Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 4:14
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.
14. knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus ] Here we have the source of the Apostle’s faith and confidence. He knew that the Resurrection of Christ was an accomplished fact (see notes on 1 Corinthians 15, and Introduction to First Epistle). Hence arose his persuasion that a life was given to him which should survive and overcome even death itself.
by Jesus ] All recent editors substitute with Jesus, which, however, does not mean at the same time with, but by virtue of the operation of the same life and spirit. For the life that dwells in Jesus dwells also in His disciples, Joh 6:54. We are the members, Christ the Head; we are the crop, Christ the firstfruits, 1Co 15:23. Cf. Rom 1:4, as well as ch. 2Co 3:17-18, and Eph 2:5-6; Col 2:13. Chrysostom omits the words altogether. Meyer remarks that though St Paul believed that he and the majority of his readers would live to see the actual coming of Christ in the flesh, the possibility that this might not be the case was ever before his eyes. See 1Co 15:51 ; 1Th 4:15.
and shall present us with you ] i.e. shall place us in His own Presence. Cf. Rom 14:10; Col 1:22; Jude 24; ch. 2Co 5:10, and 1Co 8:8, and note.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Knowing – Being fully confident; having the most entire assurance. It was the assured hope of the resurrection which sustained them in all their trials. This expression denotes the full and unwavering belief, in the minds of the apostles, that the doctrines which they preached were true. They knew that they were revealed from heaven, and that all the promises of God would be fulfilled.
Shall raise up us also – All Christians. In the hope of the resurrection they were ready to meet trials, and even to die. Sustained by this assurance, the apostles went forth amidst persecutions and opposition, for they knew that their trials would soon end, and that they would be raised up in the morning of the resurrection, to a world of eternal glory.
By Jesus – By the power or the agency of Jesus. Christ will raise up the dead from their graves, Joh 5:25-29.
And shall present us with you – Will present us before the throne of glory with exceeding joy and honor. He will present us to God as those who have been redeemed by his blood. He will present us in the courts of heaven, before the throne of the eternal Father, as his ransomed people; as recovered from the ruins of the fall; as saved by the merits of his blood. They shall not only be raised up from the dead; but they shall be publicly and solemnly presented to God as his, as recovered to his service, and as having a title in the covenant of grace to the blessedness of heaven.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Co 4:14-15
Knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise us up also.
Soul-inspiring facts
I. That Christ was raised from the dead. Knowing, etc. No fact in history is more firmly established.
II. That the genuine disciple of Christ will also be raised. Shall raise us up also, etc.
III. That all things are for the good of the good. All things are for your sakes (Rom 8:28; 2Co 4:15).
IV. That all things in life should result in the true worship of God. That the abundant grace, etc. It is only in worship that the soul can find the free and harmonious development of all its spiritual powers. Worship is heaven. (D. Thomas, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 14. Knowing that he which raised up the Lord, &c.] And though we shall at last seal this truth with our blood, we fear not, being persuaded that as the body of Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Father, so shall our bodies be raised, and that we shall have an eternal life with him in glory.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Knowing that God the Father, who raised up the Lord Jesus from the dead, as the first-fruits of them that sleep, shall likewise, by the virtue of his resurrection, and by a power flowing from him, as now alive, and sitting at the right hand of God, quicken our mortal bodies; that both our souls and bodies may be presented with you, to be both eternally glorified: this maketh us that we do not fear death, but are unconcerned, although by wicked men we every day be delivered to it, and brought within the danger and sight of it; still the resurrection of Christ is made the foundation of our resurrection, and a firm ground for our faith of it. And we are from this text confirmed in the truth of this, that although the lot of Gods people in this life be very different, (some are poor, some rich, some in prosperity, some in adversity, and encompassed with sorrows and afflictions), yet if they have all the same faith, they shall all meet in the resurrection, and shall, by Christ, be all presented unto God as persons redeemed by him, and washed with his blood, and who shall be glorified together.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
14. Knowingby faith (2Co5:1).
shall raise up us alsoatthe resurrection (1Co 6:13;1Co 6:14).
by JesusThe oldestmanuscripts have “with Jesus.”
present usvividlypicturing the scene before the eyes (Jude24).
