2 Corinthians 4:15

15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the grace abounding through the many may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:15 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 4:15

For all things are for your sakes;
&c.] This is a very large and comprehensive expression, and reaches to all the things of Christ, as well as of his ministers. The incarnation, obedience, death, and resurrection of Christ, are all for the sake of God's elect; and so the ministry of his apostles and servants, their gifts, graces, comforts, and experiences; and so likewise all their reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions; see ( 2 Corinthians 1:6 ) . These were endured for their sakes, and tended to their establishment in the faith; were for the furtherance of the Gospel, and of the faith and joy of saints; and this gave no small pleasure and relief to them under their sufferings, that they were of such use to others. Moreover, all their deliverances, when in any imminent danger; were for the sake of the churches:

that the abundant grace;
held forth in their ministrations, manifestly to be seen in supporting them under their troubles, and delivering them out of them:

might through the thanksgiving of many;
for such appearances of divine goodness, see ( 2 Corinthians 1:11 )

redound to the glory of God;
which is another thing that yielded them a pleasing satisfaction, in all their distresses for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel.

2 Corinthians 4:15 In-Context

13 And having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I have believed, therefore have I spoken; *we* also believe, therefore also we speak;

14 knowing that he who has raised the Lord Jesus shall raise us also with Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.

15 For all things [are] for your sakes, that the grace abounding through the many may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

16 Wherefore we faint not; but if indeed our outward man is consumed, yet the inward is renewed day by day.

17 For our momentary [and] light affliction works for us in surpassing measure an eternal weight of glory;

Footnotes

• [a]. 'Grace abounding through the many.' The grace of God, perfect in itself, multiplies itself in its objects, so that thanksgiving abounds. Paul was delivered, but everything was for the assembly. It was not therefore merely a benefit to him, but still more to all, so that the grace or benefit was multiplied, and caused thanksgiving to abound to God's glory. The form of thought is peculiar, but the sense plain and striking.