2 Corinthians 4:12
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Death worketh in us, etc. - We apostles are in continual danger, and live a dying life; while you who have received this Gospel from us are in no danger.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The "death" of Christ manifested in the continual "perishing of our outward man" (Co2 4:16), works peculiarly in us, and is the means of working spiritual "life" in you. The life whereof we witness in our bodily dying, extends beyond ourselves, and is brought by our very dying to you.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So then death worketh in us,.... This is the conclusion of the foregoing account, or the inference deduced from it; either the death, or dying of Christ, that is, the sufferings of his body, the church, for his sake, "is wrought in us"; fulfilled and perfected in us; see Col 1:24 or rather a corporeal death has seized upon us; the seeds of death are in us; our flesh, our bodies are mortal, dying off apace; death has already attacked us, is working on our constitutions gradually, and unpinning our tabernacles, which in a short time will be wholly took down and laid in the dust: but life in you. Some understand these words as spoken ironically, like those in Co1 4:8 but the apostle seems not to be speaking in such a strain, but in the most serious manner, and about things solemn and awful; and his meaning is, ours is the sorrow, the trouble, the affliction, and death itself, yours is the gain, the joy, the pleasure, and life; what we get by preaching the Gospel are reproach, persecution, and death; but this Gospel we preach at such expense is the savour of life unto life to you, and is the means of maintaining spiritual life in your souls, and of nourishing you up unto eternal life; and which is no small encouragement to us to go on in our work with boldness and cheerfulness: or these words regard the different state and condition of the apostle, and other ministers, and of the Corinthians; the one were in adversity, and the other in prosperity.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:12 Through his life of danger and exposure to mortal peril (see 1 Cor 15:30), Paul was reinforcing the faith of the Christians in the churches that he founded (cp. Col 1:24; 2 Tim 2:10).
2 Corinthians 4:12
Treasure in Jars of Clay
11For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body.12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Dying (Bilingual)
By Jackie Pullinger8.7K37:29Death To SelfMAT 6:33MAT 16:24ROM 8:322CO 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going out into the world to share the gospel with those who have never heard of Jesus. He highlights the poverty and desperation of people in places like East Timor, who are in need of basic necessities like food, blankets, medicine, and water. The speaker urges listeners to give up their lives for the sake of others, just as Jesus gave up his life for humanity. He references the story of Abraham and Isaac, where Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and through this act, salvation came. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to not only give up their lives but also to send their children to fulfill God's plan for their lives.
(Ephesians) the Benediction
By Jeff Noblit1.3K00:00BenedictionMAT 6:332CO 4:82CO 4:12EPH 6:19EPH 6:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of gospel preaching to transform lives. He quotes Romans 10:14-15, where Paul explains the importance of hearing the message of Christ through a preacher. The preacher highlights that the preaching of the gospel is the backbone and major tool for winning souls and glorifying God. He urges the audience to pray for the preacher, as he acknowledges his dependence on the Holy Spirit to effectively communicate God's message. The sermon concludes with the reminder that living out the teachings of Christ is a form of evangelism that demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel to the world.
Take the Blame and Forgive Others
By Zac Poonen81415:21DEU 22:8ACT 2:422CO 4:12HEB 12:2REV 5:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of not becoming familiar with the truth of Jesus' sacrifice, urging believers to continually find the freshness and significance of the cross. It challenges individuals to take the blame and forgive others, mirroring Christ's sacrificial love. The speaker encourages a deeper spiritual commitment beyond rituals, aiming for a daily meaningful communion with God. The message highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in keeping the message of the cross alive and impactful in our lives.
Humble Yourselves Therefore
By A.B. Simpson0Compassion through SufferingTrials and Growth2CO 4:12JAS 1:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the value of life that emerges from enduring trials and hardships, suggesting that these experiences not only deepen our appreciation for life but also equip us to empathize with others in their struggles. He contrasts superficial understanding of suffering with the profound tenderness that comes from personal experience, highlighting that true strength and compassion arise from overcoming adversity. Simpson illustrates this concept with the analogy of a steamship, where the furnace's heat propels the vessel forward, much like trials propel us toward growth and purpose.
