2 Corinthianschapter 4

18 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 336 cross-references outward and receives 573 — heaviest partner: 2 Corinthians.

Chapter summary

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.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 2 Corinthians overview for the book's full setting.

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:

2 but 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.

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:

4 in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.

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

6 Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;

8 we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;

9 pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed;