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NASB | 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation. |
Subject: 2 corn. 4:4 the god of this world hath b |
Bible Note: 1) god of this world--The worldly make him their God (Phi_3:19). He is, in fact, "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that ruleth in the children of disobedience" (Eph_2:2). “A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments,” by respected Biblical scholars and Drs. R. Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and D. Brown of Great Britain 2) They are under the influence and power of the devil, who is here called the god of this world, and elsewhere the prince of this world, because of the great interest he has in this world, the homage that is paid to him by multitudes in this world, and the great sway that, by divine permission, he bears in the world, and in the hearts of his subjects, or rather slaves. And as he is the prince of darkness, and ruler of the darkness of this world, so he darkens the understandings of men. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (1662 - 1714) 3) There can be no doubt that Satan is here designated by this appellation; though some of the fathers supposed that it means the true God, and Clarke inclines to this opinion. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1798-1870) 4) I must own I feel considerable reluctance to assign the epithet (ha theos), The God, to Satan; and were there not a rooted prejudice in favor of the common opinion, the contrary might be well vindicated, viz. that by the God of this world the supreme Being is meant, who in his judgment gave over the minds of the unbelieving Jews to spiritual darkness, so that destruction came upon them to the uttermost. Satan, it is true, has said that the kingdoms of the world and their glory are his, and that he gives them to whomsoever he will. Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1715-1832) 6) “The god of this world. See Joh_12:31, Joh_12:40; Phi_3:19. Satan is called the prince of this world, and the god of this world. By his devices he blinds the eyes of men so they should not see the light of gospel.” The People's New Testament (1891) by B. W. Johnson 7) “If then this revelation was hidden, it was in the case of those who were lost, whose minds were blinded by the god of this world, lest the light of the good news of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine into their hearts.” Synopsis of the Old and New Testaments John Nelson Darby (1800 - 1882) 8) 2Co 4:4 - “The God of this world - What a sublime and horrible description of Satan! He is indeed the god of all that believe not, and works in them with inconceivable energy. Hath blinded - Not only veiled, the eye of their understanding.” John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible God defined: A) 1. The Supreme Being; Jehovah; the eternal and infinite spirit, the creator, and the sovereign of the universe. God is a spirit; and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4. 2. A false god; a heathen deity; an idol. Fear not the gods of the Amorites. Judg 6. 3. A prince; a ruler; a magistrate or judge; an angel. Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary of American English B) theos Thayer Definition: 1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities 2) the Godhead, trinity 2a) God the Father, the first person in the trinity 2b) Christ, the second person of the trinity 2c) Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity 3) spoken of the only and true God 3a) refers to the things of God 3b) his counsels, interests, things due to him 4) whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way 4a) God’s representative or vice regent 4a1) of magistrates and judges |