2 Corinthians 4:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 4:14
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 4 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, truth, fellowship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 4:14
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
Analysis
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus (eidotes hoti ho egeiras ton kyrion Iēsoun kai hēmas syn Iēsou egerei, εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἡμᾶς σὺν Ἰησοῦ ἐγερεῖ)—Paul's endurance is grounded in resurrection confidence. Eidotes (εἰδότες, 'knowing') implies settled knowledge, not wishful thinking. The same God who raised Christ will raise (egerei, ἐγερεῖ, future tense) Paul and all believers.
And shall present us with you (kai parastēsei syn hymin, καὶ παραστήσει σὺν ὑμῖν)—paristēmi (παρίστημι, 'to present, stand beside') suggests formal presentation before God. Paul and the Corinthians will stand together in resurrection glory. The syn (σύν, 'with, together with') twice emphasizes solidarity—we're raised together, presented together. Apostolic suffering and Corinthian faith are bound together in resurrection hope.
Historical Context
Paul's resurrection theology is thoroughly Jewish, rooted in Daniel 12:2 and later Pharisaic belief. But he Christianizes it: resurrection comes 'by Jesus' (instrumental), through union with the risen Christ (Rom 6:5). This wasn't abstract theology for Paul—it was the concrete hope that made present suffering bearable and ministry fruitfulness possible beyond death.
Reflection
- How does concrete belief in bodily resurrection affect your daily choices and ministry priorities?
- What difference does it make that you'll be 'presented with' other believers rather than alone?
- In what ways does resurrection hope function as more than escape from suffering and actually empower endurance through it?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Isaiah 26:19, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 6:14
- References Jesus: Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:14
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:27, Colossians 1:22, Jude 1:24