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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | 2 Cor 4:4 | 2 Cor 4:4 | pcdarcan | 136002 | ||
The context of 2 Cor 4:4 also helps one to draw the conclusion that Satan is "the god of this world". How so? Before chapters and verses were added to the Bible as a study aid, the book of Corinthians was one long letter to the 'congregation of God in Corinth'. Keep that in mind as you read this. Early in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he mentions "Satan" by name in 2 Cor 2:11 (New International Version), warning: "in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." Consequently, with Satan's name already mentioned early in the letter - 7 paragraphs later - 2 Cor 4:4 says "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." The qualifying remarks about "the god of this world" in 2 Cor 4:4 namely, "has blinded the minds of unbelievers" relates to Satan who was introduced 7 paragraphs earlier in 2 Cor 2:11 "we are not unaware of his schemes". Supporting this thought that the apostle Paul did not have to keep re-introducing Satan's "name" everytime he referred to him by a different label, is this verse (later in the letter) in 2 Cor 11:3 "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ". So, early in Paul's letter in 2 Cor 2:11, he uses Satan's name and gives a warning 'not to be outwitted or unaware of his schemes'. "The god of this age" (2 Cor 4:4) is described as one who "has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel". "The serpent", is described by Paul in 2 Cor 11:3 as a 'deceiver', 'cunning', 'misleading people's minds' ("your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ"). Paul's very similar "descriptions" of "Satan", "the god of this age", and "the serpent" would lead one to the conclusion that they are all one and the same - known and exposed by different labels (but similar tactics) throughout Biblical history, down to Eve. I also find it interesting that Paul didn't have to keep re-introducing Satan's name when he referred to him later as the "god of this age" and "the serpent" - leading one to the conclusion that there was no confusion about this in Paul's day. |
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2 | 2 Cor 4:4 | 2 Cor 4:4 | xmikx | 136155 | ||
Excellent post pcdarcan. You make the same point as I, but in a much more convincing manner. It is very clear to me that Paul is referring to Satan. You have to read the entire verse to really see how 'the god of this world' is not referring to God. Why would God want to blind the eyes of the unbelievers from the glory of his Son? Please go to the following link for a very detailed explanation of this verse using Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament. It will not let me paste the passage here as it contains words or letters (i don't know which) in what I assume is Greek. This is a very good explanation of 2 Cor 4:4. http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/RobertsonsWordPictures/ and then just click on the book, chapter and verse to see Robertson's commentary. |
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3 | 2 Cor 4:4 | 2 Cor 4:4 | pcdarcan | 136169 | ||
I'm going to check out that link - thank you! btw: Some (like Clarke's commentary) use Jesus and Paul's quote from Isaiah 6:9,10 to supposedly prove that God is the one doing the blinding. Please see my response to this - it's two Parts. I go line-by-line, stating Clarke's thought or position first, followed by a response. It's not short, but its "reasonably" long and a good read because it contains many scriptures to reason on. I trust you and others will enjoy it. Please check out: ID# 136012 Questions and/or Subjects for 2 Cor 4:1 Author Date (Eastern Time) 2 corn. 4:4 the god of this world hath b (?) matronsgt13 Tue 10/26/04, 8:38am I have a New Living Traslation bible and... xmikx Tue 10/26/04, 12:14pm Specifically, these posts... Part 1 - "exceedingly unlikely" - but ... pcdarcan Wed 10/27/04, 4:52pm Part 2 - "exceedingly unlikely" - but ... pcdarcan Wed 10/27/04, 5:04pm |
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