2 Corinthians 4:5 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁵ For we do not preach ourselves, but [we preach] Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁵ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁵ For what we preach is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your servants (slaves) for Jesus' sake.

American Standard Version (1901)

⁵ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Common English Bible

⁵ We don’t preach about ourselves. Instead, we preach about Jesus Christ as Lord, and we describe ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁵ For we are not preaching about ourselves, but about Jesus Christ our Lord. We are merely your servants through Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:5 Cross References

Matthew 23:8

But you should not assume the title ‘Rabbi,’ for [only] one is your teacher [i.e., Jesus Himself] and all of you are [simply] brothers.

Matthew 3:11

“I certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows me [i.e., in my ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses 10 and 12].

John 7:18

The person who speaks on his own authority is [just] trying to gain honor for himself. But the One who tries to gain honor from God, who sent Him, is [committed to] truth, and there is nothing false in His heart.

Acts 10:36

He sent His message [first] to the Israelites; [it involved] preaching the good news through Jesus Christ (who is Lord of all).

Acts 2:36

Therefore, let all those who make up the household of Israel [i.e., God’s people] know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Acts 5:31

But God exalted Him at His right side to be a Prince and Savior and to give the people of Israel [an opportunity] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and [receive] forgiveness of [their] sins [through Him].

1 Corinthians 1:23

but we [apostles] preach that Christ was crucified [for our sins]. This message is offensive to Jews and foolishness to [unconverted] Gentiles.

1 Corinthians 10:33

For even I myself [try] to please everyone in every way, and not to look out [just] for my own good, but [also] for the good of many people, so that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 12:3

Therefore, I am telling you that no one who speaks under the influence of the Holy Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed!” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:47

The first man [i.e., Adam] came from the dust of the ground [See Gen. 2:7]; the second man [i.e., Christ] came from heaven.

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I have decided not to know anything [while] among you, except Jesus Christ and His being crucified.

1 Corinthians 4:15

For although you have ten thousand guardians [Note: This word means someone who transported a child to his teacher] in [the fellowship of] Christ, you do not have many [spiritual] fathers. For I [spiritually] conceived you people through [preaching to you] the good news [about Christ]. [Note: Paul here refers to his work in establishing the church at Corinth].

1 Corinthians 8:6

yet there is [only] one God to us, [and He is] the Father, from whom all things have come, and for whom we live. And [there is only] one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things have come, and through whom we live.

2 Corinthians 1:19

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me, [and] Silvanus [i.e., the same as Silas] and Timothy, was not “yes” and “no” [i.e., both our message and Jesus Himself were not contradictory], but with Him, it was “yes” [i.e., Jesus consistently spoke the truth].

2 Corinthians 1:24

For we do not have [the right to] rule over your faith [i.e., to dictate concerning your personal relationship with God], but we want to work with you for your happiness. For you are [already] standing firm in your faith. [Note: This whole narrative alludes to some unresolved problems still existing there in Corinth]

Galatians 5:13

For you brothers were called [by God] to enjoy your freedom; but do not use this freedom as an excuse for living a sinful life; instead, use it to render loving service to each other.

Philippians 1:15

Some people, indeed, are proclaiming Christ out of envy and strife [i.e., out of rivalry], while others do it from goodwill.

Philippians 2:11

and that everyone’s mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2 Timothy 2:10

So, I endure everything for the elect’s sake [i.e., God’s people], so that they can obtain the salvation which comes through Christ Jesus, with [its] never ending splendor.

Titus 1:11

They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.

2 Peter 2:3

And through greedy desires and deceptive words they will exploit you [for evil purposes]. But the judgment that they have had coming for a long time will not delay, but will eventually awaken [i.e., arrive] to bring destruction upon them.