2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 1:19 shows Paul's consistent focus on proclaiming Jesus Christ—exactly the same refusal to preach self seen here.

In 2 Corinthians 5:15, Paul says believers no longer live for themselves but for Christ — directly parallel to preaching not self but Christ as Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 1:24, Paul says he does not lord over faith but works for joy — matching the servant posture described here.

2 Corinthians 8:5 describes giving oneself first to the Lord, then to others—exactly the order in 2 Cor 4:5.

2 Corinthians 12:10 shows contentment in weakness for Christ's sake, embodying the servant attitude for Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:14 Related theme

In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Christ's love controls Paul — a complementary motivation for the selfless, Christ-centered ministry declared here.

In Philippians 2:11, every tongue confesses Jesus Christ as Lord — the exact confession this verse proclaims, highlighting cosmic acknowledgment.

Acts 10:36 Parallel

Acts 10:36 calls Jesus 'Lord of all'—the same lordship Paul proclaims, grounding his servant posture in Christ's universal authority.

Galatians 5:13 commands believers to become slaves to one another through love—Paul applies that very command to himself.

Romans 14:9 Parallel

Romans 14:9 explains Christ died and lived to be Lord of all—the theological foundation for Paul's proclamation of Christ as Lord.

Romans 15:17 shows Paul's pattern of boasting in Christ, not self — aligning with the servant attitude here.

Romans 15:18 echoes the same refusal to claim personal credit — Paul attributes all to Christ's work through him.

1 Corinthians 1:13-15 reinforces that Paul refuses to be a focus — Christ alone is central, not human figures.

1 Corinthians 1:23 specifies the content — Christ crucified — matching the 'preach Christ as Lord' here.

In 1 Corinthians 2:2, Paul echoes this exclusive focus on Christ — he determined to know nothing except Christ crucified, reinforcing the priority of Christ over self.

1 Corinthians 3:5 directly calls Paul and Apollos servants — mirroring the 'servants for Jesus' sake' here.

In 1 Corinthians 12:3, the confession 'Jesus is Lord' is attributed to the Holy Spirit — linking the lordship proclaimed here to Spirit-inspired testimony.

1 Corinthians 10:33 shows Paul seeking others' benefit, not his own — aligning with being their servant for Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul affirms one Lord, Jesus Christ — the same lordship proclaimed here, grounding Christian confession in Christ's unique authority.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 describes Paul becoming a servant to all to win some—this is the practical outworking of his claim to be a slave.

John 13:15 Parallel

John 13:15 sets Jesus' foot-washing as an example to follow—Paul follows that example by serving others as a slave.

In Matthew 20:25-27, Jesus teaches that greatness comes through service — the same servant identity Paul claims here for himself.

1 Peter 5:2-5 calls for humble, willing shepherding without domineering—directly parallel to Paul's servant leadership as a pattern for all.

Luke 22:26 Parallel

Luke 22:26 defines greatness as servanthood—Paul directly embodies this by making himself a slave for Jesus' sake.

In John 1:21-23, John the Baptist denies being the Christ, pointing to the one to come — a perfect example of not preaching self.

In John 3:27-31, John the Baptist says 'He must increase, I must decrease' — directly echoing Paul's refusal to preach self.

John 7:18 Parallel

In John 7:18, Jesus teaches that those seeking their own glory are false — contrasting the self-denial Paul speaks of.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 rejects seeking glory from people — consistent with not preaching self but serving as servants.

John 13:14 Parallel

John 13:14 shows Jesus washing feet as an act of humble service—Paul applies that same servant mindset to his ministry.

Acts 2:36 Parallel

Acts 2:36 declares Jesus both Lord and Christ—the core confession Paul preaches here, showing the apostolic message he serves.

Acts 3:12 Parallel

In Acts 3:12, Peter denies that his own power or piety healed the man — mirroring Paul's refusal to preach self.

Acts 3:13 Parallel

In Acts 3:13, Peter immediately glorifies Jesus as God's servant — showing the same Christ-centered focus as Paul.

Acts 8:9 Contrast

In Acts 8:9, Simon the magician claims to be someone great — the opposite of Paul's humility in preaching Christ.

Acts 8:10 Contrast

In Acts 8:10, people call Simon 'the power of God' — a clear contrast to Paul's refusal to accept glory for himself.

Acts 10:25 Contrast

In Acts 10:25, Cornelius falls to worship Peter — the very self-exaltation Paul rejects.

Acts 10:26 Parallel

In Acts 10:26, Peter says 'I too am a man' — directly embodying Paul's stance of refusing self-promotion.

Matthew 20:27 says greatness comes through being a slave — directly echoes Paul's claim of being a servant.

Colossians 1:28 proclaims Christ alone and aims for maturity in Him, echoing the exclusive focus on Jesus as Lord.

1 Peter 5:3 Parallel

In 1 Peter 5:3, Peter urges elders not to domineer but to be examples — mirroring Paul's self-description here as a servant for Jesus' sake.

1 Corinthians 4:1 calls Paul a servant of Christ and steward, matching the servant identity for Jesus' sake.

1 Corinthians 3:22 continues that all things are yours, so no boasting in leaders—servants point to Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:21 warns against boasting in men, directly supporting the refusal to proclaim oneself.

Matthew 23:11 teaches the greatest is servant — same servanthood principle Paul declares.

John 12:26 Parallel

John 12:26 promises honor for those who serve Jesus — directly parallels Paul's servant identity.

Acts 13:25 Parallel

Acts 13:25 records John Baptist denying self and pointing to Christ — mirrors Paul's 'we preach not ourselves'.

Romans 1:1 Parallel

Romans 1:1 introduces Paul as a servant of Christ — same self-identification as in 2 Corinthians 4:5.

2 Peter 2:3 Contrast

2 Peter 2:3 warns against greedy exploiters using false words—contrasting Paul's genuine servant proclamation of Christ as Lord.

Acts 14:11 Contrast

In Acts 14:12, the crowd mistakes Paul and Barnabas for gods — the opposite of Paul's claim to preach Christ, not self.

Romans 15:1 Parallel

Romans 15:1 calls the strong to bear with the weak, not please themselves—Paul fulfills this by becoming a slave for others.

Romans 15:2 Parallel

Romans 15:2 urges building up neighbors rather than self—Paul's servanthood directly aims at that.

Romans 14:8 Parallel

Romans 14:8 says we live and die to the Lord—reinforcing Paul's devotion to serving Christ rather than self.

Acts 5:31 Parallel

Acts 5:31 proclaims Jesus exalted as Leader and Savior—reinforcing the lordship Paul preaches and the basis for his servant role.

2 Timothy 2:10 shows Paul enduring all things for the elect's salvation—the same sacrificial motivation as being a slave for Jesus' sake.

Titus 1:11 Contrast

Titus 1:11 describes teachers motivated by shameful gain—contrasting Paul's selfless servant posture for Jesus here.

Romans 16:25 highlights the preaching of Jesus Christ, reinforcing that Paul proclaims Christ, not himself.

Matthew 23:8 forbids seeking rabbi titles, pointing to one Teacher—echoing Paul's refusal to exalt himself and his focus on Christ as Lord.

1 Corinthians 9:18 shows Paul preaching free of charge, a practical outworking of being a servant for Christ.