What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:5? Not that we are competent in ourselves Paul opens with a frank confession: any sense of adequacy that begins and ends with us is an illusion. • The apostle’s use of “we” includes even himself and his ministry team, reminding us that no believer—however gifted—escapes this truth (Romans 7:18). • Jesus already settled the question of self-sufficiency: “For apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Even our best efforts, apart from divine enablement, amount to “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Paul’s starting point is humility: honest recognition that every natural talent, learned skill, or spiritual gift falters when disconnected from God. to claim that anything comes from us The phrase sharpens the point: the problem is not only self-confidence but self-credit. • Claiming something “comes from us” hijacks glory that belongs to God alone (1 Corinthians 4:7: “What do you have that you did not receive?”). • Pride dissolves fellowship with God and throttles usefulness. Lucifer’s fall began with a similar claim of independent greatness (Isaiah 14:13-14). • By contrast, the early church continually acknowledged God as the source of every breakthrough (Acts 14:27). Paul insists that ministry effectiveness, spiritual insight, and even daily obedience are borrowed gifts, not personal trophies. but our competence comes from God Here is the positive heart of the verse. • “Comes from” highlights continual dependence; divine competence is not simply granted once but flows moment by moment, like manna (Exodus 16:15-18). • God supplies whatever is needed: power (Acts 1:8), wisdom (James 1:5), perseverance (Philippians 2:13), and words (1 Peter 4:11). • Because the source is perfect, believers can face overwhelming tasks with confidence: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). • This divine competence glorifies God by putting His sufficiency on display (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul’s point: dependence does not weaken ministry; it supercharges it, ensuring that results are unmistakably God’s handiwork. summary 2 Corinthians 3:5 dismantles self-reliance and redirects our gaze to the true source of ability. We have no inherent sufficiency; we dare not credit ourselves for spiritual fruit. Instead, every capacity to serve, speak, or endure “comes from God.” Embracing that truth breeds humility, fosters gratitude, and releases us to labor confidently in His strength, knowing He will supply exactly what He commands. |
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