2 Coríntios 1
Adam Clarke · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 1
Clarke - “Even spiritual comforts are not given us for our use alone; they, like all the gifts of God, are given that they may be distributed, or become instruments of help to others. A minister’s trials and comforts are permitted and sent for the benefit of the Church. What a miserable preacher must he be who has all his divinity by study and learning, and nothing by experience!” (2 Corinthians 1) John Calvin on will be able - The Apostle lived not for himself, but for the Church: so that whatever grace God conferred on him, he thought given not for himself alone, but to enable him the better to help others. John
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Clarke - Even an apostle felt the prayers of the Church necessary for his comfort and support. What innumerable blessings do the prayers of the followers of God draw down on those who are the objects of them! (l2 Corinthians 1) Joining in helping (4943) sunupourge from sun/syn = together + hupourgós = rendering service,{hupó + érgo = to work}) means to serve, or work together under someone. It means to join in helping and cooperate with by means of something, in this only NT referring to the "help" of prayer. Prayers (1162)(deesis - see deomai = praying for a specific need) refers to urgent requests or supplications to meet a need and are exclusively addressed to God. Deesis prayers arise from one's sense of need (which reflects a humble heart) and in knowing what is lacking. This individual's plea is in turn made to God to supply the need. Deesis in the New Testament always carries the idea of genuine entreaty and supplication before God. It implies a realization of need and a petition for its supply. In Classical Greek deesis (in contrast to the Biblical uses) was not restricted to sacred uses, but was employed of requests preferred to men. Related Resources: Pithy Prayer Phrases Prayer - Greek Words for Prayer Prayer Devotionals and Illustrations Prayer Hymns and Poems Prayer Quotes Thanks may be given (2168) eucharisteo from eú = well + charízomai = to grant, give.; English - Eucharist) means to show that one is under obligation by being thankful. The root words of eu (good) and charis (grace" suggest the sense that one is aware that "God's grace works well and hence to thankful for God's good grace. Stated another way eucharisteo is at its very core (eu = good + charis = grace) means to acknowledge how good grace is! To show oneself as grateful (most often to God in the NT). Used predominately to express gratitude to God. BDAG adds "to show that one is under obligation, be thankful, feel obligated to thank. This mng. is common in diplomatic documents in which the recipient of a favor reciprocates with assurance of goodwill." BDAG definition #2 "to express appreciation for benefits or blessings, give thanks, express thanks, render/return thanks." Persons (face, presence) (4383) prosopon from pros = towards + ops = eye, the part around the eye and so the face) means literally toward the eye or face. Of the face of Jesus transfigured (Mt 17:2), of His face spat in (Mt 26:67) and slapped (Mk 14:65). Most of the uses of prosopon refer to one's face ("toward the eye"). In Mt 11:10 (Lk 7:27, 9:52, 10:1) the idiom "before you face" is rendered "ahead of." Prosopon in the Corinthian letters especially the Second Epistle - 1 Co. 13:12; 1 Co. 14:25; 2 Co. 1:11; 2 Co. 2:10; 2 Co. 3:7; 2 Co. 3:13; 2 Co. 3:18; 2 Co. 4:6; 2 Co. 5:12; 2 Co. 8:24; 2 Co. 10:1; 2 Co. 10:7; 2 Co. 11:20; Favor (5486) charisma from charis = grace + the ending --ma which indicates the result of something, in this case the result of grace, "the subjective grace that works within and shows itself in its result" [Wuest]) is a Pauline word (with exception of 1Peter 4:10) which literally means a gift of grace or a free gift. Considering that the root is charis (grace) the favor or gift which one receives is without any merit of one's own. Stated another way, whatever spiritual gift a man has comes from God, and should be no cause for personal pride or praise. It is something given to a man by God which the man himself could not have acquired or attained. QUESTION - What is intercessory prayer? ANSWER - Quite simply, intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others. The role of mediator in prayer was prevalent in the Old Testament, in the cases of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Hezekiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercession since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of other Christians or for the lost, asking God to grant their requests according to His will. