For we cannot do anything against the truth
This phrase emphasizes the apostolic commitment to the truth of the Gospel. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, which had been influenced by false apostles and teachings. The "truth" here refers to the Gospel message and the teachings of Christ. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges from both internal and external sources, including false teachings and persecution. This statement underscores the apostles' dedication to uphold the truth despite these challenges. It echoes Jesus' declaration in John 14:6, where He states, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The apostles, as witnesses of Christ, are bound to this truth and cannot act contrary to it.

but only for the truth
This part of the verse highlights the positive action and purpose of the apostles. Their mission is to promote and defend the truth of the Gospel. In the broader biblical narrative, truth is often associated with God's character and His Word (Psalm 119:160). The apostles' work is to advance the kingdom of God by spreading the truth, which aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. This commitment to truth is also a call to the church to discern and uphold sound doctrine, as seen in Paul's letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:16). The phrase reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which the apostles are entrusted to proclaim, ensuring that their actions and teachings align with the truth of Christ.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizing the importance of truth in the life of a believer.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues.

3. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of false teachings and internal conflicts.

4. False Apostles
Individuals in Corinth who were challenging Paul's authority and spreading false teachings.

5. The Truth
Central to Paul's message, representing the gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ.Commitment to Truth
As believers, we are called to align our actions and words with the truth of the gospel. This commitment requires discernment and courage, especially in a world that often distorts or rejects biblical truth.

Truth as a Foundation
Truth is foundational to our faith and relationships. Just as a building needs a solid foundation, our lives must be grounded in the truth of God's Word to withstand challenges and false teachings.

Active Defense of Truth
We are not only to avoid actions against the truth but actively promote and defend it. This involves speaking out against falsehoods and living in a way that reflects the truth of Christ.

Unity in Truth
Truth should unite believers, not divide them. When we focus on the truth of the gospel, we can overcome divisions and work together for the kingdom of God.

Truth in Love
While standing for truth, we must do so with love and grace. Our defense of truth should never be harsh or unkind but should reflect the love of Christ.(8) For we can do nothing against the truth.--Better, perhaps, we are powerless. Here, again, the meaning lies below the surface. The first impression which the words convey is that he is asserting his own thoroughness as a champion of the truth, so that it was a moral impossibility for him to do anything against it. The true sequence of thought, however, though it does not exclude that meaning, compels us to read much more between the lines. "Yes," he says, "we are content to seem to fail, as regards the exercise of our apostolic power to chastise offenders; for the condition of that power is that it is never exercised against the truth, and therefore if you walk in the truth, there will be no opening for its exercise." The feeling is analogous to that of Romans 9:3 : "I could wish myself accursed from Christ for my brethren's sake;" perhaps also to that of the Baptist: "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30); perhaps, yet again, to that of the patriot dying with the prayer, "May my name be without honour if only my country may be saved."

Verse 8. - We can do nothing against the truth. I am powerless against anything which is true, real, sincere; I can exercise no power except in the cause of the truth. Be true to the gospel, and you will be mighty and I shall be powerless, and (as he proceeds to say) I shall rejoice at the result.

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

we cannot do
δυνάμεθά (dynametha)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

anything
τι (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

truth,
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

but only
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

for
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

truth.
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 13:8 For we can do nothing against (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)