2 Corinthians 3:4
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
Original Language Analysis
τοιαύτην
such
G5108
τοιαύτην
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
3 of 10
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ἔχομεν
have we
G2192
ἔχομεν
have we
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 10
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 10
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
Ephesians 3:12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:Exodus 18:19Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:2 Corinthians 2:14Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.1 Thessalonians 1:8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
Historical Context
In a culture that prized rhetorical skill, philosophical sophistication, and social status, Paul's emphasis on Christ-mediated confidence was countercultural. Greek and Roman society celebrated self-made success and personal achievement. The Sophists, traveling teachers who charged fees for rhetorical training, embodied this ethos. Paul deliberately contrasts his ministry with such self-promotion, grounding his authority not in human credentials but in divine calling and Christ's mediatorial work.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you find your confidence for ministry and service—in your abilities, credentials, and experience, or in Christ?
- How does the qualifier "through Christ to God-ward" protect you from both arrogance and false humility?
- What would it look like for you to exercise bold confidence in God's calling while maintaining complete dependence on Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Paul transitions from the Corinthians as evidence to his apostolic confidence (pepoithēsis, πεποίθησις, "trust" or "confidence"). This confidence is crucially qualified: through Christ to God-ward (Greek dia tou Christou pros ton Theon, διὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν). Paul's boldness is not self-generated but Christ-mediated and God-directed.
The structure is significant: confidence flows through Christ (instrumental) toward God (directional). This prevents both self-reliance and false humility. Paul is confident, but only because Christ is the mediator of his ministry and God is the source of its effectiveness. The apostle models proper Christian confidence—neither arrogant self-sufficiency nor paralyzing doubt, but bold trust rooted in Christ's finished work and the Spirit's present power.