4:1
This new way (or this new ministry) demonstrates God’s mercy. Paul felt honored to share the message of good news (1 Corinthians 15:9–11; 1 Timothy 1:12–17).
Study notes
2 Corinthians 4
4:1–18 Section
In his work as an apostle, Paul openly spoke the truth about God. He did nothing in secret and had nothing to be ashamed about.
Not everyone accepts the message of the good news. Paul described this like being in darkness and being unable to see. He wasn’t talking about seeing with the eyes of the human body. He was talking about understanding spiritual things.
Paul described the devil as the god of this world. The devil doesn’t want people to know the truth about Jesus. People who accept the message about Jesus aren’t spiritually blind or in darkness. They have God’s light in their hearts.
Knowing the good news about Jesus is a wonderful and special thing. Paul called it a treasure. This treasure is mighty and powerful and comes from God. God chooses to share the treasure of the good news with human beings.
Paul described the human body like a clay jar. He meant that human bodies are weak and don’t last for ever. Paul described how weak he and those he served with were. They faced constant danger and painful suffering as they served Jesus. But their troubles meant nothing compared to the glory Jesus would share with them. That would happen when God raised them from the dead. The resurrection gave them hope to continue their work.
4:2
Paul's ministry was honest, unlike some other preachers (2:17).
4:3–4
The good news about Jesus divides people into two groups: those who stay in darkness and those enlightened by God (see Acts 26:18, compare John 3:19–21). God brings people to him, moving them from darkness to the light of his presence (Colossians 1:12–14; 1 Peter 2:9). The god of this world opposes the change the good news brings to people's hearts and minds.
4:5
we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord: See also Romans 10:9–10; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Colossians 2:6.
4:7
The message of good news about Jesus is like a great treasure, but it is kept in fragile clay jars (our weak bodies). This understanding gives purpose to suffering (4:8–5:10).
4:11
Believers often endure the Lord's humiliation, confident they will also share in his triumphant, risen life (4:14).
4:12
Throughout his life of danger and exposure to mortal peril (see 1 Corinthians 15:30), Paul strengthened the faith of Christians in the churches he founded (compare Colossians 1:24; 2 Timothy 2:10).
4:13–14
The reason Paul stayed strong was his faith. It was the same kind of faith the psalm writer had (see Psalms 116:10). Paul’s faith was centered in the Lord, who is alive.
4:16–17
we do not lose heart: This call to endurance comes with a reminder of what the future holds (5:1–10). The human body naturally ages and deteriorates, and Paul was especially worn down both physically and emotionally (4:8–12). But he experienced daily renewal. His spirit was refreshed and revitalized by God's power.
4:18
If we focus on our current problems, we may feel weak. However, when we view our lives in the context of eternity, we understand that our problems will soon disappear.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources