2 Corinthians 4:15

For all things [are] for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

For {G1063} all things {G3956} are for {G1223} your {G5209} sakes {G1223}, that {G2443} the abundant {G4121} grace {G5485} might {G4052} through {G1223} the thanksgiving {G2169} of many {G4119} redound {G4052} to {G1519} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}.

All this is for your sakes, so that as grace flows out to more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to overflow and bring glory to God.

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may overflow in thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.

Context

Second Corinthians chapter 4 finds the Apostle Paul reflecting on the nature and purpose of his apostolic ministry, particularly amidst severe hardships and persecutions. Prior to this verse, Paul emphasizes that his ministry is not based on deceit or cunning, but on the transparent proclamation of truth (2 Corinthians 4:2). He famously describes believers, and especially apostles, as having "this treasure in earthen vessels," signifying that God's immense power is displayed through their human weakness. Despite facing tribulation, perplexity, persecution, and being cast down, they are "not forsaken" and "not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:9). Verse 15 serves as a summation, explaining the ultimate aim behind all these experiences – both his suffering and the divine strength sustaining him.

Key Themes

  • Altruistic Purpose of Ministry: Paul asserts that "all things" – his trials, his steadfastness, his very ministry – are "for your sakes," meaning for the spiritual benefit and growth of the Corinthian believers. This highlights a selfless, servant-hearted approach to leadership.
  • Abundant Grace: The verse speaks of "abundant grace" (Greek: charis perisseuō), indicating an overflowing, superabundant measure of God's favor and empowering presence. This grace is not just for Paul but is extended to the Corinthians through his ministry.
  • Thanksgiving of Many: As this grace is received and experienced by an increasing number of believers, it naturally elicits "thanksgiving of many." This collective gratitude is a direct response to God's work in their lives, fostered by Paul's faithful service.
  • Glory of God: The ultimate purpose of this entire chain of events – Paul's ministry, the Corinthians' reception of grace, and their subsequent thanksgiving – is that it should "redound to the glory of God." God's glory is the supreme end, magnified through the faith and gratitude of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "redound to the glory of God" uses the verb "redound," which in this context means to contribute greatly, result in, or overflow to. It conveys the idea of something flowing back or accumulating to a particular end. The Greek word behind "abundant" is perisseuō (περισσεύω), which implies an overflowing, exceeding, or being superabundant. When combined with charis (χάρις), "grace," it paints a picture of grace that is more than sufficient, overflowing to the point of eliciting widespread gratitude. The term "thanksgiving" is eucharistia (εὐχαριστία), from which we get the English word "Eucharist," emphasizing the act of giving thanks as a central aspect of worship and spiritual response.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement and perspective for believers today.

  • Purpose in Suffering: It reminds us that even our personal trials and difficulties, when endured faithfully, can serve a larger purpose in God's plan, potentially benefiting others and leading them to Christ or deeper faith. Our struggles are not in vain.
  • Gratitude as a Response: The verse underscores the importance of thanksgiving as the natural and proper response to God's grace. As we experience His abundant favor in our lives, our gratitude should grow and become evident.
  • Living for God's Glory: Ultimately, our lives, our ministry, and our responses to God's work should aim to bring Him glory. This means living in a way that magnifies His character, power, and love to the world. Just as 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs, whether we eat, or drink, or whatsoever we do, we should do all to the glory of God.

Reflection

2 Corinthians 4:15 beautifully encapsulates the divine economy of grace: God's abundant grace empowers ministry, often through suffering, which then blesses others, prompting their thanksgiving, and ultimately, this collective gratitude redounds back to God, magnifying His glory. It's a powerful cycle that highlights the interconnectedness of ministry, grace, and worship, all centered on bringing honor to the Almighty.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • Ephesians 3:20

    Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

  • Ephesians 3:21

    Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:11

    Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:12

    For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:19

    And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:11

    Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift [bestowed] upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

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