Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 4:13

"But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak;" — 2 Corinthians 4:13 (ASV)

We having the same spirit of faith. This phrase signifies the same spirit that is expressed in the quotation he is about to make—the same faith which the psalmist had. We have the very spirit of faith which David expressed. The sense is that we have the same spirit of faith as the one who said, I believed, etc. The phrase "spirit of faith" means substantially the same as faith itself: a believing sense or impression of the truth.

According as it is written. This passage is found in Psalm 116:10. When the psalmist uttered these words, he was greatly afflicted. (See 2 Corinthians 4:3, 6-8).

In these circumstances, he prayed to God, expressed confidence in Him, and placed all his reliance on Him. In his affliction, he spoke to God; he spoke of his confidence in Him; he proclaimed his reliance on Him. His speaking in this manner was the result of his belief, or of his putting confidence in God. Paul, in quoting this, does not mean to say that the psalmist had any reference to the preaching of the gospel, nor does he mean to say that his circumstances were, in all respects, like those of the psalmist. The circumstances resembled each other only in these respects:

1. That Paul, like the psalmist, was in circumstances of trial and affliction; and

2. That the language which both used was prompted by faith. This faith led them to express the sentiments of their hearts: the psalmist to declare his confidence in God and the hopes that sustained him, and Paul to declare his belief in the glorious truths of the gospel, to speak of a risen Savior, and to reveal the consolations thus set before people in the gospel. The sentiments of both were the language of faith. Both, in afflictions, spoke the language of faith. Paul often uses Old Testament language, as he does here, because it exactly expresses his feelings and the principles that motivated him.

We also believe, etc. We believe in the truths of the gospel; we believe in God, in the Savior, in the atonement, in the resurrection, etc. The meaning is that they had a firm confidence in these things, and as a result of that confidence, they boldly declared their sentiments. It prompted them to express their feelings.

As the Savior said, Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34). No one should attempt to preach the gospel who does not have a firm belief in its truths. Anyone who does believe its truths will be prompted to make them known to others.

All successful preaching is the result of a firm and settled conviction of the truth of the gospel. When such a conviction exists, it is natural to express that belief, and such an expression will have positive effects on the minds of other people. (See Barnes on Acts 4:20).