2 Corinthians 4:1

Paul’s Perseverance in Ministry

4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, ¹  we do not become discouraged. ² 

2 Corinthians 4:8

4:8 We are experiencing trouble on every side, ³  but are not crushed; we are perplexed, ⁴  but not driven to despair;

2 Corinthians 8:12

8:12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself ⁵  is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.

2 Corinthians 10:16

10:16 so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area.

2 Corinthians 11:11

11:11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! ⁶ 

2 Corinthians 13:6

13:6 And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test! ⁷ 

¹ tn Grk “just as we have been shown mercy”; ἠλεήθημεν (hlehqhmen) has been translated as a “divine passive” which is a circumlocution for God as the active agent. For clarity this was converted to an active construction with God as subject in the translation.

² tn Or “we do not lose heart.”

³ tn Grk “we are hard pressed [by crowds] on every side.”

⁴ tn Or “at a loss.”

⁵ tn The words “the gift itself” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Translators often supply an English phrase like “it is” (NASB) but in the context, Paul is clearly referring to the collection Titus was to oversee (2 Cor 8:4-7). Therefore there is no reason not to specify the referent (the gift) more narrowly for clarity.

⁷ tn Grk “God knows!” The words “I do” are supplied for clarity. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context.

⁹ tn Or “that we are not disqualified.”