The Missing Mark of Apostolic Ministry
By Keith Malcomson0MAT 10:40MAT 20:16LUK 10:16JHN 20:271CO 4:92CO 4:12EPH 5:1PHP 2:171PE 2:211PE 4:12Keith Malcomson emphasizes the importance of discerning true apostles from false ones in the Church, highlighting the need for the entire congregation to test those who claim to be apostles based on their qualities and qualifications, not just their titles. He points out that the primary mark of a true apostle is death to self, where they have surrendered their own desires, motives, and needs for the sake of God's work. Drawing from Paul's example, he explains that apostolic ministry involves enduring trials, persecution, and being a spectacle for all to see, ultimately leading to life in the Church through death to self.
(One Body in Christ) 4. Helping One Another
By Zac Poonen0PRO 10:17PRO 20:19ECC 7:5JHN 13:14ACT 14:221CO 1:42CO 4:12GAL 6:1EPH 4:151TH 5:14HEB 3:13Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of speaking the truth in love and growing in all aspects into Christ, emphasizing the responsibility of every believer to minister life to the Body of Christ. He highlights the significance of bearing the Cross, dying to self, and engaging in a mutual ministry of encouragement and admonition within the Body. Poonen stresses the need for honest fellowship, where believers refresh and cleanse one another through encouragement and correction, ultimately building up the Body of Christ.
Life by Proxy
By Dick Brogden0MAT 27:50JHN 12:24ROM 6:82CO 4:12Dick Brogden preaches on the profound impact of sacrificial deaths, drawing inspiration from the story of Jim Elliot and his friends whose deaths led to many being called into missions. He emphasizes that our deaths, whether physical or of our will, can have resurrection power and bring life to others. By yielding our spirits in total surrender to God, we unleash a life-giving force in the spirit realm that impacts not only those close to us but also those we may never know.
Ointment Poured Forth
By Miles J. Stanford02CO 4:12GAL 6:2PHP 2:3COL 1:231JN 4:11Miles J. Stanford preaches about the personal journey of maturity in the Lord Jesus, emphasizing the transition from personal growth to sacrificially serving His Body. He highlights the importance of selflessness in leadership, drawing parallels to Moses' wilderness experience before leading the people. The sermon challenges listeners to choose the path of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, emphasizing the need to pour out oneself for the progress and well-being of the Body of Christ. Stanford underscores the significance of embodying God's patient grace and love in relationships within the Church, mirroring the Father's care and leading towards spiritual unity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Death worketh in us, etc. - We apostles are in continual danger, and live a dying life; while you who have received this Gospel from us are in no danger.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The "death" of Christ manifested in the continual "perishing of our outward man" (Co2 4:16), works peculiarly in us, and is the means of working spiritual "life" in you. The life whereof we witness in our bodily dying, extends beyond ourselves, and is brought by our very dying to you.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So then death worketh in us,.... This is the conclusion of the foregoing account, or the inference deduced from it; either the death, or dying of Christ, that is, the sufferings of his body, the church, for his sake, "is wrought in us"; fulfilled and perfected in us; see Col 1:24 or rather a corporeal death has seized upon us; the seeds of death are in us; our flesh, our bodies are mortal, dying off apace; death has already attacked us, is working on our constitutions gradually, and unpinning our tabernacles, which in a short time will be wholly took down and laid in the dust: but life in you. Some understand these words as spoken ironically, like those in Co1 4:8 but the apostle seems not to be speaking in such a strain, but in the most serious manner, and about things solemn and awful; and his meaning is, ours is the sorrow, the trouble, the affliction, and death itself, yours is the gain, the joy, the pleasure, and life; what we get by preaching the Gospel are reproach, persecution, and death; but this Gospel we preach at such expense is the savour of life unto life to you, and is the means of maintaining spiritual life in your souls, and of nourishing you up unto eternal life; and which is no small encouragement to us to go on in our work with boldness and cheerfulness: or these words regard the different state and condition of the apostle, and other ministers, and of the Corinthians; the one were in adversity, and the other in prosperity.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:12 Through his life of danger and exposure to mortal peril (see 1 Cor 15:30), Paul was reinforcing the faith of the Christians in the churches that he founded (cp. Col 1:24; 2 Tim 2:10).