); and to see its glory as with open face.
(b) It should be by the simple statement of the truth of the gospel. Not by preaching philosophy, or metaphysics, or the traditions of man, or the sentiments of theologians, but the simple truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. People may be made to see that these are truths, and God will take care that the reason and consciences of people shall be in their favor.
© By the absence of all trick and cunning, and disguised and subtle arts. The gospel has nothing of these in itself, and it will never approve of them, nor will God bless them. A minister of Jesus should be frank, open, undisguised, and candid. He should make a sober and elevated appeal to the reason and conscience of man. The gospel is not "a cunningly devised fable;"it has no trick in itself, and the ministers of religion should solemnly abjure all the hidden things of dishonesty.
In the sight of God - As in the immediate presence of God. We act as if we felt that His eye was upon us; and this consideration serves to keep us from the hidden things of dishonesty, and from improper arts in spreading the true religion; see the note on 2Co 2:17.

Barnes: 2Co 4:3 - -- But if our gospel be hid - Paul here calls it his gospel, because it was that which he preached, or the message which he bore; see note, Rom 16...
But if our gospel be hid - Paul here calls it his gospel, because it was that which he preached, or the message which he bore; see note, Rom 16:25. The sense here is, "if the gospel which I preach is not understood; if its meaning is obscure or hidden; if its glory is not seen."It is "implied"here, that to many the beauty and glory of the gospel was not perceived. This was undeniable, notwithstanding the plainness and fullness with which its truths were made known. The "object"of Paul here is, to state that this fact was not to be traced to any lack of clearness in the gospel itself, but to other causes, and thus probably to meet an objection which might be made to his argument about the clearness and fullness of the revelation in the gospel. In the language which Paul uses here, there is undoubted allusion to what he had said respecting Moses, who put a veil upon his face, 2Co 3:13. He had hid, or concealed his face, as emblematic of the nature of his institutions (note, 2Co 3:14); and here Paul says that it was not to be denied that the gospel was "veiled"also to some. But it was not from the nature of the gospel. It was not because God had purposely concealed its meaning. It was not from any lack of clearness in itself. It was to be traced to other causes.
It is hid to them that are lost - On the meaning of the word rendered here as "lost;"see the note, 2Co 2:15, rendered there as "perish."It is hid among them who are about to perish; who are perishing (
(1) That the beauty of the gospel may be hidden from many of the human family. This is a matter of simple fact. There are thousands and million to whom it is preached who see no beauty in it, and who regard it as foolishness.
\caps1 (2) t\caps0 hat there is a class of people who may be called, even now, "the lost."They are lost to virtue, to piety, to happiness, to hope. They deserve to perish; and they are hastening to merited ruin. This class in the time of Paul was large; and it is large now. It is composed of those to whom the gospel is hidden, or to whom it appears to be veiled, and who see no beauty in it. It is made up indeed of all the profane, polluted, and vile; but their "characteristic"feature is, that the gospel is hidden from them, and that they see no beauty and glory in it.
\caps1 (3) t\caps0 his is not the fault of the gospel. It is not the fault of the sun when people shut their eyes and will not see it. It is not the fault of a running stream, or a bubbling fountain, if people will not drink of it, but rather choose to die of thirst. The gospel does not obscure and conceal its own glory anymore than the sun does. It is in itself a clear and full revelation of God and his grace; and that glory is adapted to shed light upon the benighted minds of people.
Poole: 2Co 4:1 - -- 2Co 4:1,2 Paul declareth his unwearied zeal and integrity in
preaching the gospel,
2Co 4:3-6 so that if any see not the truth of it, it must be ...
2Co 4:1,2 Paul declareth his unwearied zeal and integrity in
preaching the gospel,
2Co 4:3-6 so that if any see not the truth of it, it must be owing
to their corrupt hearts, not to want of clear light.
2Co 4:7-11 The weakness and sufferings he was exposed to
redounded to the praise of God’ s power.
2Co 4:12-18 That which animated him in undergoing them for the
church’ s sake, was the assurance of a more exceeding
and eternal reward.
It is the opinion of Beza, that the traducers of this great apostle took advantage from his great trials and afflictions, by reason of them, to conclude him no such man as he was by some represented; and that the apostle upon that takes advantage to magnify his office. God (saith he) having intrusted us with so glorious a ministration, as I have proved that of the gospel to be, according to the measure and proportion of gifts and graces which God hath bestowed upon us, or by reason of that infinite grace and mercy which God hath showed us, in calling us to so honourable a station and office, though we meet with many adversaries, many afflictions, many difficulties, yet we bear up and sink not under them, nor faint in our spirits because of them.