with you (2Co 1:14;1Th 2:19; 1Th 2:20;1Th 3:13).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus,…. Besides having the same spirit of faith, mentioned in the preceding verse as a support under tribulation, the apostle proceeds in this, and some following verses, to take notice of other things which gave them relief under their pressures; such as the resurrection from the dead, all their afflictions being for the good of the churches and glory of God, the inward and comfortable experiences of the love and grace of God in the midst of them, and the end and issue of them, eternal glory. The former of these is observed here; “knowing”, being firmly persuaded, and fully assured, that he “which raised up the Lord Jesus”; by whom God the Father is more especially designed, though not to the exclusion of the Son and Spirit, who were jointly concerned in raising the dead body of our Lord: shall raise us up also by Jesus; which may regard the resurrection of all the saints by Christ, not as a mere instrument, but as a co-efficient cause with the Father and Spirit: this the apostle concludes from the power of God in raising up Christ from the dead; he that is able to do the one, is certainly of power to effect the other; and also from that union there is between Christ and his people; he is the head, they are his members; and because the head is raised, the members shall be likewise. Christ’s resurrection is not only the pattern, but the pledge of the resurrection of the saints. Now this doctrine, as it was fully known, and firmly believed by the apostles, was of great use to bear them up under their outward troubles; for though they were so afflicted and persecuted, death was visibly working in them, and they might expect in a short time to be laid in the grave; yet this was their consolation, that they should be raised again immortal and glorious by Christ; some copies read, “with Jesus”, and so the Vulgate Latin version: “he shall present us with you”; that is, he will present us ministers, together with you the saints, and the rest of the elect of God; first,
, “to himself”, as the Syriac version adds, and then to his Father, in their full number, completely righteous and holy. These words indeed may be understood of a deliverance from temporal affliction, from that death they were labouring under, and exposed unto, and the sense be this; we firmly believe that he that raised up Christ from the dead, will deliver us from the present death of affliction, which will be a sort of resurrection from the dead, and will make us to stand by you, or in your presence; or, in other words, being thus delivered, we shall have an opportunity of visiting you, we have so long desired, and you have expected, which will be to your edification and comfort.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
1) “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus,” (eidotes hoti ho egeras ton kurion lesoun) “Perceiving that the one having raised the Lord Jesus,” God raised Him up, Act 2:24; Act 2:32; Act 3:15; Act 4:10; Act 10:40; Act 13:30; Act 13:33-34; Act 13:37; Act 17:31; Rom 4:24; 1Co 6:14; 1Co 15:15; 1Th 1:10; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 1:21.
2) “Shall raise up us also by Jesus,” (kai hemas sun lesou egerei) “Shall also raise us up with Jesus,” Rom 8:11; 1Co 6:14; Gal 1:1; Eph 1:20; Col 2:12; 1Th 4:16-17.
3) “And shall present us with you,” (kai parastesei sun humin) “and will present us (stand us up beside) with you.” In close affinity of fellowship with you all,” members of the Corinth church, and others of like faith and order in every locality, 1Co 1:2; 2Co 1:1; 1Th 4:17; Rom 8:11; Rom 8:17; Jud 1:24-25.
JOY OF THE RESURRECTION
As a cripple would rejoice to hear that his limbs should be restored perfect, or the beggar that he should be clad in silk and gold; so much more, ought Christians to rejoice to hear of the restoration of the integrity and innocency of the body in the resurrection.
– Cawdray
PROMISE OF RESURRECTION
One may occasionally see a plant which, through being under more favorable circumstances than its companions, appears with an early blade or leaves, while around it all others are torpid in the cold of winter, Such a plant is, as it were, the “first fruits of those that slept,” – the promise that the verdure of spring and the ripeness of summer will again cover the face of the earth.