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). A wonderful model of intercessory prayer is found in Daniel 9+. It has all the elements of true intercessory prayer. It is in response to the Word (Da 9:2); characterized by fervency (Da 9:3) and self-denial (Da 9:4); identified unselfishly with God’s people (v. 5); strengthened by confession (Da 9:5-15); dependent on God’s character (Da 9:4, 7, 9, 15); and has as its goal God’s glory (Da 9:16-19). Like Daniel, Christians are to come to God on behalf of others in a heartbroken and repentant attitude, recognizing their own unworthiness and with a sense of self-denial. Daniel does not say, “I have a right to demand this out of You, God, because I am one of your special, chosen intercessors.” He says, “I’m a sinner,” and, in effect, “I do not have a right to demand anything.” True intercessory prayer seeks not only to know God’s will and see it fulfilled, but to see it fulfilled whether or not it benefits us and regardless of what it costs us. True intercessory prayer seeks God’s glory, not our own. The following is only a partial list of those for whom we are to offer intercessory prayers: all in authority (1 Timothy 2:2); ministers (Philippians 1:19); Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6); friends (Job 42:8); fellow countrymen (Romans 10:1); the sick (James 5:14); enemies (Jeremiah 29:7); those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44); those who forsake us (2 Timothy 4:16); and all men (1 Timothy 2:1). There is an erroneous idea in contemporary Christianity that those who offer up intercessory prayers are a special class of “super-Christians,” called by God to a specific ministry of intercession. The Bible is clear that all Christians are called to be intercessors. All Christians have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and, just as He intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will (Romans 8:26-27), we are to intercede for one another. This is not a privilege limited to an exclusive Christian elite; this is the command to all. In fact, not to intercede for others is sin. “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23). Certainly Peter and Paul, when asking others to intercede for them, did not limit their request to those with a special calling to intercession. “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (Acts 12:5). Notice it was the whole church that prayed for him, not just those with a gift of intercession. In Ephesians 6:16-18, Paul exhorts the Ephesian believers—all of them—on the fundamentals of the Christian life, which includes intercession “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Clearly, intercessory prayer is part of the Christian life for all believers. Further, Paul sought prayer on his behalf from all the Roman believers in Romans 15:30. He also urged the Colossians to intercede for him in Colossians 4:2-3. Nowhere in any biblical request for intercession is there any indication that only a certain group of people could intercede. On the contrary, those who seek others to intercede for them can use all the help they can get! The idea that intercession is the privilege and calling of only some Christians is without biblical basis. Worse, it is a destructive idea that often leads to pride and a sense of superiority. God calls all Christians to be intercessors. It is God’s desire that every believer be active in intercessory prayer. What a wonderful and exalted privilege we have in being able to come boldly before the throne of Almighty God with our prayers and requests! GotQuestions.org D L Moody - YOU have heard the story of the child who was rescued from the fire that was raging in a house away up in the fourth story. The child came to the window, and as the flames were shooting up higher and higher cried out for help. A fireman started up the ladder. The wind swept the flames near him, and it was getting so hot that he wavered. Thousands looked on, and their hearts quaked at the thought of the child having to perish. Someone in the crowd cried: “Give him a cheer!” Cheer after cheer went up, and as the man heard he gathered fresh courage. Up he went into the midst of the smoke and the fire, and brought down the child in safety. If you cannot go and rescue the perishing yourself, you can at least pray for those who do, and cheer them on. If you do, the Lord will bless the effort. Do not grumble and criticise; it takes neither heart nor brains to do that. A Hidden Ministry On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:10–11 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 1:8–11 A big academic project was weighing on me, and I was fretting over whether I could complete it by the deadline. In the midst of my anxious thoughts, I received three notes of encouragement from friends who were cheering me on. Each one said, “God brought you to mind today when I was praying.” I felt humbled and encouraged that these friends would contact me without knowing what I was going through, and I believed God had used them as His messengers of love. The apostle Paul knew the power of prayer when he wrote to the people in the church of Corinth. He said he trusted that God would continue to deliver them from