Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
The human vessel is frail, that God may have the glory; yet, though frail, faith and the hope of future glory sustain him amidst the outward man's decay.
Therefore - `for this cause;' because we have the liberty-giving Spirit of the Lord, and with unveiled face behold His glory (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Seeing we have this ministry - "the ministration of the spirit" - of such a spiritual, liberty-giving Gospel: resuming 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:8,
Received mercy - from God, without desert on our part, in having this ministry conferred on us (2 Corinthians 3:5). The sense of "mercy" received from God makes men active for God (1 Timothy 1:11-13).
We faint not - in boldness of speech and action, and patience in suffering, (2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 4:8-16, etc.)