Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.
Parallel translations
- WEB Not that we control your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.
- KJV Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
- NKJV Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
- NASB Not that we domineer over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.
- NLT But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul clarifies that he does not lord it over their faith but works alongside them for their joy, since they stand firm by faith. His ministry serves their gladness, not his control.
Overview
Paul guards against any impression that apostolic authority means domineering over believers' faith. Instead he describes himself as a 'fellow worker' aiming at their joy, recognizing that they stand by faith in Christ alone. This models gospel leadership, which serves rather than tyrannizes, since faith rests on God and not on any human master.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 15
- 1 Pet 5:3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
- 2 Tim 2:24–26And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
- 1 Cor 15:1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm.
- Phil 1:25–26Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
- Rom 5:2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
- 2 Cor 4:5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
- Matt 23:8–10But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
- Matt 24:49And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.
- Rom 11:20That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
- 1 Cor 3:5What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.
- 2 Cor 5:7For we walk by faith, not by sight.
- Eph 6:14–16Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,
- Rom 1:12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
- 2 Cor 2:1–3So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.
- 1 Pet 5:8–9Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
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In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
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Original language
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