2 Corinthians 3:4

KJV

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} such {G5108} trust {G4006} have we {G2192} through {G1223} Christ {G5547} to {G4314} God-ward {G2316}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Such is the confidence we have through the Messiah toward God.

Berean Standard Bible

Such confidence before God is ours through Christ.

American Standard Version

And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 3:4 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound and unwavering confidence in his apostolic ministry, asserting that this assurance is not derived from personal merit or human credentials, but is entirely sourced "through Christ" and directed "to God-ward." This declaration serves as a foundational statement in Paul's defense of his ministry, establishing that his sufficiency and authority are divinely bestowed, preparing the ground for his subsequent exposition on the surpassing glory of the new covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's powerful defense of his ministry and the Corinthian believers as his "letter of commendation" (2 Corinthians 3:1-3). Having established that the Corinthians themselves are evidence of his Spirit-wrought work, Paul transitions to the source of his confidence in that work. Verse 4 acts as a bridge, linking the living epistle of the Corinthians to the divine origin of Paul's trust. It directly precedes and sets the stage for the crucial theological declaration in [2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is from God"), where Paul explicitly states, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." The entire chapter then unfolds to contrast the fading glory of the old covenant of law with the enduring and increasing glory of the new covenant of the Spirit, a ministry in which Paul operates with boldness and clarity, rooted in the very confidence he expresses in [2 Corinthians 3:4](/2_corinthians/3-4 "2 Corinthians 3:4 - Paul's Trust in God Through Christ").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges, including opposition from false apostles or critics who questioned his authority, methods, and even his personal character. These opponents likely relied on traditional letters of commendation, a common practice in the Greco-Roman world for travelers or those seeking to establish credibility in a new city. Paul, however, rejects such human-made credentials, asserting that his true commendation is the transformed lives of the Corinthian believers, a "letter" written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God (2 Corinthians 3:3). In this context, Paul's declaration of "such trust" is a direct counter-argument to those who might accuse him of arrogance or self-promotion. Instead, he grounds his confidence in God, mediated by Christ, thereby aligning his ministry not with human systems of validation but with divine power and purpose.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 3](/2_corinthians/3 "2 Corinthians 3 - The New Covenant") is rich with theological themes, and verse 4 contributes significantly to several of them. The primary theme is **Divine Sufficiency**, emphasizing that all true capability for ministry comes from God, not human ability. This is explicitly stated in the subsequent verse (2 Corinthians 3:5) and undergirds Paul's entire argument for the superiority of the new covenant. Another key theme is **Christ as Mediator**, highlighting that access to God's power, grace, and confidence is exclusively "through Christ." This underscores the centrality of Jesus in all aspects of Christian life and ministry. Furthermore, the verse points to a **God-ward Orientation**, meaning that the ultimate source, object, and goal of Paul's trust and ministry is God Himself, emphasizing a deeply theological and worshipful approach to service. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Apostolic Authority**, demonstrating that Paul's authority is not self-appointed but divinely sanctioned and empowered, contrasting sharply with those who might rely on worldly credentials.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **trust (Greek, _pepoíthēsis'_):** From G4006, this word signifies reliance, confidence, or strong assurance. It denotes a settled conviction or firm persuasion, not a mere hope or wish. In this context, it emphasizes Paul's deep-seated conviction and unwavering reliance on God, rather than on his own abilities or external validations.
* **through (Greek, _diá'_):** From G1223, this preposition denotes the channel or means by which an act is accomplished. Here, it is crucial, indicating that Christ is the instrumental cause or the indispensable medium through whom Paul's trust in God is established, maintained, and made effective. It is not merely "with Christ" but "by means of Christ."
* **God-ward (Greek, _prós theós'_):** From G4314 (prós) and G2316 (theós), this phrase signifies direction "toward God." The preposition _prós_ indicates a movement or orientation toward a specific destination or person. Combined with _theós_, it emphasizes that Paul's confidence is not only sourced in God but is also directed towards Him, with God as its ultimate object and goal. It highlights the divine focus and ultimate purpose of Paul's ministry and assurance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And such trust have we":** This clause introduces Paul's confident assertion. The "And" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a continuative particle, linking this statement to the preceding verses where Paul describes the Corinthian believers as his "letter of commendation." The "such trust" (G5108, _toioûtos_) refers back to the kind of confidence that is not based on human letters or self-sufficiency, but on a spiritual reality. "Have we" (G2192, _échō_) indicates a present possession, a deep-seated and abiding confidence that Paul and his fellow ministers possess.
* **"through Christ":** This is the crucial mediating phrase. It specifies the indispensable channel or agent by which this "trust" is made possible and effective. Paul's confidence is not inherent in himself or his human efforts, but is entirely dependent on and flows through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is the means of access to God and the enabler of this divine confidence.
* **"to God-ward":** This final phrase clarifies the ultimate object and direction of this trust. It is not merely trust in a general sense, but specifically trust directed toward God. It underscores the theological orientation of Paul's confidence, emphasizing that God is the ultimate source, recipient, and goal of all his assurance and ministry. This phrase highlights the profound God-centeredness of Paul's perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey his profound theological point. The use of **Emphasis** is evident in the placement and nature of the phrase "through Christ to God-ward," which immediately follows "such trust," highlighting the divine origin and direction of his confidence. There is a strong **Contrast** implied with the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 3:1-3) where Paul rejects human "letters of commendation" in favor of a divinely written "letter" (the Corinthians themselves). This verse further solidifies that contrast by explicitly stating the source of his confidence is divine, not human. The phrase "such trust" also functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition** of the idea of sufficiency, which is then further developed in the subsequent verse, [2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is from God"), creating a thematic link and reinforcing the central argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 3:4 is a powerful declaration of radical dependence on God, mediated through Christ, for all aspects of Christian life and ministry. It dismantles any notion of self-sufficiency, asserting that true confidence and capability for spiritual work do not originate from human wisdom, strength, or credentials, but are entirely a divine gift. This verse serves as a theological anchor, grounding Paul's entire understanding of the new covenant ministry in the person and work of Christ, and directing all glory and effectiveness back to God. It teaches that our confidence is not merely _in_ God, but _through_ Christ, emphasizing the Trinitarian nature of our salvation and service.

* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Strength Through Christ")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Abiding in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access to the Father Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 3:4 calls every believer to a profound re-evaluation of the source of their confidence, whether in personal life, professional endeavors, or spiritual service. In a world that often champions self-reliance, personal achievement, and external validation, Paul's declaration redirects our gaze entirely to God, through Christ. This verse invites us to lay aside any reliance on our own perceived strengths, intellect, or past successes, and instead cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's faithfulness and power working through us. It encourages humility, reminding us that any good work or fruit produced in our lives is ultimately a testament to God's sufficiency, not our own. For those in ministry, it serves as a powerful antidote to burnout and pride, ensuring that our efforts are always God-centered and Christ-empowered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely more on your own abilities or external validations than on God's sufficiency?**
* **How does understanding that your "trust" and "sufficiency" come "through Christ to God-ward" change your perspective on challenges or opportunities?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent reliance on God's power in your daily life and service?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "such trust" in this context?**

Answer: By "such trust," Paul is referring to a specific kind of confidence that contrasts sharply with reliance on human credentials or self-sufficiency. In the preceding verses ([2 Corinthians 3:1-3](/2_corinthians/3-1-3 "The Corinthian Letter")), he dismisses the need for "letters of commendation" from others, asserting that the transformed lives of the Corinthian believers themselves are his true commendation, written by the Spirit of God. Therefore, "such trust" means a confidence that is divinely sourced and validated, not based on human approval or personal merit. It is a deep, settled conviction in God's power and faithfulness to work through him, rather than in his own inherent abilities.

**Why is it significant that this trust is "through Christ"?**

Answer: The phrase "through Christ" is profoundly significant because it highlights Jesus's indispensable role as the mediator and channel of all divine grace, power, and access to God. It means that Paul's confidence is not a general spiritual feeling, but a specific, Christ-centered assurance. Without Christ, there is no true access to God's sufficiency or the ability to carry out His purposes effectively. Christ is the means by which believers are reconciled to God, empowered by the Spirit, and enabled to serve. This emphasizes the New Testament teaching that all spiritual blessings and enablement flow from God, by the Spirit, through Jesus Christ, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access to the Father Through Christ") and [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Christ in You, the Hope of Glory").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 3:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the sole mediator and enabler of all true spiritual confidence and sufficiency. Paul's "trust" is not merely a psychological state but a theological reality rooted in Christ's finished work. It is because Christ has perfectly fulfilled the law and inaugurated the new covenant through His death and resurrection that believers can now approach God with boldness and confidence, as taught in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"). Jesus is the one "through" whom we have access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access to the Father Through Christ")), the one in whom all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our sufficiency for any good work, including ministry, comes from God precisely because we are "in Christ," who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Thus, Paul's confidence is a direct consequence of Christ's triumph, making all Christian life and ministry an outflow of His person and power, directed back to the glory of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 3:12

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Philippians 1:6

Being 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 18:19

Hearken 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:

1 Thessalonians 1:8

For 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.

2 Corinthians 2:14

Now 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.