What does 2 Corinthians 4:5 mean?

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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

Explanation

2 Corinthians 4:5 presents the apostle Paul’s declaration of his ministry’s focus and his role as a servant. The verse underscores the selflessness of Christian leadership and the essence of Christian ministry—Jesus Christ is the central message, not the preachers themselves. The verse can be broken down into two main components:

“For we preach not ourselves” – This part of the verse indicates the humility with which Paul and his companions approach their ministry. Their message is not about promoting their interests or establishing their authority, but about pointing others to Jesus.
“But Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” – Here, Paul clarifies the two-fold nature of their work. First, they preach Christ Jesus as Lord, emphasizing His sovereignty and lordship over all. Secondly, they present themselves as servants to the Corinthians for Jesus’ sake, meaning that their service is motivated by and for the benefit of Jesus Christ, not for personal gain or recognition.

The deeper meaning of the verse lies in its emphasis on the self-effacing nature of true Christian ministry and the exaltation of Jesus Christ as the primary subject of teaching and preaching.

Historical Context

The apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to the Christian community in Corinth, a city known for its wealth, diversity, and moral corruption. The letter was composed around A.D. 55-57, during Paul’s third missionary journey. In this epistle, Paul addresses the challenges and opposition he faced from false apostles who questioned his authority and motives. This context explains Paul’s focus on the purity and sincerity of his message; he seeks to draw a clear distinction between those who preach for personal gain and those who are genuine servants of Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the verse emphasizes the centrality of Christ in Christian proclamation. This aligns with the doctrine of Christocentrism, which holds that Christ is the foundation of all Christian teaching and that all aspects of the faith are to be understood in relation to Him.

Denominational perspectives might offer nuanced insights into this verse. For example:

Evangelical Christians might see this verse as a basis for evangelistic outreach, underscoring the importance of proclaiming Jesus as Lord rather than focusing on human leaders or church institutions.
Catholic and Orthodox Christians may view this verse as a directive for clergy and religious leaders to live lives of service and humility, reflecting the servant leadership of Christ.
Mainline Protestant denominations might approach this verse as a call to focus church teachings and social actions around the life and message of Jesus rather than theological or political ideologies.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in various ways:

Church Leadership: Leaders within the church are reminded to emulate Paul’s example, serving congregations with humility and directing attention to Christ rather than seeking personal glory.
Personal Faith: Individuals are encouraged to adopt a servant mindset in their own lives, putting the interests of others and the cause of Christ above their own.
Evangelism: This verse also informs the approach to evangelism, advocating that the message be Christ-centered and not focused on the personal attributes or persuasiveness of the evangelist.

Cross-References

Galatians 1:10 – “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 2:2 – “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
John 3:30 – “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Philippians 2:5-7 – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek of 2 Corinthians 4:5 that stand out are:

“Preach” (kērussomen): Derived from the Greek word “κηρύσσω” (kēryssō), which means to proclaim, announce, or preach publicly. It often has connotations of authoritative declaration.
“Ourselves” (heautous): The Greek word “ἑαυτοὺς” (heautous), is a reflexive pronoun that here points to the subject’s (Paul and others’) own persons, emphasizing that they are not the focus of their message.
“Servants” (douloi): The Greek term “δοῦλοι” (douloi) translates as slaves or bond-servants, signifying individuals who are totally devoted and in service to another, in this context, to their listeners for Jesus’ sake.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, public figures, philosophers, and orators often sought personal fame and recognition. In contrast, Paul’s message stands out in its emphasis on servanthood over personal ambition – a starkly countercultural stance. This also contrasts with other religious and mythological traditions where leaders might align themselves with deities for personal elevation; Paul instead diminishes himself in favor of elevating Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary psychological research on leadership and altruism may provide insight into the effects of selfless behavior as exemplified in this verse. Studies suggest that servant leadership, which prioritizes the well-being of others, can have positive impacts on communities and organizations. This aligns with the emphasis in 2 Corinthians 4:5 on serving others for Jesus’ sake.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of this verse:

John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, noted the apostle’s humility and disregard for vanity as he directed everything to the glory of God.
John Calvin highlighted that Paul’s ministry was not about preaching himself but Christ, and in doing so, he sets an example for all preachers.
Matthew Henry commented on the self-denying spirit of Paul and his companions, emphasizing that the role of a true minister is to be a servant.
Contemporary scholars reflect on the contrast between Christian servanthood and the often self-promoting nature of leadership in modern societal structures, noting the timeless relevance of Paul’s teaching.