John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 4:5

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus` sake." — 2 Corinthians 4:5 (ASV)

For we preach not ourselves. Some consider this an instance of Zeugma, explained in this manner: We do not preach ourselves as lords, but God’s only Son, whom the Father has set over all things, as the one Lord. I do not, indeed, find fault with that interpretation. However, the expression is more emphatic (εμφατικωτερα) and has a more extensive meaning when it is said that one preaches himself. I am more inclined to retain this latter interpretation, especially as it is almost unanimously approved.

For there are other ways in which people preach themselves besides arrogating dominion to themselves. For example, when they aim at show rather than edification, when they desire distinction in any way, or when, furthermore, they make gain from the gospel. Ambition, therefore, avarice, and similar vices in a minister taint the purity of his doctrine, so that Christ does not have the exclusive distinction in it. Hence, anyone who would preach Christ alone must necessarily forget himself.

And ourselves your servants. Lest anyone should mutter the objection, “But meanwhile you say many things about yourself,” he answers that he desires nothing further than to be their servant. “Whatever I declare about myself (so loftily and boastfully, in your opinion) has this object in view—that I may in Christ serve you advantageously.” It follows that the Corinthians are excessively proud and ungrateful if they reject this condition. Furthermore, it follows that they had previously been of a corrupt judgment, since they had not perceived his holy affection.

Here, however, all pastors of the Church are admonished about their state and condition. For by whatever title of honor they may be distinguished, they are nothing more than the servants of believers; and unquestionably, they cannot serve Christ without serving His Church at the same time. This is, it is true, an honorable servitude and superior to any principality, but it is still a servitude, so that Christ alone may be elevated to distinction—not encumbered by the shadow of a single rival. Hence, it is the part of a good pastor not merely to keep aloof from all desire of domineering, but to regard it as the highest height of honor to which he aspires—that he may serve the people of God.

It is the duty of the people, on the other hand, to esteem the servants of Christ first of all on the ground of the dignity of their Master, and then further on account of the dignity and excellence of their office, so that they may not despise those whom the Lord has placed in so illustrious a station.