Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians
Chapter: 4

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

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But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:2

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But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2-CORINTHIANS 4:3

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In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:4

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For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:5

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For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:6

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But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:7

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We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

2-CORINTHIANS 4:8

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Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

2-CORINTHIANS 4:9

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Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:10

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For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:11

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So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:12

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We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2-CORINTHIANS 4:13

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Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:14

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For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:15

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For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:16

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For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

2-CORINTHIANS 4:17

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While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2-CORINTHIANS 4:18

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Chapter:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

2 Corinthians 4
CHURCH FATHERS: 17

1. Clement of Rome | CHURCH FATHER 97 AD

W Pope_Clement_I

2 Corinthians was REJECTED (0%) by Clement of Rome
(No mention; no quotes; opinion unknown)

2. Ignatius of Antioch | CHURCH FATHER 110 AD

W Ignatius_of_Antioch

2 Corinthians was REJECTED (0%) by Ignatius of Antioch
(No mention; no quotes; opinion unknown)

3. Barnabas | CHURCH FATHER 130 AD

W Barnabas

2 Corinthians was REJECTED (0%) by Barnabas
(No mention; no quotes; opinion unknown)

4. Hermas | CHURCH FATHER 140 AD

W Hermas_(freedman)

2 Corinthians was APPROVED (75%) by Hermas
(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes)

5. Papias of Hierapolis | CHURCH FATHER 140 AD

W Papias_of_Hierapolis

2 Corinthians was REJECTED (0%) by Papias of Hierapolis
(No mention; no quotes; opinion unknown)

6. Polycarp | CHURCH FATHER 150 AD

W Polycarp

2 Corinthians was APPROVED (75%) by Polycarp
(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes)

7. Didache | CHURCH FATHER 150 AD

W Didache

2 Corinthians was REJECTED (0%) by Didache
(No mention; no quotes; opinion unknown)

8. Diognetus | CHURCH FATHER 150 AD

W Epistle_to_Diognetus

2 Corinthians was APPROVED (75%) by Diognetus
(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes)

9. Justin Martyr | CHURCH FATHER 155 AD

W Justin_Martyr

2 Corinthians was APPROVED (75%) by Justin Martyr
(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes)

10. Irenaeous | CHURCH FATHER 202 AD

W Irenaeus

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Irenaeous
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

11. Clement of Alexandria | CHURCH FATHER 215 AD

W Clement_of_Alexandria

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Clement of Alexandria
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

12. Tertullian | CHURCH FATHER 220 AD

W Tertullian

2 Corinthians was APPROVED (75%) by Tertullian
(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes)

13. Origen | CHURCH FATHER 254 AD

W Origen

2 Corinthians was APPROVED (75%) by Origen
(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes)

14. Eusebius of Caesarea | CHURCH FATHER 340 AD

W Eusebius

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Eusebius of Caesarea
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

15. Athanasius of Alexandria | CHURCH FATHER 367 AD

W Athanasius_of_Alexandria

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Athanasius of Alexandria
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

16. Cyril of Jerusalem | CHURCH FATHER 386 AD

W Cyril_of_Jerusalem

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Cyril of Jerusalem
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

17. Augustine of Hippo | CHURCH FATHER 400 AD

W Augustine of Hippo

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Augustine of Hippo
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

2 Corinthians 4
BIBLE CANON: 5

A biblical canon is a set of texts (or "books") which a particular religious community regards as authoritative scripture. Christians were the first to use the term in reference to scripture.

These bible canons have developed through debate and agreement by the religious authorities.

W Biblical_canon

1. Marcion Canon | BIBLE CANON 140 AD
Marcionism was a religious movement based on the teachings of the 2nd-century Marcion of Sinope. Marcions Canon lists 14 books out of the 27 books in the New Testament. More specifically, these were Luke and Paul's 13 writings. Marcion even rejected the entire Old Testament of 39 books.

bible.ca/marcion

W Marcion_of_Sinope

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Marcion Canon
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

2. Muratorian Canon | BIBLE CANON 170 AD
The Muratorian Canon is an ancient list of New Testament books - the oldest such list we have found and lists 22 of the 27 books that were later included in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

It is noteworthy that the Muratorian Canon omits several epistles that later did win acceptance in the Christian New Testament such as the books of James and 2 Peter.

gotquestions.org/muratorian

W Muratorian_fragment

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Muratorian Canon
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

3. Apostolic Canon | BIBLE CANON 300 AD
Apostolic Canons or Ecclesiastical Canons

W Canons_of_the_Apostles

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Apostolic Canon
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

4. Cheltenham/ Mommsen List | BIBLE CANON 360 AD
The Cheltenham or Mommsen List is a Latin manuscript discovered by the German classical scholar Theodor Mommsen (published 1886) which probably originated in North Africa in the 4th century.

It has 24-book Old Testament and 24-book New Testament which omits Jude and James, and perhaps Hebrews, and questions the epistles of John and Peter.

bible-researcher.com/cheltenham

W Theodor_Mommsen

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Cheltenham/ Mommsen List
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

5. Council of Rome | BIBLE CANON 382 AD
The Council of Rome was a meeting of Catholic Church officials and theologians which took place in 382 under the authority of Pope Damasus I, bishop of Rome.

According to a document appended to some manuscripts, the Council of Rome affirmed the authority of the Old and New Testament canon in a decretal or damasine list.

W Council_of_Rome

2 Corinthians was FULLY ACCEPTED (100%) by Council of Rome
(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly)

2 Corinthians 4
TEXTUAL CRITICISM

Was Paul the Author? Evidence
Today, it is assumed Paul is the author. However, it is known that Paul extensively used Scribes ('Amanuensis') to write his letters. Paul dictated his thoughts and the Scribe wrote the letter as they saw fit. Therefore, most of Paul's Epistles (letters) in the New Testament Bible are authored by unknown Scribes.

Paul had a troubling 'Thorn' Evidence
In his Corinthians letter, Paul speaks of a 'Thorn In My Flesh' troubling him. Bible scholars have 4 theories on the 'thorn':

Physical Sickness

Mental Illness

Spiritual Problem

Ministerial Opposition

2CORINTHIANS 12:7

brianchilton/thorn

blueletter/thorn

Paul had poor Eye-Sight Evidence
It is known that Paul used Scribes ('Amanuensis') to write his letters as he suffered from poor eye-sight and was unable to write. According to early sources, Paul was 'a short, bony, little Jew with constant running eyes from his eye problems, squinting with a very large angular nose'. studylight/commentaries

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand [Paul's eyesight was defective and he needed help to write]

GALATIANS 6:11

As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

GALATIANS 4:13-15

Paul replied, Brothers, I did not know [due to bad eye-sight] that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'

ACTS 23:5

Church was aware of Paul's Eye-Sight problem Evidence
In Galatians, Paul confirms the Galatian Church was aware of his eye-sight problem. So much so, they would have 'plucked out their own eyes and given them to him' were it possible.

Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

GALATIANS 4:15

Paul used Scribes to write his Epistles (Letters) Evidence
Paul composed his letters in accordance with the writing conventions of his time. Scribes were essential as the skills required for writing with primitive pens and paper made writing legibly a challenge.

Tertius was one Roman Scribe ('Amanuensis') who wrote on behalf of Paul. Tertius wrote Paul's Epistles (letters), either from notes, ideas or direct from Paul's mouth. At the end of the Epistle (letter), Paul would conclude with personal greetings in his own writing. [John Gill's commentary]

Timothy is present as Paul and Tertius write Romans. Did Timothy have any influence over the final text? If so, what was that influence? Was any text in Romans written by Timothy? trivialdevotion/tertius

I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord's followers

ROMANS 16:22

Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

COLOSSIANS 4:18

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

2THESSALONIANS 3:17

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

1CORINTHIANS 16:21

Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

ROMANS 16:21

Paul's Letter, 2 Corinthians is forged and interpolated Bible Scholars
'Interpolation' is where a Word, Verse, Passage or even entire Chapter was added to Paul's Letter, often many years after Paul had written, disseminated it or died. Bible Scholars who hold the view that Paul's Letter is interpolated include:

1:1b, Schmithals; Schenke and Fischer (1978: 112).
3:12-18 and 4:3, 4, 6, Halmel (1904).
3:17, 18b, Schmithals (1958; 1969: 286ff.).
4:4, Baljon; Wassenbergh.
5:16, Schmithals; Giittgemanns (1966: 290ff.).
6:14-7:1, Schrader (1835: IV, 300f.); Ewald (1857: 12, 282f.); Straatman (1863: I, 138-46); Baljon; Holsten (1868: 386); Michelsen (1873); Rovers (1874: I, 137); van de Sande Bakhuyzen (1880: 266f.); Davidson (1882: 60; 1894: 63); Krenke!(1890: 332); Halmel (1904: 115-29); Jiilicher and Fascher (1931: 87f.); Groussow (1951a, 1951b); Dinkier in RGG 3 IV, 18, 22; Fitzmyer (1961); Gnilka (1968); Georgi (1986/7: 21-22); Marxsen (1964); Braun (1966: 201-204); Fuller (1966: 41-42); Wendland (1968); Rissi (1969: 79-80); Klinzing (1971: 172-82); Dahl (1972: 62-69); Betz (1973); Gunther (1973: 308-13); Perrin and Duling (1982: 182); Vielhauer (1975: 153); Bultmann (1976: 169); Schenke and Fischer (1978: llOf., 117f.); Lang; Findeis (1983: 66); Klauck (1988: 60-61); Wiirzburg (1988: 60-61); Kuhn (1951-52; 1954); Jewett (1978: 433 n.4).
11:32-12:1, Michelsen (1873).
12:2, Matthes; Rovers (1870); Scholten (1876).
13:13, Burton (1921: 509); Goodspeed (1945; 57); Furnish (1984: 587); Barrett.

vridar/list-of-scholars-believing-pauls-letters-we..

2 Corinthians 4
VIDEO: 12