II Corinthians 4

“For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord …”(v5).  While Paul did passionately try to “persuade” people to accept Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 4:18-21), he was not in control of their response.  Some accepted the message, but others did not (4:3).  Paul refused to manipulate or twist the word of God for any reason (v2), trusting that those who were humbly seeking truth would be able to see “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (v4). 

Being rejected, in danger, and “afflicted in every way” (v8) as they preached, the early believers did not lose heart (v16).