What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 4:5?

For we do not proclaim ourselves

• Paul refuses to put his own name on the marquee. Any ministry that spotlights the messenger instead of the Messiah is off target (see John 3:30: “He must increase; I must decrease.”).

• The apostle distances himself from the self-promoting teachers troubling Corinth; his benchmark is God’s glory, not personal brand (Galatians 6:14).

• By denying self-promotion, he models the call of Luke 9:23 to “deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

---

but Jesus Christ as Lord

• The content of preaching is a Person—“Jesus Christ,” and the confession is His sovereignty—“Lord.” Acts 2:36 declares, “God has made this Jesus…both Lord and Christ!”

• Salvation hinges on that same confession (Romans 10:9). Paul will “know nothing…except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

• Proclaiming Jesus as Lord demands allegiance; He is not one option among many but the supreme ruler of every heart and realm (Philippians 2:11).

---

and ourselves as your servants

• While Christ is Lord, Paul and his team are “servants”—literally table-waiters—taking orders, not giving them (1 Corinthians 4:1).

• Following Jesus means washing feet, not seeking thrones (John 13:14-15).

• Ministry that mirrors Christ’s attitude will trade status for service, echoing Mark 10:45: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

---

for Jesus’ sake

• Motive matters. Everything Paul does—preaching, suffering, serving—leans on this phrase: “for Jesus’ sake.”

• The goal is that the life of Jesus shine through fragile vessels (2 Corinthians 4:11).

• Whether in word or deed, all is done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17), so that gratitude and glory rise to Him alone.

---

summary

Paul’s message is simple: drop self-promotion, exalt Christ as Lord, embrace the low position of servant, and do it all for Jesus alone. Anything less misses the point; anything more is unnecessary.