-Bib. Treas.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(14) Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus . . .From his present experience of the triumph of life over death he passes to the future victory of which that triumph was the earnest. It is clear that he speaks here not of any deliverance from danger or disease, but of the resurrection of which he had spoken so fully in 1 Corinthians 15. The better MSS. give with Jesus, the Received text having apparently originated in a desire to adapt the words to the fact that Christ had already risen. St. Pauls thoughts, however, dwell so continually on his fellowship with Christ that he thinks of the future resurrection of the body, no less than of the spiritual resurrection which he has already experienced (Eph. 2:6), as not only wrought by Him but associated with Him; and in this hope of his he includes the Corinthians to whom he writes. It will then be seen, he trusts, that life has indeed been working in them. The verb present, as describing the work of Christ, and, we may add, his own work as a minister of Christ, under this aspect, is a favourite one with St. Paul (2Co. 11:2; Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
14. Raised up The same reasoning as in chap. 15, that the resurrection of Christ is the basis and assurance of ours. The spirit of faith, of the last verse, is a knowing, in this.
Raise up us also with you A decisive proof that St. Paul did not expect the second advent before his own death. On the contrary, he expected that both himself and the Corinthians would pass through death and the resurrection.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.’
For their certainty finally lies in their faith in the resurrection. It is that that makes all else explicable. They know that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus, will also raise them up with Jesus. The ‘with’ may indicate the expectation of the Parousia but can equally refer to the resurrection (1Th 4:13-18). This is the final goal of Paul’s ministry that makes all worthwhile, the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ, the transformation of the living Christians, the opening of the graves and the resurrection of those who sleep, and the final presentation before God. For then He will present them before Him along with the Corinthian Christians who will share in the Parousia.
We note that in his presentation of the glorious hope awaiting them he includes the Corinthian Christians. His confidence is that they too will be presented before God. His ministry through suffering will not have been in vain. It is after all for them, as well as for others, for whom he undergoes what he does. (Some powerful authorities omit ‘Lord’. That may have been to align this with the other references to ‘Jesus’).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Co 4:14 . Encouraging assurance accompanying this (not its contents ); since we are certain that , etc. Comp. Rom 5:3 ; 1Co 15:58 .
. . .] Comp. on 1Co 6:14 ; Rom 8:11 . This designation of God contains the ground of faith for the conviction about to be expresse.
. . ] This is usually understood of the actual resurrection from the dead , and of the presenting before the judgment-seat of Christ. And this view is the right one, partly because it alone is in keeping with the definite expressions, partly because it is in the highest degree suitable to the connection, when Paul here at the close of what he says regarding his sufferings and perils of death expresses the certainty of the last and supreme consummation as the deepest ground of his all-defying courage of faith. This amid all afflictions is his , Rom 5:2 . Paul, indeed, expected that he himself and most of his readers would live to see the Parousia (1Co 15:51 f., 2Co 1:8 , 2Co 11:26 ; 2Co 1:13 f.); but the possibility of meeting death in the deadly persecutions was always and even now before his mind (1Co 15:31 f.; 2Co 1:8 ; 2Co 5:18 ; Php 1:20 f., 2Co 2:17 ; Act 20:25 ; Act 20:38 ); and out of this case conceived as possible, which subsequently he for the time being even posits as a certainty (see on Act 20:25 ), he expresses here in presence of his eventual death his triumphant consciousness . . . Hence there is no ground for explaining it, with Beza (who, however, again abandoned this view), Calixtus (“ suscitabit a morte sc. illa quotidiana ”), Schulz, Rckert, Neander, of the resurrection in a figurative sense , viz. of the overcoming the constant perils of death (2Co 4:10-12 ), which, it is held, is a resurrection with Jesus , in so far as through it there arises a fellowship of destiny with the risen Christ. This interpretation is not demanded by the correct reading , as if this (comp. Rom 6:4 ; Rom 6:8 ; Eph 2:5 f.) presupposed the spiritual meaning. It is true that the raising of the dead takes place , and has its basis (1Co 15:21-22 ); but Christians may be also conceived and designated as one day becoming raised with Jesus , since they are members of Christ, and Christ is the (1Co 15:23 ) of all who rise from the dead. The believer, in virtue of his connection with the Lord, knows himself already in his temporal life as risen with Christ (see on Col 2:12 ; Col 3:1 ), and what he thus knows in faith emerges at the last day into objective completion and outward realit.