peril “as you help us by your prayers” (2 Corinthians 1:10–11). And when God answered their prayers, He would be glorified as the people gave Him thanks for the “answer to the prayers of many” (v. 11). My friends and Paul’s supporters were engaging in the ministry of intercession, which Oswald Chambers calls “a hidden ministry that brings forth fruit through which the Father is glorified.” As we focus our minds and hearts on Jesus, we find Him shaping us, including how we pray. He enables us to give the gift of true intercession to friends, family members, and even strangers. Read more from Oswald Chambers at utmost.org. God hears the prayers of His people. Haystack Prayers You help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 1:8–11 Samuel Mills and four of his friends often gathered together to pray for God to send more people to share the good news of Jesus. One day in 1806, after returning from their prayer meeting, they got caught in a thunderstorm and took refuge in a haystack. Their weekly prayer gathering then became known as the Haystack Prayer Meeting, which resulted in a global mission movement. Today the Haystack Prayer Monument stands at Williams College in the US as a reminder of what God can do through prayer. Our heavenly Father is delighted when His children approach Him with a common request. It’s like a family gathering where they’re united in purpose, sharing a common burden. The apostle Paul acknowledges how God helped him through the prayers of others during a time of severe suffering: “He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers” (2 Corinthians 1:10–11). God has chosen to use our prayers—especially our prayers together—to accomplish His work in the world. No wonder the verse continues: “Then many will give thanks . . . [for the] answer to the prayers of many.” What request can you and others pray for? How has your faith been strengthened when you pray with others? Father, help us to pray together even as we work together. Loving Others with Our Prayers This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 1:8–11 “Are people still praying for me?” That was one of the first questions a missionary asked his wife whenever she was allowed to visit him in prison. He had been falsely accused and incarcerated for his faith for two years. His life was frequently in danger because of the conditions and hostility in the prison, and believers around the world were earnestly praying for him. He wanted to be assured they wouldn’t stop, because he believed God was using their prayers in a powerful way. Our prayers for others—especially those who are persecuted for their faith—are a vital gift. Paul made this clear when he wrote the believers in Corinth about hardships he faced during his missionary journey. He “was under great pressure,” so much that he “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8). But then he told them God had delivered him and described the tool He’d used to do it: “We have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers” (vv. 10–11, emphasis added). How do you love others with your prayers? In what ways can you encourage prayer for those who are persecuted for their faith? Loving and Almighty God, thank You for the amazing gift of prayer and the ways You move through it. Please help me to pray faithfully for others today! For help in your prayer life, read Jesus’ Blueprint for Prayer at DiscoverySeries.org/HJ891. Small but Significant On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.2 Corinthians 1:10–11 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 1:8–11 The day started out like any other, but it ended as a nightmare. Esther (not her real name) and several hundred women were kidnapped from their boarding school by a religious militant group. A month later all were released—except for Esther who refused to deny Christ. As my friend and I read about her and others who are being persecuted for their faith, our hearts were moved. We wanted to do something. But what? When writing to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul shared about the trouble he experienced in the province of Asia. The persecution was so severe that he and his companions “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8). However, Paul was helped by the prayers of believers (v. 11). Though the Corinthian church was many miles away from the apostle, their prayers mattered and God heard them. Herein lies an amazing mystery: the sovereign One has chosen to use our prayers to accomplish His purpose. What a privilege! Who can you commit to praying for by name this week? When have you experienced God’s faithfulness during a time of persecution? In prayer, we cast ourselves at the feet of divine power. Giving the Gift of Prayer You help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:11 Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 8:28–34 “I didn’t realize what a gift prayer was until my brother was sick and you