5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,
5 We wouldn't think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter.
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
5 It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
8 Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn't the Law say the same thing?
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same?
8 I'm not just sounding off because I'm irritated. This is all written in the scriptural law.
8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also?
8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing?
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3:5
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3:1-11
(Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-11)
Even the appearance of self-praise and courting human applause, is painful to the humble and spiritual mind. Nothing is more delightful to faithful ministers, or more to their praise, than the success of their ministry, as shown in the spirits and lives of those among whom they labour. The law of Christ was written in their hearts, and the love of Christ shed abroad there. Nor was it written in tables of stone, as the law of God given to Moses, but on the fleshy (not fleshly, as fleshliness denotes sensuality) tables of the heart, Ezekiel 36:26. Their hearts were humbled and softened to receive this impression, by the new-creating power of the Holy Spirit. He ascribes all the glory to God. And remember, as our whole dependence is upon the Lord, so the whole glory belongs to him alone. The letter killeth: the letter of the law is the ministration of death; and if we rest only in the letter of the gospel, we shall not be the better for so doing: but the Holy Spirit gives life spiritual, and life eternal. The Old Testament dispensation was the ministration of death, but the New Testament of life. The law made known sin, and the wrath and curse of God; it showed us a God above us, and a God against us; but the gospel makes known grace, and Emmanuel, God with us. Therein the righteousness of God by faith is revealed; and this shows us that the just shall live by his faith; this makes known the grace and mercy of God through Jesus Christ, for obtaining the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The gospel so much exceeds the law in glory, that it eclipses the glory of the legal dispensation. But even the New Testament will be a killing letter, if shown as a mere system or form, and without dependence on God the Holy Spirit, to give it a quickening power.