] and will present us together with you . This is taken, according to the previously rejected figurative sense of , to refer to the presentation of the conquerors over deadly perils , or even in the sense: “and will bring us together again with you” (Neander, Rckert). But, according to the context, after the mention of the resurrection, it obviously denots the presentation before the judgment-seat of Christ (2Co 5:10 ; Rom 14:10 ; Col 1:22 ; Eph 5:27 ; Luk 21:36 ), where the righteous receive the eternal (2Ti 4:8 ). With Christ they have suffered; with Him they have risen; and now before the throne of the Lord their , (Rom 8:15 ) sets in, which must be the blessed result of their presentation before the Judge. Hence Hofmann is wrong in thinking that there is no allusion to the judgment-seat of Christ in . Comp. on Col 1:22 . In the certainty of this last consummation Paul has the deepest ground of encouragement for his undaunted working, and the presentiment of such a glorious consummation is made still sweeter to him by the glance at the fellowship of love with his Corinthians, together with whom he will reach the blessed goal unto eternal union. Comp. 1Th 2:19 . Hence: , which is an essential part of the inward certainty expressed by . . ., which gives him high encouragement. We may add that the will be partly those risen, partly those changed alive ( 1Co 15:51 ff.; 1Th 4:14 ff.).
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Ver. 14. Shall present us with you ] Shall bring us from the jaws of death to the joys of eternal life.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
14. ] knowing (fixes and expands in detail the indefinite , and thus gives the ground of , not as commonly understood, the matter of which we speak) that He who raised up (from the dead) the Lord Jesus, will raise up us also ( from the dead hereafter , see 1Co 6:13-14 : not in a figurative resurrection from danger, as Beza, who afterwards changed his opinion, al., and lately Meyer, whose whole interpretation of this passage is singularly forced, and his defence of it unfair, see below) with Jesus ( is not necessarily figurative, as Meyer; even in the passages where a figurative sense is the prevailing one, it is only as built upon the fact of a literal ‘raising with Christ,’ to be accomplished at the great day: see Eph 2:6 ; Col 3:1 ; Col 3:3 ; 1Th 5:10 ) and present us with you (i.e. as in Jud 1:24 , , and in reff., at the day of His coming ).
Meyer’s objection to the meaning above given, that the Apostle could not thus speak of the resurrection, because he expected (1Co 15:51-52 ; 1Co 1:8 ; ch. 2Co 1:13-14 ) to be alive at the day of Christ, is best refuted by this very passage, ch. 2Co 5:1 ff., where his admission of at least the possibility of his death is distinctly set forth. The fact is that the here, having respect rather to the contrast of the future glory with the present suffering, does not necessarily imply one or other side of the alternative of being quick or dead at the Lord’s coming, but embraces all, quick and dead, in one blessed resurrection-state.
This confidence, of being presented at that day , is only analogous to his expressions elsewhere; see ch. 2Co 1:14 ; 1Th 2:19-20 ; 1Th 3:13 .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Co 4:14 . Despite the contrast between death in us and life in you (2Co 4:12 ), we trust that we too shall share in that Risen Life of Christ. . . .: knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus (see reff.) shall raise up us also with Jesus, sc. , on the Day of the general Resurrection (1Th 4:14 ), and shall present us with you (see reff.). Observe that the A.V. “shall raise up us also by Jesus” depends on a wrong reading, and perverts the sense. It would appear from this passage that the Apostle did not hope to be alive at the Second Advent of Christ ( cf. 2Co 1:8 , 1Co 15:52 ), although at an earlier period he seems to have cherished such an expectation (1Th 4:15 ).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Knowing. Greek. oida App-132.
raised up. Greek. egeiro. App-178.
Lord. App-98.
by = through. Greek. dia, but the texts read “with”, Greek. sun.
with. Greek. sun. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
14.] knowing (fixes and expands in detail the indefinite , and thus gives the ground of ,-not as commonly understood, the matter of which we speak) that He who raised up (from the dead) the Lord Jesus, will raise up us also (from the dead hereafter, see 1Co 6:13-14 :-not in a figurative resurrection from danger, as Beza, who afterwards changed his opinion, al., and lately Meyer, whose whole interpretation of this passage is singularly forced, and his defence of it unfair, see below) with Jesus ( is not necessarily figurative, as Meyer; even in the passages where a figurative sense is the prevailing one, it is only as built upon the fact of a literal raising with Christ, to be accomplished at the great day: see Eph 2:6; Col 3:1; Col 3:3; 1Th 5:10) and present us with you (i.e. as in Jud 1:24, , and in reff., at the day of His coming).