all prayed for him. I cannot tell you what a comfort your prayers were!” Laura had tears in her eyes as she thanked me for the prayers of the people in our church for her brother, who was facing a cancer diagnosis. She continued, “Your prayers have strengthened him in this difficult time and have been an encouragement to our entire family.” One of the best ways to love others is to pray for them. Jesus is our ultimate example in this. The New Testament tells us about Jesus praying for others on many occasions, and even shows us that He continues to come to the Father on our behalf. Romans 8:34 says that He “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Even after showing such selfless love at the cross, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ continues to express His care for us by praying for us at this very moment. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for praying for me. Help me to serve You and others through faithfully praying today. Submit your prayer request and pray for others at YourDailyBread.org. Prayer is a gift to be shared. Turning Pain Into Praise As you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. —2 Corinthians 1:7 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:7-11 After years of a remarkable and fruitful ministry in India, Amy Carmichael became a bedridden sufferer. As the courageous founder and dynamic heart of the Dohnavur Fellowship, she had been instrumental in rescuing hundreds of girls and boys from a terrible life of sexual servitude. While she carried on her rescue operation of bringing young people into spiritual freedom through faith in Jesus Christ, she wrote books and poems that are still blessing readers around the world. Then arthritis made Amy a pain-wracked invalid. Did she bemoan her affliction or question God? No. Amy was still the guiding inspiration of Dohnavur, and she still kept on writing. Her meditations, letters, and poems are filled with praise to God and encouragement to her fellow pilgrims. When affliction strikes us, how do we react? Are we embittered, or do we trustfully appropriate God’s sustaining grace? (2 Cor. 12:9). And do we prayerfully encourage those around us by our Spirit-enabled cheerfulness, our courage, and our confidence in God? Can God trust you with sorrow, With anguish, and with pain, Or would your faith soon falter And faint beneath the strain? —Nicholson Praise is the song of a soul set free. 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. AMP It is a reason for pride and exultation to which our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world [generally] and especially toward you, with devout and pure motives and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God (the unmerited favor and merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, and keeps, strengthens, and increases them in Christian virtues). The Living Bible We are so glad that we can say with utter honesty that in all our dealings we have been pure and sincere, quietly depending upon the Lord for his help and not on our own skills. And that is even more true, if possible, about the way we have acted toward you. KJV 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. NET 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our reason for confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with pure motives and sincerity which are from God– not by human wisdom but by the grace of God– we conducted ourselves in the world, and all the more toward you. BGT 2 Corinthians 1:12 Ἡ γὰρ καύχησις ἡμῶν αὕτη ἐστίν, τὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως ἡμῶν, ὅτι ἐν ἁπλότητι καὶ εἰλικρινείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, [καὶ] οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ ἀλλ᾽ ἐν χάριτι θεοῦ, ἀνεστράφημεν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, περισσοτέρως δὲ πρὸς ὑμᾶς. NLT 2 Corinthians 1:12 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. ESV 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. NIV 2 Corinthians 1:12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. GNT 2 Corinthians 1:12 Ἡ γὰρ καύχησις ἡμῶν αὕτη ἐστίν, τὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως ἡμῶν, ὅτι ἐν ἁπλότητι καὶ εἰλικρινείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, [καὶ] οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ ἀλλ᾽ ἐν χάριτι θεοῦ, ἀνεστράφημεν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, περισσοτέρως δὲ πρὸς ὑμᾶς. YLT 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our glorying is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God, we did conduct ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you; ASV 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our glorifying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. CSB 2 Corinthians 1:12 For this is our confidence: The testimony of our conscience is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with God-given sincerity