2 Corinthians 4:1 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; Seeing we have this ministry - The Gospel, of which he gave that noble account which we read in the preceding chapter.

We faint not - We meet with many tribulations, but are supported in and through all by the grace of the Gospel. Instead of ουκ εκκακουμεν, we faint not, ουκ εγκακουμεν, we act not wickedly, is the reading of ADFG, and some others. Wakefield thinks it the genuine reading; it certainly makes a very good sense with what goes before and what follows. If we follow this reading the whole verse may be read thus: Wherefore, as we have obtained mercy, or been graciously intrusted, ηλεηθημην, with this ministry, we do not act wickedly, but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, etc.

2 Corinthians 4:1

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;