Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God;
Verse Takeaways
1
The Source of Competence
Commentators unanimously agree that Paul is making a crucial point: any ability or success in ministry is not self-generated. He explicitly denies that he possesses any inherent 'sufficiency.' Instead, all competence for spiritual work is a direct gift that originates from and flows from God alone, safeguarding against pride and self-reliance.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
2 Corinthians
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
8
18th Century
Presbyterian
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves. This is evidently designed to guard against the appearance of boasting or self-confidence. He had…
Of ourselves (αφ' εαυτων). Starting from ourselves (reflexive pronoun).
As from ourselves (ως εξ αυτων). H…
19th Century
Anglican
Not that we are sufficient . . .—He had not used the word “sufficient” of himself, but it was clearly the implied answer …
Your support helps us maintain this resource for everyone
Paul’s confidence before God in claiming that the Corinthians were a letter written by Christ that validated his apostolic credentials came through…
16th Century
Protestant
Not that we are competent. When he thus disclaims all merit, it is not as if he humbled himself in merely pretended modesty; rather, he sp…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves Though we are sufficient for this work to which God has called us, and have …
Get curated content & updates
Even the appearance of self-praise and courting human applause is painful to the humble and spiritual mind. Nothing is more delightful to faithful …
13th Century
Catholic
After presenting his explanation, by which he won the goodwill of his hearers, the Apostle proceeds to his main intention: to discuss the ministers…
