2 Corinthians 4
Chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians is where Paul explains his ministry, the essence of the gospel, and the spiritual realities and hope behind them. As one entrusted with the gospel, Paul emphasizes his identity and, within that ministry, his weakness and suffering—and yet, the hope that does not disappear. This chapter is mainly composed of the glory of the gospel, the weakness of the ministers, and suffering and hope—three parts.
1verseTherefore, seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint.
2verseBut we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3verseEven if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who are dying,
4versein whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them.
5verseFor we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake,
6verseseeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7verseBut we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.
8verseWe are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;
9versepursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed;
10versealways carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
11verseFor we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.
12verseSo then death works in us, but life in you.
13verseBut having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, “I believed, and therefore I spoke.” We also believe, and therefore we also speak,
14verseknowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also through Jesus, and will present us with you.
15verseFor all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
16verseTherefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day.
17verseFor our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory,
18versewhile we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The Glory of the Gospel and Paul's Attitude (Verses 1-6)
In verses 1-6, Paul states that he does not lose heart in the ministry he received by God’s mercy. He stresses that he proclaims the gospel with sincerity and honesty, and he mentions that the reason some do not understand the gospel is because the heart of the hearer is covered. In particular, in verse 6, he uses an analogy of the light that comes to know the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ to reveal the greatness of the gospel.
Treasure in Clay Jars (Verses 7-12)
In verses 7-12, Paul compares his own weakness to clay jars and emphasizes that within them there is the life of Jesus Christ as a treasure. God’s power is shown even amid the weakness of ministers and saints, and he demonstrates confidence that the Lord protects them even in tight circumstances, persecution, and times when they feel discouraged.
Eternal Hope and a Life of Faith (Verses 13-18)
In verses 13-18, Paul once again emphasizes that he does not lose heart because of the Spirit of faith. He states that though the outer person is wasting away, the inner person is being renewed day by day—and through that message he makes clear that our suffering is temporary and that we have hope in eternal glory. He also should not place hope in what is seen, but in what is unseen—and he encourages the reader accordingly.
Points to Ponder
- Even in the difficulties of life, can I look to God’s glory and hope?
- Just as Paul compared his own weakness to a clay jar, how am I accepting my limitations within me?
- Am I growing faith that looks at the unseen and eternal, rather than focusing on what is seen?
Put It into Practice
- Even in hardship and weakness, hold on to the promise that God is with you. Then try to take deeper faith and courage.
- Not only your own ability or experience, but entrust each day so that God’s power will be revealed in your life.
- Remember that brief suffering is not the end, and pray so you can have a perspective that looks at life within eternal hope.
