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2 Corinthians · Chapter 4

2 Corinthians 4

Berean Standard Bible · Public domain · Source credits

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The Light of the Gospel

1Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.*

2Instead, 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.

3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

4The 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.

5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

6For 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.*

Treasure in Jars of Clay

(Romans 6:1–14)

7Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

8We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;

9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

11For 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.

12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13And 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,*

14knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence.*

15All 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.

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.

17For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.

18So 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.

Source notes

  1. 4:1 Literally Therefore, having this ministry, as we have received mercy,
  2. 4:6 Genesis 1:3 SBL, NE, and WH in the face of Christ Read Genesis 1:3
  3. 4:13 Psalms 116:10 (see also LXX) Read Psalms 116:10
  4. 4:14 SBL who raised Jesus

Old Testament references

References from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Text from the Berean Standard Bible.

Genesis 1:3

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Psalms 116:10

I believed, therefore I said, “I am greatly afflicted.”

Isaiah 40:30

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.

1 Kings 22:22

And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’

Isaiah 6:10

Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Psalms 50:2

From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

Isaiah 60:1

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

Isaiah 60:2

For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you.

Genesis 1:14

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years.

Genesis 1:15

And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.” And it was so.

Psalms 74:16

The day is Yours, and also the night; You established the moon and the sun.

Psalms 136:7

He made the great lights— His loving devotion endures forever.

Psalms 136:8

the sun to rule the day, His loving devotion endures forever.

Read the commentary on 2 Corinthians 4

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