Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church, explaining that his refusal to lose heart stems directly from God's prior act of mercy in appointing him to his ministry.
The words — ἠλεήθημεν (ēleēthēmen) literally means "we received mercy," and διακονίαν (diakonian) translates to "ministry" or "service."
The thread — The refrain not to lose heart appears in 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Galatians 6:9, and Ephesians 3:13, though the latter specifically addresses not being discouraged by Paul's sufferings rather than endurance in doing God's work.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to anchor perseverance in God's initiative of mercy rather than in self-generated resolve.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
Cross-references
- 2 Thessalonians 3:13 But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.
- Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Ephesians 3:13 So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
- Revelation 2:3 Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
- Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power.
- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
- 1 Corinthians 7:25 Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
- 2 Corinthians 3:6 And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
- 2 Corinthians 3:12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.