and purity, not by fleshly wisdom but by God's grace. MIT (MacDonald Idiomatic Translation) 2 Corinthians 1:12 This is our pride, reflecting the testimony of our conscience, that in generosity and godly sincerity we interact in the world, not by carnal sophistication, but by the grace of God, and especially so in relating to you. For our proud confidence is this: Job 13:15 23:10-12 27:5,6 31:1-40 Ps 7:3-5 44:17-21 Isa 38:3 Ac 24:16 Ro 9:1 1Co 4:4 Ga 6:4 1Ti 1:5,19,20 Heb 13:18 1Pe 3:16,21 1Jn 3:19-22 holiness or simplicity: 2Co 11:3 Ro 16:18,19 godly: 2Co 2:17 8:8 Jos 24:14 1Co 5:8 Eph 6:14 Php 1:10 Tit 2:7 not: 2Co 1:17 4:2 10:2-4 12:15-19 1Co 2:4,5,13 15:10 Jas 3:13-18 4:6 2 Corinthians 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries New English Translation 2 Cor 1:1-2 Salutation 2 Cor 1:3-11 Thanksgiving for God's Comfort 2 Cor 1:12-22 Paul Defends His Changed Plans 2 Cor 1:23-24 Why Paul Postponed His Visit Related Passages: Acts 23:1 Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” Acts 24:16 “In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, Whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; PAUL DEFENDS HIS CONDUCT Paul now introduces a new subject, defending his conduct and this subject will go through the chapter break (not the best chapter division) until 2 Cor 2:4. I like Ray Stedman's title to this section (2 Cor 1:12-2:4) "When you are Misunderstood." This has happened to all us, in the church, in our homes, in our workplaces. Years ago I was the president of the local blood center and recall giving an interview to a local television station in the early years of the AIDS crisis when we had no understanding of the cause and there was great fear over how it was transmitted. That evening I watched the interview replayed and was horrified because they took what I said totally out of context. I was grossly misunderstood! Paul describes an episode in which he was misunderstood with the result that he suffered false allegations and accusations. Keep in mind the context of this letter is that Paul was being attacked by false teachers in Corinth who sought to usurp his apostolic authority. And here in 2 Cor 1:12-14 he begins to defend himself. Swindoll on 2Cor 1:12-14 observes that "following on the heels of a paragraph concerning reasons for suffering (2 Cor 1:3-11), Paul immediately transitions into a defense of his true character in response to the harmful false accusations slung at him from across the Aegean Sea. Here is our first glimpse into the situation in Corinth that was causing conflict between Paul and the church. It appears that Paul’s conduct and sincerity had been called into question. Paul refuted the accusation with directness and clarity." (Insights on 1&2 Corinthians) Barclay on 2Cor 1:12-14 - Here we begin to catch the undertones of the accusations that the Corinthians were levelling against Paul and of the slanders with which they were trying to besmirch him. Bernard - He claims that he has always been frank and open in his dealings with the Corinthian Christians: cf. 1 Th. 2:3. McShane on for - The conjunction "for" at the opening of this passage connects it with what precedes, especially with 2Co 1:11, where we learned that Paul had a place in the prayers and thanks of the Corinthian saints. Now he proceeds to show them that he is not unworthy of their interest, since throughout all his dealings with them, he had acted in all honesty. (What the Bible teaches – 1 and 2 Corinthians.) For our proud confidence (KJV = "rejoicing") is this - NIV - "Now this is our boast." YLT = "For our glorying is this." Paul's character has been assassinated as we might say today and so he proceeds to begin his defense with a little "holy boasting." Paul quickly points out that this "boasting" was not emanating from his fallen flesh as is most boasting by men. In context it is boasting energized by the transforming power of the grace of God (dispensed by the Spirit of grace - Heb 10:29b+). Proud confidence (boasting) (2746) kauchesis from kauchaomai = to boast) refers to the act of boasting about something. It expresses the idea of self-congratulation with or without sufficient reason.To boast generally means to speak of or assert with excessive pride, to express pride in oneself or one’s accomplishments and often suggests ostentation or even exaggeration, but clearly that is not the sense in the present use by Paul. We see Paul's “boasting” in Jesus Christ (Ro 15:17), “boasting” (four times) over the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:31; 2 Cor 7:4,14; 8:24) and once over the Thessalonians (1 Th 2:19). In 2 Cor 1:12 Paul is "boasting" in a clear conscience before God and later in this same letter is boasting of the privilege of preaching the gospel without charge (2Cor 11:10). Kauchesis - 11v - Keyword in 2 Cor - Ro 3:27; Ro 15:17; 1 Co. 15:31; 2 Co. 1:12; 2 Co. 7:4; 2 Co. 7:14; 2 Co. 8:24; 2 Co. 11:10; 2 Co. 11:17; 1 Th. 2:19; Jas 4:16 The testimony of our conscience - Paul proceeds to call (in effect) "witnesses to the stand" in defense of his character - first his conscience and then his conduct ("holiness and godly sincerity"). How many of us would be willing to call our conscience to the witness stand to defend our actions? Paul calls his "conscience" to the witness stand (so to speak as in Ro 9:1) to "testify" regarding his character and conduct. Paul is saying in essence that he has a clear conscience, which was the way he always served God (2 Ti 1:3, cf Acts 23:1, Acts 24:16). Ray
