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2 Corinthians

2 Corinthianschapter 4

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A.Light Out of Darkness Against a Blinded Worldvv. 1-6

1 Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

B.Treasure in Clay Jars: Struck Down, Not Destroyedvv. 7-12

7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

C.The Outward Man Perishes, the Inward Is Renewedvv. 13-18

13 And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may overflow in thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Commentary on this chapter: read the Exposition
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Chapter summary

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Read the rest, the context and the outline ▾

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. Wesley reads this chapter as the apostle's own testimony to dying-yet-living ministry.

Drawn from Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory, Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary, John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament and John Calvin, Commentaries.

Context

Epistle · Paul — 2 Corinthians overview

  • A. 1–6 Light Out of Darkness Against a Blinded World
  • B. 7–12 Treasure in Clay Jars: Struck Down, Not Destroyed
  • C. 13–18 The Outward Man Perishes, the Inward Is Renewed
Top cross-references8 chapters ▾
  • Romans 85 verses
    • Romans 8:11And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.
    • Romans 8:18I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.
    • Romans 8:24For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see?
    • Romans 8:28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
    • Romans 8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
    • Read Romans 8 →
  • 2 Corinthians 33 verses
    • 2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
    • 2 Corinthians 3:12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
    • 2 Corinthians 3:14But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.
    • Read 2 Corinthians 3 →
  • 2 Corinthians 53 verses
    • 2 Corinthians 5:1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
    • 2 Corinthians 5:7For we walk by faith, not by sight.
    • 2 Corinthians 5:11Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
    • Read 2 Corinthians 5 →
  • 1 Peter 42 verses
    • 1 Peter 4:12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
    • 1 Peter 4:13But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
    • Read 1 Peter 4 →
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Cross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and OpenBible.info.