2 Corinthians 4:3-5
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
3 And even though our gospel is veiled,[a] it is veiled for those who are perishing,(A) 4 in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.(B) 5 For we do not preach ourselves[b] but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.
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- 4:3–4 Though our gospel is veiled: the final application of the image. Paul has been reproached either for obscurity in his preaching or for his manner of presenting the gospel. But he confidently asserts that there is no veil over his gospel. If some fail to perceive its light, that is because of unbelief. The veil lies over their eyes (2 Cor 3:14), a blindness induced by Satan, and a sign that they are headed for destruction (cf. 2 Cor 2:15).
- 4:5 We do not preach ourselves: the light seen in his gospel is the glory of Christ (2 Cor 4:4). Far from preaching himself, the preacher should be a transparent medium through whom Jesus is perceived (cf. 2 Cor 4:10–11). Your slaves: Paul draws attention away from individuals as such and toward their role in relation to God, Christ, and the community; cf. 1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 4:1.
2 Corinthians 4:3-5
New International Version
3 And even if our gospel(A) is veiled,(B) it is veiled to those who are perishing.(C) 4 The god(D) of this age(E) has blinded(F) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,(G) who is the image of God.(H) 5 For what we preach is not ourselves,(I) but Jesus Christ as Lord,(J) and ourselves as your servants(K) for Jesus’ sake.
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