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2 Corinthians 4

World English Bible

WEB

1Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint. 2But 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. 3Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who are dying, 4in 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. 5For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake, 6seeing 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. 7But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves. 8We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; 9pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; 10always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. 12So then death works in us, but life in you. 13But 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, 14knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also through Jesus, and will present us with you. 15For 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. 16Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory, 18while 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.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Corinthians Chapter 4 presents a powerful message about the ministry of the Gospel and the challenges faced by those who proclaim it. The Apostle Paul begins by affirming that he and his companions have received mercy and are therefore not discouraged. He emphasizes the importance of integrity in their ministry, stating that they do not distort the word of God but rather present it plainly, allowing the light of the Gospel to shine through them. This chapter highlights the spiritual battle against the god of this age, who blinds the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the light of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (#Gospel, #Paul, #ministry).

Paul contrasts the temporary nature of earthly troubles with the eternal glory that awaits believers. He encourages the Corinthians to focus on what is unseen rather than what is seen, as the things that are seen are temporary, but the unseen things are eternal. He uses the metaphor of treasure in jars of clay to illustrate how the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. This imagery serves to remind believers that their weaknesses and struggles are opportunities for God's power to be displayed. Ultimately, Paul reassures the church that even in the face of suffering, they are being renewed day by day, and their afflictions are achieving for them an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. This chapter serves as a profound encouragement for Christians to persevere in faith, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (#eternalglory, #suffering, #faith).

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Referenced by

  1. Psalms 27:13v16Psalm 27:13 expresses confidence in seeing the goodness of the Lord, which aligns with 2 Corinthians 4:16-18's encouragement to focus on the unseen eternal glory.
  2. Proverbs 24:16v9Proverbs 24:16 speaks of the righteous falling and rising again, which parallels 2 Corinthians 4:9 where Paul describes being struck down but not destroyed.
  3. Romans 8:18v17Romans 8:18 discusses the present sufferings not being worth comparing to future glory, similar to 2 Corinthians 4:17, which describes our light and momentary troubles achieving an eternal glory.
  4. 1 Peter 5:10v171 Peter 5:10 speaks of God restoring, confirming, strengthening, and establishing believers after suffering, which resonates with 2 Corinthians 4:17's message that momentary afflictions prepare us for eternal glory.

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