Poole: 2Co 4:2 - -- But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty though we be exposed to many sorrows and sufferings, it is not for any dishonest or unwarrantable ...
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty though we be exposed to many sorrows and sufferings, it is not for any dishonest or unwarrantable behaviour amongst men; nay, we have not only declined openly dishonest actions, but any secret or hidden dishonest behaviour. Possibly he reflecteth upon those, whether teachers or others in this church, who, though they behaved themselves very speciously in their more external conversation, yet it was a shame to speak what things were done of them in secret. We (saith the apostle) have renounced all secret, dishonest, shameful actions.
Not walking in craftiness it hath not been our design to carry ourselves craftily, to cheat people with a fair outside and external demeanour.
Nor handling the word of God deceitfully nor in our ministry have we cheated and deceived people, instead of instructing them in the truth; crying: Peace, peace, when God hath said: There is no peace to the wicked, and tempering our discourses to all men’ s humours, not speaking right things, but smooth things.
But by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’ s conscience in the sight of God: our business, in the course of our ministry, hath been to commend ourselves to every man’ s conscience, as in the sight of God, by manifesting to them the truth of God.

Poole: 2Co 4:3 - -- The apostle calls the gospel his gospel, because of his instrumentality in the promoting and publishing of it. His meaning is: If the doctrine of...
The apostle calls the gospel his gospel, because of his instrumentality in the promoting and publishing of it. His meaning is: If the doctrine of the gospel, which I am an instrument to preach, be hidden, so as there yet be any souls that do not understand, receive, and believe it, the fault is not in the word we preach, nor yet in our preaching of it, (which hath been in all simplicity and plainness, without craftiness or deceit), but in themselves, who favour and indulge their lusts to that degree, as that they deserve to be lost, or are at present in their sinful state; in which sense all men are in the parables compared to the lost sheep, or lost goats; and Christ is said to have come to seek and to save those that are lost. Men, mad upon their lusts, may not understand the doctrine of the gospel which we preach; but others understand and believe it. I had rather understand the term lost in this sense, than as expressing reprobates; for it seemeth something harsh to make this phrase to signify that God had no more in Corinth at this time that belonged to the election of grace, than those that were already converted; or that all those that were at this time hypocrites in this famous church, were such as perished eternally. Yet the words of the next verse seem rather to favour their notion, who by lost here understand reprobates.
Haydock: 2Co 4:1 - -- The apostle, having in the last chapter shewn the excellence of his ministry above that of the law, proceeds to inform them of his own labours, &c. in...
The apostle, having in the last chapter shewn the excellence of his ministry above that of the law, proceeds to inform them of his own labours, &c. in order to destroy the credit which the false teachers had acquired amongst the Corinthians, and to caution them against any attempts that these teachers might make to destroy what had caused St. Paul so much trouble to effect. But he still refers all to God. As for these false teachers, what Churches had they founded? what persecutions have they endured? (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Co 4:3 - -- The apostle here brings another proof of the sincerity of his preaching, viz. the success with which it is attended: And he says, if there be any who ...
The apostle here brings another proof of the sincerity of his preaching, viz. the success with which it is attended: And he says, if there be any who have not yet received it, that is their own fault. For had they been as eager to receive it, as we have been to announce it to them, the whold world had long since been converted. (Theodoret)
Gill: 2Co 4:1 - -- Therefore seeing we have this ministry,.... The apostle having largely insisted on the difference between the law and the Gospel, the ministration of ...
Therefore seeing we have this ministry,.... The apostle having largely insisted on the difference between the law and the Gospel, the ministration of the one and of the other, proceeds to give an account of his own conduct, and that of his fellow apostles and ministers: "we", says he, "faint not"; under all the reproaches cast upon us, persecutions raised against us, and tribulations that attend us; we do not sink in our spirits, or give out from the ministry; we go on cheerfully in our work, in the thee of all opposition, encouraged by the consideration of the excellency of the ministry, which they had from the Lord, were put into, and continued in; which was so valuable in itself, and so useful in its effects; being the ministration of the Spirit and of righteousness, having in it such an excelling glory to the law, and attended with so much light and liberty: to which he adds the consideration of the mercy of God they were partakers of,
as we have received mercy; which may refer either to the grace and mercy of God, which they had received in conversion; a sense of which abiding upon them, so influenced their minds, to hold forth the riches of abounding grace and mercy to poor sinners in the Gospel, that nothing could deter them from it; or to the grace, favour, and good will of God, in making, supporting, and continuing them as ministers of the word; all which, they were sensible, was owing not to men, but God; not to their merit, but to his mercy; not to their worthiness, parts, learning, &c. but to his free gift, favour, and grace, by which only they were what they were, as preachers of the Gospel.

