2 Corinthians 4:1: Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
Paul’s opening response—“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart”—references the surpassingly glorious ministry of the new covenant as compared to Moses’ ministry under the old covenant in that it effects a removal of the veil of unbelief, the liberation of the Holy Spirit, and transformation into the image of the Lord. Having a ministry of such splendor left Paul with no place for faintheartedness but only for boldness.
Paul was perpetually conscious that he had this ministry “by the mercy of God,” given to him at the moment of his conversion on the road to Damascus when he was knocked to the ground by the flash of Christ’s glory and was commissioned to go to the Gentiles. Such mercy! And he could never get over it. As he later wrote to Timothy as the chief of sinners, “I thank … Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy …” (1 Timothy 1:12, 13). The combination of this mercy and the astonishingly surpassing glory of his ministry heartened him and kept him from losing heart. 1
Personal Application
- Read 2 Corinthians 3:12. How important is it to have hope?
Godly Encouragement
- For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. –Psalm 100:5
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
The mercy of God and the hope in God keep the people of God from losing heart. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, keep me under Your wing and close to your heart.
1. Hughes, R. K. (2006). 2 Corinthians: power in weakness. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
