Not that we domineer over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing 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.
- BSB 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.
- NKJV Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
- 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 5:3neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
- 2 Tim 2:24–26The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,
- 1 Cor 15:1Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand,
- Phil 1:25–26Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
- Rom 5:2through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- 2 Cor 4:5For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake;
- Matt 23:8–10But don’t you be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
- Matt 24:49and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards,
- Rom 11:20True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear;
- 1 Cor 3:5Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him?
- 2 Cor 5:7for we walk by faith, not by sight.
- Eph 6:14–16Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
- Rom 1:12that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
- 2 Cor 2:1–3But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.
- 1 Pet 5:8–9Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may 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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