And such trust have we, &c.— As if he had said, "But mistake me not, as if I boasted of myself. This so great boasting which I use is only my confidence in God, through Christ; for it was God who made me a minister of the gospel, who borrowed on me the ability for it; and whatever I perform in it is wholly from him." Πεποιθησις, trust, is a milder term for boasting. So St. Paul uses it, ch. 2 Corinthians 10:7 compared with 2 Corinthians 5:8. See also Romans 2:19. The word Λογιζεσθω, ch. 2 Corinthians 10:7 is used as here, [2 Corinthians 3:5.] for counting upon one-self. The clause should be rendered to reckon upon any thing as of ourselves: or, if the word λογισασθαι should rather be thought to signify here to discover by reasoning, then the Apostle's sense will run thus: "Not as if I was sufficient of myself,—by the strength of my own natural parts, to attain the knowledge of the gospel truths which I preach; but my ability herein is all from God." But, in whatever sense the word λογισασθαι is here taken, it is certain that τι, which is translated any thing, must be limited to the subject in hand; namely, the gospel which he had preached to them. Dr. Heylin renders these verses, And we are assured of this, through Christ, before God, 2 Corinthians 3:5. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to effect any thing by the strength of our own reason, but our sufficiency is from God, 2 Corinthians 3:6 who hath enabled us to be ministers, &c. See ch. 2 Corinthians 1:6.
Related Commentaries of 2 Corinthians 3:4
2 Corinthians 3:4-5
4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;