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Clarke puts it this way - The sacred writings, and they alone, contain what is necessary to faith and practice; and that no man, number of men, society, church, council, presbytery, consistory, or conclave, has dominion over any man’s faith. The Word of God alone is his rule, and to its Author he is to give account of the use he has made of it (cf 2Ti 2:15+) (2 Corinthians 1) Lord over (master) (2961) (kurieuo from noun kurios = master - power of control rather than physical strength) means to rule or have dominion over and speaks of individuals who exercise authority or have control over others (Lk 22:25, Ro 14:9, 2Co 1:24). The term is often used to speak of powerful political lords who had certain legal rights to authority based on their lordship. They were authorized to exercise power and control over those of lesser degree. Kurieuo was used in the Lxx of Genesis 3:16 where God decrees that Adam would “rule over” Eve (not as a dictator, but as a loving leader). Faith (4102)(pistis) means trust, trustworthiness, reliability; confidence, assurance, conviction; belief, doctrine. Pistis is one of the most important terms in Scripture. The pagan Greeks even used pistis to describe “faith” in the existence of their (non-existent) gods as opposed to belief in no gods at all (pagan atheism). Faith gets us into the Kingdom and enables Spirit filled kingdom life (cf Gal 3:3). In many passages faith is yoked inseparably with obedience. Of course faith alone saves a soul, but faith is shown to be true saving faith by its association with obedience/works. Swindoll says it this way "The term implies both knowledge and action. One may receive knowledge of a certain truth and may even offer verbal agreement, but “trust” or “confidence” is not said to be present until one’s behavior reflects that truth." It has well been said that faith is not believing in spite of evidence—that’s superstition—but obeying in spite of circumstances and consequences. (See multiple articles on Saving Faith) But - Term of contrast. Contrast of "lord" with "co-worker." A far cry from trying to be "lord" over the Corinthians, Paul clearly states is on their level (so to speak) serving intimately with them as fellow workers in the faith. DIVINE SYNERGISM Synergy describes the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm - Amplified = "but [rather that we work with you as] fellow laborers [to promote] your joy, for in [your] faith (in your strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God) you stand firm." Workers with you uses the preposition sun/syn (speaks of close/intimate association) in the compound word sunergos (Eng = synergy!) which describes an intimate association between Paul and the saints at Corinth. For your joy speaks of Paul's seeking the best for the Corinthians, recalling that joy is a supernaturally enabled feeling of "happiness" which is independent of what "happens." In other words joy is an experience that comes not necessarily from favorable circumstances (e.g., Paul's joy in affliction! - 2Co 7:4+, 1Th 1:6+) but as a gift from God, a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22+). Joy is a part of God’s own nature and Spirit which He bestows on and in His children. Joy is the deep-down sense of well-being that abides in the heart of the person who knows all is well between himself and the Lord. There is a chorus from an old spiritual song that is apropos..."Happiness happens But joy abides." Here faith (pistis) speaks of the Corinthians' belief in Jesus (past tense salvation) and by extension belief in the Spirit of Jesus to enable them to live the Christian life (present tense salvation - progressive sanctification). Paul encourages the saints at Corinth with his assessment that they were standing firm which is in the perfect tense indicating their continuing state of steadfastness. Note that it was not just a "positive" mindset but was based on their faith. And ultimately faith has an object, that object in Christianity being the Living Christ, Who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Heb 13:8+, cf Heb 13:5+). The truth about Jesus "catalyzed" (so to speak) their faith and this in turn resulted in their standing firm against the inveterate enemies, the world, the flesh and the devil (and the false apostles he would describe later in this letter - 2 Cor 11:13+). J