"We believe and therefore speak"

“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13).

For those of us who have heard the word of God and obeyed it, there is a duty that we have to teach the gospel. It is not just an option. We have an obligation to let others know about Christ. If we know what is right, then why not want to tell it to others? That is exactly what Paul is saying in 2 Corinthians 4:13; he spoke or taught what he believed.

There are great rewards that come with this. Not only are we pleasing in God’s sight when we teach what we believe, but we have pleasure in saving souls. Paul had taught the Corinthians and follows up what he said in vs. 13 by saying in vs. 14, “knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.” Paul is rejoicing in his work, knowing that since he taught the Corinthians, they would be raised up and presented pleasing before God on the Day of Judgment.

What a great thought knowing that God will not only welcome us home, but will welcome those who we have taught, having obeyed the gospel and lived faithful until death. We might not convert everyone that we teach, but even if we only convert one sinner to God, it will be worth it! “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

Jonathan Glaesemann