Gill: 2Co 4:2 - -- But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty,.... Or "shame"; this is a further account of the conduct of the first ministers of the Gospel, and...
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty,.... Or "shame"; this is a further account of the conduct of the first ministers of the Gospel, and very worthy of our imitation, and in which the apostle strikes at the different manner of behaviour in the false apostles: this may respect both doctrine and practice; they abhorred and rejected everything that was scandalous and reproachful to the Gospel of Christ; in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, they had their conversation in the world; they were open and above board, both in principle and practice; the same men in public, as in private; they used no art to cover their doctrines, or hide their conversations; everything of this kind was detestable to them; whereas the false teachers took a great deal of pains to colour over both their sentiments and their lives; and "a shame it was to speak of the things that were done of them in secret", Eph 5:12. Moreover, they were
not walking in craftiness; they used no sly and artful methods to please men, to gain applause from them, or make merchandise of them; they did not lie in wait to deceive, watching an opportunity to work upon credulous and incautious minds; they did not, by good words and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the simple; nor put on different forms, or make different appearances, in order to suit themselves to the different tempers and tastes of men, as did the false apostles:
not handling the word of God deceitfully. They did not corrupt it with human doctrines, or mix and blend it with philosophy, and vain deceit; they did not wrest the Scriptures to serve any carnal or worldly purpose; nor did they accommodate them to the lusts and passions of men; or conceal any part of truth, or keep back any thing which might be profitable to the churches:
but by the manifestation of the truth, commending themselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God; that is, they with all plainness and evidence clearly preached the truth as it is in Jesus, presenting it to, and pressing it upon the consciences of men; where they left it, and to which they could appeal; and all this they did, in the sight and presence of the omniscient God, to whom they knew they must give an account of themselves and their ministry.

Gill: 2Co 4:3 - -- But if our Gospel be hid,.... When the Gospel is called ours, the meaning is, not that ministers are the authors or subject of it; but it is so styled...
But if our Gospel be hid,.... When the Gospel is called ours, the meaning is, not that ministers are the authors or subject of it; but it is so styled, because they are intrusted with it; it is preached by them; and is in opposition to another Gospel, the Gospel of the false apostles. Here an objection is obviated, which the apostle saw would be made against the clearness and perspicuity of the Gospel, asserted by him in the foregoing chapter; taken from some persons, who though they sat under the ministry of the word, were not enlightened by it, saw no glory nor excellency in it, nor were their minds in the least affected with it: to which he replies, saying, "if our Gospel be hid",
it is hid to them that are lost. But why should the apostle put an if upon its being hid? is it not hid? is it not "the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom?" To which may be answered, that it was hid in God from the beginning of the world; and in Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and in the ceremonial law, which contained types and shadows of many things in it; and was hid from whole nations, and for whole ages formerly: but now God has made known the mystery of his will; Christ is manifest in the flesh; the ceremonial law is done away, and the Gospel is preached to Jews and Gentiles; so that it is hid to none, as to the outward ministration of it: and if the internal, spiritual, and saving knowledge and experience of it is hid from any, eventually and finally, it is "to them that are lost": all mankind are in a lost and perishing condition through sin; though some will not be lost eternally, whom God has chosen, Christ has redeemed, and who by the Spirit are brought savingly to believe in Christ; but there are others, that will be lost for ever; and to these the Gospel is hid; and they are such, who are left to the native blindness of their minds, and are given up to a reprobate mind, to judicial darkness, and are suffered to be under the influence of the prince of darkness, as in the following verse; now such instances are no more an objection to the clearness and perspicuity of the Gospel, and the ministration of it, than men born blind, who never could, nor never will see light, are to the bright and clear shining of the sun noon day.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
Geneva Bible: 2Co 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 asso...

Geneva Bible: 2Co 4:2 But have renounced the ( b ) hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God ( c ) deceitfully; but by manifestat...

Geneva Bible: 2Co 4:3 ( 2 ) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
( 2 ) An objection: many hear the Gospel, and yet are no more enlightened by it than...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> 2Co 4:1-18
TSK Synopsis: 2Co 4:1-18 - --1 He declares how he has used all sincerity and faithful diligence in preaching the gospel,7 and how the troubles and persecutions which he daily endu...
MHCC -> 2Co 4:1-7
MHCC: 2Co 4:1-7 - --The best of men would faint, if they did not receive mercy from God. And that mercy which has helped us out, and helped us on, hitherto, we may rely u...
Matthew Henry -> 2Co 4:1-7
Matthew Henry: 2Co 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 whic...
Barclay -> 2Co 4:1-6
Barclay: 2Co 4:1-6 - --In this passage Paul has something to say, either directly or by implication, about four different people or sets of people.
(i) Right at the beginn...
Constable: 2Co 1:12--8:1 - --II. ANSWERS TO INSINUATIONS ABOUT THE SINCERITY OF PAUL'S COMMITMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS AND TO THE MINISTRY 1:12--7:16
...

Constable: 2Co 3:1--6:11 - --B. Exposition of Paul's view of the ministry 3:1-6:10
The apostle proceeded to explain his view of Chris...

Constable: 2Co 3:12--4:7 - --2. The great boldness of the new ministers 3:12-4:6
The superiority of Christian ministry should...

Constable: 2Co 4:1-6 - --The encouragement of Christian ministry 4:1-6
4:1 Paul now returned to the theme of being a minister of the New Covenant (3:6). Since we have a minist...
College -> 2Co 4:1-18
College: 2Co 4:1-18 - --2 CORINTHIANS 4
C. TENACIOUS DESPITE SHORTCOMINGS (4:1-5:10)
1. Christ Preached Plainly (4:1-6)
4:1 Therefore, since through God's mercy we have th...
McGarvey: 2Co 4:1 - --[Having shown that the Christian ministry is superior to the Mosaic, Paul, in this section, enlarges upon the two antithetical phases of that ministry...

McGarvey: 2Co 4:2 - --but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the...
