2 Corinthians 4

In this chapter, Paul delves deeper into the nature of his ministry, discussing the resilience and transparency of his apostolic work amid suffering and challenges. He contrasts the transient afflictions with the eternal glory they produce, highlighting the power of God manifest in human weakness. This chapter emphasizes the enduring spiritual impact of the gospel, despite the physical and external trials faced by its ministers.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Having established the glory and superiority of the new covenant ministry, Paul asserts his dedication to conduct his ministry with integrity and transparency. He emphasizes the rejection of dishonest practices and the commitment to truth, ensuring his work withstands scrutiny before God and men. This approach is foundational to his perseverance, despite the challenges he faces.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV)
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Paul acknowledges that not everyone receives the gospel; for some, it remains veiled. He attributes this blindness to the influence of Satan, the "god of this age," who prevents the unbelievers from seeing the illuminating truth of the gospel that reveals Christ's glory and his divine nature.

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (NKJV)
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For it is the God who commanded light to 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.

Paul emphasizes that their ministry is not about proclaiming themselves but about preaching Christ Jesus as Lord and serving others for His sake. He contrasts the light of the gospel with the darkness that blinds those who do not understand or accept the new covenant. Just as God commanded light to shine out of darkness at creation, He shines the light of His glory in the hearts of believers through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This light reveals the true path to righteousness and freedom, which comes by faith in Christ, not through legalism or human effort. Those who remain focused on their own righteousness or cling to the old covenant remain in spiritual darkness, blinded to the transformative power and grace found in Christ. The gospel, therefore, illuminates hearts, dispels darkness, and transforms believers into reflections of God's glory.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NKJV)
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—
9 carrying in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Paul compares the divine treasure of the gospel to a valuable content held in fragile clay jars, which are his own mortal body and those of his fellow ministers. This metaphor illustrates the paradox that the extraordinary power of the gospel is housed in ordinary and frail human bodies to highlight God’s power, not human strength. Despite severe trials, they endure, mirroring the suffering and resilience of Jesus, which also makes visible the life and power of Jesus in them.

2 Corinthians 4:10-12 (NKJV)
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
11 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
12 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

Continuing from the previous verses, Paul describes how the continual suffering he endures for the gospel parallels the death of Jesus, which he bears in his body. This constant experience of 'dying' serves a life-giving purpose for the Corinthians, as it facilitates the ministry that brings spiritual life to them. Despite physical decay, Paul highlights the daily renewal of his inner spiritual self, fostering resilience and focus on the eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:13-15 (NKJV)
13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak,
14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Paul references Psalm 116 to align his faithful proclamation with scriptural precedent, motivated by belief in the resurrection and the assurance of being raised with Christ. This hope not only sustains his ministry but is also intended to benefit the Corinthians, leading to an increase in grace experienced by many, resulting in abundant thanksgiving to God’s glory.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
18 While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Paul reiterates his theme of resilience, viewing his trials as momentary and light compared to the eternal glory they are producing. He encourages looking beyond the temporal circumstances to the unseen and eternal realities, grounding his endurance in a hope that transcends visible challenges. This perspective shapes his response to suffering and underpins the assurance of his message.