2 Corinthians 4:1-6

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

As between the first and second Chapter s, the division between the third and fourth is badly made. Chapter 3 should have continued to 2 Corinthians 4:6. From 2 Corinthians 3:7 to 2 Corinthians 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 (2 Corinthians 7:13; 2 Corinthians 13:10; 1 Corinthians 4:17; &c.), to distinguish διὰ τοῦτο from διό (2 Corinthians 4:16) and οὖν (2 Corinthians 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 (2 Corinthians 3:17-18), we (is Timothy or anyone else included?), as possessing the ministry just described (2 Corinthians 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 (1 Corinthians 7:25; 1 Corinthians 15:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:16).

οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν. We faint not, do not lose courage, but πολλῇ παρρησίᾳ χρώμεθα (2 Corinthians 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 2 Thessalonians 3:13. In the LXX. neither word is found, but in the version of Symmachus ἐγκ. occurs Genesis 27:46; Numbers 21:5; Proverbs 3:11; Isaiah 7:16; and ἐκκ. Jeremiah 18:12. Cowardice leads readily to τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης.