2 Corinthians 4:5

“For we preach not ourselves, etc..] These words contain a reason why the apostles behaved themselves in the manner described, (<470402>2 Corinthians 4:2) and serve to explain in what sense this inspired writer is to be understood, when he calls the Gospel our Gospel, (<470403>2 Corinthians 4:3) and most clearly proves the Gospel to be a glorious one, which he had asserted, (<470404>2 Corinthians 4:4) since Christ, and not themselves, is the subject of it, “for we preach not ourselves”. They did not preach any doctrine of their own devising; they did not set up themselves as lords over the faith and consciences of men; nor was their view in preaching to set forth their learning, parts, and…”

“For--Their blindness is not our fault, as if we had self-seeking aims in our preaching. preach . . . Christ . . . the Lord--rather, "Christ as Lord," and ourselves as your servants, &c. "Lord," or "Master," is the correlative term to "servants."”

“For we preach not ourselves - The connection here is not very apparent, and the design of this verse has been variously understood. The connection seems to me to be this. Paul gives here a reason for what he had said in the previous parts of the Epistle respecting his conduct in the ministry. He had said that his course had been open, and pure, and free from all dishonest arts and tricks, and that he had not corrupted the Word of God, or resorted to any artifice to accomplish his designs; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Corinthians 4:1-2. The “reason” of this he here says is, that he had not preached himself, or sought to advance his own interest. He regarded himself as sent to make known a Saviour;…”

“For - The fault is not in us, neither in the doctrine they hear from us. We preach not ourselves - As able either to enlighten, or pardon, or sanctify you. But Jesus Christ - As your only wisdom, righteousness, sanctification. And ourselves your servants - Ready to do the meanest offices. For Jesus' sake - Not for honour, interest, or pleasure. 2 Corinthians 4:6”

“4:5 We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord: See also Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 12:3; Col 2:6.”

“we: Mat 3:11; Joh 1:21-23, Joh 3:27-31, Joh 7:18; Act 3:12, Act 3:13, Act 8:9, Act 8:10, Act 10:25, Act 10:26; Act 14:11-15; Rom 15:17, Rom 15:18; Co1 1:13-15, Co1 1:23, Co1 3:5, Co1 3:6, Co1 10:33; Phi 1:15; Th1 2:5, Th1 2:6; Tit 1:11; Pe1 5:2-5; Pe2 2:3 Christ: Co2 1:19; Mat 23:8; Act 2:36, Act 5:31, Act 10:36; Rom 14:8, Rom 14:9; Co1 1:23, Co1 2:2, Co1 8:6; Co1 12:3, Co1 15:47; Phi 2:11 and: Co2 1:24, Co2 5:14, Co2 5:15; Mat 20:25-27; Luk 22:25, Luk 22:26; Joh 13:14, Joh 13:15; Rom 15:1, Rom 15:2; Co1 9:19-23; Gal 5:13; Ti2 2:10 2 Corinthians 4:6”