2 Corinthians 4:13

KJV

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} We having {G2192} the same {G846} spirit {G4151} of faith {G4102}, according as {G2596} it is written {G1125}, I believed {G4100}, and therefore {G1352} have I spoken {G2980}; we {G2249} also {G2532} believe {G4100}, and {G2532} therefore {G1352} speak {G2980};

Complete Jewish Bible

The Tanakh says, “I trusted, therefore I spoke.” Since we have that same Spirit who enables us to trust, we also trust and therefore speak;

Berean Standard Bible

And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak,

American Standard Version

But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 4:13 declares that Paul and his co-workers possess the same "spirit of faith" as the Psalmist, a divine conviction that compels them to speak the Gospel truth, just as the Psalmist's belief led to his proclamation. This verse underscores the active and vocal nature of genuine faith, which, despite profound suffering and weakness, finds its necessary expression in bold testimony to God's power and grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's profound defense and explanation of his apostolic ministry in 2 Corinthians. Chapter 4 opens with Paul asserting that because they have received this ministry by God's mercy, they do not lose heart. He contrasts their transparent proclamation of Christ with those who obscure the Gospel, highlighting that their message is not about themselves but about Jesus as Lord ([2 Corinthians 4:1-5](/2_corinthians/4-1-5 "2 Corinthians 4:1-5 - Paul's Ministry and the Gospel")). The immediate preceding verses (especially [2 Corinthians 4:7-12](/2_corinthians/4-7-12 "2 Corinthians 4:7-12 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels")) speak powerfully of the "treasure in earthen vessels"—the glorious Gospel light dwelling within fragile human bodies, enduring constant affliction, perplexity, persecution, and being struck down, yet not crushed, despairing, forsaken, or destroyed. This paradox of divine power in human weakness sets the stage for verse 13, explaining *how* they can endure such suffering and still speak boldly: it is through this "spirit of faith." Their proclamation is not a result of their own strength but a manifestation of this indwelling spiritual principle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was characterized by immense hardship, including physical abuse, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and constant opposition from both Jewish and Gentile adversaries, as well as false teachers within the church (see [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings")). The Corinthian church itself was complex, with factions, moral issues, and some questioning Paul's apostolic authority and sincerity. In this cultural milieu, where rhetoric and personal charisma were highly valued, Paul's apparent weakness and suffering could be misconstrued as a lack of divine favor. His appeal to an Old Testament scripture (Psalm 116:10) was a common rabbinic practice, grounding his contemporary experience in the timeless truth of God's Word and demonstrating continuity with the faith of Israel. The act of "speaking" (proclaiming the Gospel) was not merely intellectual assent but an active, public, and often dangerous declaration of allegiance to Christ in a hostile pagan world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Suffering and Divine Power**, illustrating how God's strength is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). Paul's ability to speak despite his trials is a testament to this divine empowerment. Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Apostolic Ministry**, which is characterized by integrity, transparency, and a compelling commitment to proclaim Christ, not self ([2 Corinthians 4:2-5](/2_corinthians/4-2-5 "2 Corinthians 4:2-5 - Paul's Sincerity in Ministry")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Continuity of God's Work Across Dispensations**, as Paul links his "spirit of faith" directly to that of the Old Testament Psalmist, showing that the foundational principle of belief leading to proclamation is timeless. Finally, it underscores the **Active and Confessional Nature of Faith**, demonstrating that true belief is not passive but inherently dynamic and finds its natural expression in verbal testimony.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This word, from which we get "pneumatic," denotes a current of air, breath, or a breeze. Figuratively, it refers to a spirit, the rational soul, a vital principle, or a mental disposition. In this context, it refers to a spiritual disposition or principle that is shared, not merely a human attitude but a divine enablement or characteristic that empowers faith and its expression. It suggests an animating force.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** Derived from _pístis_ (faith), this verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." It signifies a deep, abiding conviction and trust, not just intellectual assent but a profound reliance on God's truth and faithfulness.
* **speak (Greek, _laléō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to talk, i.e., utter words." While it can refer to general conversation, in this context, especially concerning the Gospel, it carries the weight of proclamation, declaration, and articulate testimony. It implies the vocalization of one's inner conviction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We having the same spirit of faith":** Paul asserts that he and his fellow ministers possess a shared spiritual disposition or principle of faith. This is not merely a human characteristic but an empowering, divinely-given quality that defines their approach to ministry. The "same" spirit connects them to a lineage of believers, specifically the Psalmist, implying a universal and enduring principle of faith.
* **"according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken;":** This clause introduces a direct quotation from Psalm 116:10 (LXX). The phrase "according as it is written" highlights the scriptural foundation for Paul's experience and ministry. The Psalmist's declaration, born out of a profound experience of distress and deliverance, expresses a deep, active trust in God that naturally compelled him to speak of God's goodness and faithfulness. Paul draws a direct parallel, asserting that his own belief, forged in suffering and divine deliverance, similarly necessitates verbal proclamation. The "therefore" (Greek, _dió_) emphasizes the logical and inevitable consequence of belief leading to speech.
* **"we also believe, and therefore speak;":** This final clause is Paul's direct application of the Psalmist's experience to himself and his ministry. It reiterates the core principle: genuine faith is not silent. Just as the Psalmist's belief resulted in speech, so too does Paul's and his companions' belief in the Gospel compel them to proclaim it. The repetition of "believe" and "speak" underscores the inseparable link between internal conviction and external expression, especially in the context of their suffering and the divine power at work within them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Allusion** and **Quotation** are central, as Paul directly quotes Psalm 116:10, drawing a profound connection between his experience and that of the ancient Psalmist. This serves to validate his ministry by rooting it in scriptural precedent and demonstrating the timeless nature of genuine faith. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, mirroring the Psalmist's "I believed, and therefore have I spoken" with Paul's "we also believe, and therefore speak," which emphasizes the continuity and shared nature of this spiritual principle across generations. The phrase "spirit of faith" itself is a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "spirit" represents the animating principle or disposition that characterizes their faith. Furthermore, the entire context of 2 Corinthians 4, particularly the preceding verses about "treasure in earthen vessels," utilizes **Paradox**, where the weakness of the human vessel highlights the surpassing power of God, making the bold proclamation of faith in verse 13 all the more striking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological thrust of 2 Corinthians 4:13 is profound: true, saving faith is inherently active and expressive. It is not a passive intellectual assent but a dynamic, divinely-imparted conviction that compels the believer to vocalize the truth they hold. This "spirit of faith" transcends individual circumstances and historical periods, linking believers from the Old Covenant to the New, demonstrating a consistent divine principle at work in those who genuinely trust God. It underscores the essential connection between internal belief and external confession, particularly in the face of adversity, affirming that the power to speak comes not from human strength but from the indwelling Spirit of God.

* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Confession of Faith")
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "Always Ready to Give a Reason")
* [Psalm 116:10](/psalm/116-10 "The Psalmist's Trust and Proclamation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 4:13 offers a powerful challenge and encouragement for believers today. It compels us to examine the depth and authenticity of our own faith. Is our belief in Christ merely an internal conviction, or does it possess the dynamic "spirit of faith" that naturally overflows into outward expression? In a world often hostile or indifferent to the Gospel, this verse reminds us that our faith is not meant to be silent. Just as Paul's profound belief, despite immense suffering, compelled him to speak, so too should our conviction in the resurrected Christ empower us to share the hope within us. This "spirit of faith" is a divine enablement, overcoming fear, timidity, and the desire for self-preservation, so that the light of the Gospel might shine through our words, even through our weaknesses, for God's glory. It calls us to live out the integrity of our belief, allowing our confession with our mouths to align with the truth we hold in our hearts, becoming active witnesses to God's transformative power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my internal belief in Christ translate into outward, verbal expression in my daily life?**
* **What fears or hesitations prevent me from speaking about my faith, and how can the "spirit of faith" empower me to overcome them?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more active "spirit of faith" that compels me to share the Gospel, even amidst challenges or discomfort?**
* **How does Paul's example of speaking despite suffering encourage me in my own circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "the same spirit of faith"?**

Answer: Paul means that he and his fellow ministers possess the same animating principle or disposition of faith as the Psalmist quoted in the verse (Psalm 116:10). This "spirit of faith" is not merely a human characteristic but a divinely imparted spiritual reality that empowers their belief and, crucially, compels them to vocalize that belief. It signifies a continuity of genuine, active faith across different dispensations and personal circumstances, demonstrating that true conviction inevitably leads to proclamation. It's a spiritual force that enables them to speak God's truth despite their physical weakness and intense suffering, as described in [2 Corinthians 4:7-12](/2_corinthians/4-7-12 "2 Corinthians 4:7-12 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels").

**Why does Paul quote Psalm 116:10 in this context?**

Answer: Paul quotes Psalm 116:10 ("I believed, and therefore have I spoken") to establish a biblical precedent and validate his own experience. The Psalmist, having been delivered from great distress and the brink of death, declared his unwavering trust in God, which then compelled him to speak of God's goodness and faithfulness. Paul draws a direct parallel, indicating that his profound faith, born out of his own experiences of suffering and divine deliverance in ministry, similarly compels him to speak the Gospel. This connection not only validates his ministry but also highlights that the principle of faith leading to proclamation is a timeless truth, demonstrating the enduring power of God's Word and the consistent nature of true belief. It underscores that his bold proclamation is not due to personal bravado but a necessary outflow of genuine faith, just as it was for the Psalmist.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 4:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "spirit of faith" that compels proclamation is perfectly embodied in Christ Himself, who, out of perfect faith in His Father, spoke the words of life and truth, even unto death. Jesus consistently declared the Father's will and the kingdom of God, embodying the principle that true belief leads to necessary speech ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). His entire earthly ministry was a demonstration of this "spirit of faith," culminating in His ultimate act of obedience on the cross. Furthermore, the "spirit of faith" that Paul and believers possess is the Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of Christ, who indwells believers and empowers them to bear witness to Him ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")). It is through Christ's redemptive work that believers are given this new life and the spiritual capacity to believe and speak. The Gospel they proclaim, born out of this spirit of faith, is the "light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Gospel")). Thus, the compulsion to speak, even amidst suffering, is a participation in Christ's own mission and a manifestation of His life within them, testifying to the One who believed and spoke, and whose words continue to bring life and light to a dark world ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - Life and Light in Christ")).

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

Psalms 116:10

¶ I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

Hebrews 11:1

¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:40

God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

1 Corinthians 12:9

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

2 Corinthians 3:12

¶ Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

Romans 1:12

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Proverbs 21:28

¶ A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.