Meyers objection to the meaning above given,-that the Apostle could not thus speak of the resurrection, because he expected (1Co 15:51-52; 1Co 1:8; ch. 2Co 1:13-14) to be alive at the day of Christ, is best refuted by this very passage, ch. 2Co 5:1 ff., where his admission of at least the possibility of his death is distinctly set forth. The fact is that the here, having respect rather to the contrast of the future glory with the present suffering, does not necessarily imply one or other side of the alternative of being quick or dead at the Lords coming, but embraces all, quick and dead, in one blessed resurrection-state.
This confidence, of being presented at that day , is only analogous to his expressions elsewhere; see ch. 2Co 1:14; 1Th 2:19-20; 1Th 3:13.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Co 4:14. , knowing) by great faith, ch. 2Co 5:1.-, shall present) This word places the matter as it were under our eyes [Hypotyposis; a vivid word-picture of some action, Append.]
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Co 4:14
2Co 4:14
knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus,-The thing that encouraged him to speak the word of God to them even if it brought death was that he who raised up Christ from the dead would, through Jesus, raise up him and his associates.
and shall present us with you.-They would be the crown of his rejoicing in the day of the Lord. [He is here exulting in the assurance, however persecuted and downtrodden here, God, who had raised up Jesus, would raise him up and present him with all other believers before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. This it was that sustained him, and has sustained so many others of the afflicted of Gods people, and given them a peace which passes all understanding.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
that: 2Co 5:1-4, Isa 26:19, Joh 11:25, Joh 11:26, Rom 8:11, 1Co 6:14, 1Co 15:20-22, 1Th 4:14
shall present: 2Co 11:2, Eph 5:27, Col 1:22, Col 1:28, Jud 1:24
Reciprocal: Gen 47:2 – presented Psa 89:48 – shall Joh 5:19 – and Act 2:24 – God Act 4:2 – preached Act 10:40 – General 2Co 1:9 – in God 1Th 4:15 – which are 1Ti 4:15 – give Heb 13:20 – brought
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Co 4:14. Paul’s confidence in the resurrection sustained him amid all of his persecutions. Present us with you. All men will be raised from the dead regardless of their manner of life, but the righteous will stand together in the group which Jesus will present as his own to the Father.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Co 4:14. knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus[1] shall raise up us also with Jesus,[2] and shall present us with youthe parent in the faith with his spiritual children (see Eph 5:27; 1Th 2:9; 1Th 2:20; Jud 1:24).
[1] Here the received reading is dearly right; that of Lachmann and Tregelles, followed by Stanley and Green, being supported only by one ancient MS.
[2] Not by Jesus, as in the received text and Authorised Version on next to no evidence
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
A double reason is here assigned why the apostle bare his sufferings with such invincible courage and Christian patience. The first is drawn from the advantage which would redound to the church by his sufferings: All things are for your sakes: that is, all the straits we are put to, turn to your advantage; if we die, it is to confirm you by our sufferings; if we be delivered, it is for God’s glory, and your good, that the abundant grace might, by the thanksgiving of many, redound to the glory of God. Whatever we meet with tends to the confirming of your faith, and the increasing of your thankfulness.
A second reason is drawn from the joyful issue of his sufferings: he and his fellow-apostles steadfastly believed, that Almighty God, who raised up Christ from the dead, would in like manner raise them from the grave of their sufferings, yea, from the grave of death; and both soul and body shall be presented with them to be eternally glorified together.
Learn hence, That how different soever the lot and portion of God’s children and servants be in this life, some more, others less afflicted; yet having all, at the same time, faith in God for a joyful deliverance out of their afflictions, they shall all meet in the morning of the resurrection, and be by Christ presented unto God as persons redeemed by him, and shall eternally be glorified with him: He which raised up Jesus, shall raise us up also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you. [The daily preservation of his weak body was to the apostle an earnest, as it were, of the final resurrection, and the hope of this resurrection, in company and fellowship with the Corinthians, as the fruit of his labors, encouraged him to speak out and proclaim the gospel despite all forms of persecution.]