Phil 4:13

[irishman]

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

The key word in this verse is “which”. I see this as the second most mis-quoted verse in the Bible. How many times have you heard someone quote this verse and say, “Christ who strengtheneth me”? This one word makes a world of difference in this verse. The word “who” refers to a person, Christ. This is saying, in effect, that I can do anything through Christ, but too often I discover that I cannot do absolutely anything. Mis-quoting this verse in this way, hurts one’s faith, especially a new Christian, when he finds that he cannot do everything he attempts to do, or any great feat for that matter. On the other hand, when we put the proper word, “which” in this verse, it refers to an OBject or a principle, such as a doctrine. The verse then focuses on “all things” that strengthen. The true application of this verse is “I can do all those things that strengthen me through Christ.” I do not attempt to correct the text, for it needs no correction, but I hope to correct our focus on this verse. Folks, we can do all that makes us stronger in Him, by His grace. He wants us to be stronger.

Edited August 11, 2010 by irishman

[quinkie]

I never thought of the verse this way. It sure makes sense. Thanks for posting that.