2 Coríntios 4
Tony Garland · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 4:5-6
Garland adds that) “Lord (kurios) means that the bearer was worthy of divine recognition and honor. The apostolic writers and early believers were well aware of this meaning. Polycarp, for example, died as a martyr rather than call Caesar "kurios." Broomall - Paul repeatedly calls himself a “slave” (doulos; cf. Rom 1:1; Gal 1:10; Phil 1:1; Tit 1:1). Here he uses the term to describe his relationship to his converts at Corinth.(Wycliffe Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4) In his first epistle Paul had explained the spiritual significance of becoming a bondservant to the saints at Corinth, writing... For though I am free (eleutheros) from all men, I have made myself a slave (douloo) to all, (Why?) so that I may win more. (1Co 9:19, See context = 1Co 9:18-23) Comment: Balance Paul's making himself a bondservant with the truth of Galatians 1:10 (cp 2Ti 2:4-+, 2Co 5:9-+,1Th 2:4-+). His desire even as their bondservant was ultimately to do only those things that would please His Lord and Master Christ Jesus. This is a good example to emulate! MacDonald emphasizes Paul's "balance": In one sense he was free from all men. No one could exercise jurisdiction or compulsion over him. Yet he brought himself under bondage to all people in order that he might win the more. If he could make a concession without sacrificing divine truth he would do it in order to win souls to Christ. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson) (Bolding added for emphasis) David Lowery Comments: Though he was free (eleutheros; cf. 1Co 8:9; 9:1) he voluntarily became a slave (cp His Master's example - Php 2:6, 7-+, 1Pe 2:21-+ 1Co 11:1) for the good of others (1Co 10:33) whom he wanted to win (1Co 9:22) (Bible Knowledge Commentary) Thomas
2 Coríntios 4:16
Garland has an interesting parallel regarding Paul's description of the outer decaying and inner renewing "His image is the exact reverse of the plot in Oscar Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. In that story the vain Dorian Gray has his portrait painted; and when it is finished, he laments: “How sad! I shall grow old and horrible, but this picture never will be older. If it were I who was to be always young, and the picture that was to grow old! I would give my soul for that!” He got his wish. The portrait became a mirror of his soul, which showed every sign of evil and aging. He locked it away to prevent the world from seeing the truth about himself and deceived others with an outward appearance of one who was young, pure, and handsome. The contrast between the loathsome, evil, and wrinkled visage on the canvas fed by mad, ravenous passions, and his exquisite outward appearance grew more stark every day. (The New American Commentary. page 241. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers) Henry Martyn had the right attitude toward the inevitable decline of our physical state "If I am going to burn out, let me burn out for God. H A Ironside on the outer man decaying - The outward man perisheth. How well we know that! What is the outward man? It is the physical man, the body, and many of us realize that the outward man is perishing. There is not the elasticity in the step that there used to be, there is not the physical vigor that there once was. We tire a great deal more easily than we did some years ago. We do not remember things as well as we once did. (2 Corinthians 4) Michael Andrus - I was reading the other day about a group of Florida senior citizens who were sitting around talking about their ailments (what I call “an organ recital”). “My arms are so weak I can hardly hold this cup of coffee,” said one. “Yes, I know,” replied another, “My cataracts are so bad I can’t even see my coffee.” A third responded, “I can’t even turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck,” to which several nodded weakly in agreement. “My blood pressure pills make me dizzy,” another went on. And an old man winced as he shook his head, “I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old.” After a short moment of silence one woman said cheerfully, “Well, it’s not that bad! Thank God we all still have our driver’s licenses!” Aging, of course, has some positive aspects, too. Like, for example: In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first. You can throw a party and the neighbors don’t even realize it. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off. And your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either. YET OUR INNER MAN IS BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY: all' o eso hemon anakainoutai (3SPPI) hemera kai hemera.: inner: Ro 7:22 Eph 3:16 1Pe 3:4 being renewed: Ps 51:10 Isa 40:31 Ro 12:2 Eph 4:23 Col 3:10 Titus 3:5 day by day: Lk 11:3 2 Corinthians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries LIVING BY FAITH A RIGHT PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING 2Cor 4:16-18, 5:1-9 Outer man Inner man Decaying Being renewed Momentary Eternal Light Weight Afflictions Glory Things seen Things unseen Temporal Eternal Tent Building from God (2Co 5:1,2) Earthly Heavenly (2Co 5:1) Torn down Eternal (2Co 5:1) Naked Clothed (2Co 5:2-4) Mortal Life (2Co 5:4) By sight By faith (2Co 5:7) At home in body Away with the Lord (2Co 5:7-9) Yet (alla) introduces a refreshing "change of direction", a conspicuous contrast, so that instead of outer decay God offers us the sure hope of inner spiritual renewal. This caused Paul to put his problems in proper perspective, allowing him to keep on keeping on. A good perspective of our present passing life is necessary for good Christian service and will keep us going when (not if) the path becomes rough and perilous.