2Cor 4 | MHM | STEP | Constancy and Sincerity of the Apostles; The Apostle's Integrity In this section, Paul continues to defend his work as an apostle. He wants the Corinthians to know that he and the other apostles are honest and faithful in their ministry. Some people accused them of being deceitful or untrustworthy, but Paul explains how they serve God with sincerity, not for their own gain, but for the glory of Jesus Christ. He also explains why some people do not accept the gospel and shows that this is not the fault of the message or the messengers. v. 1 : Paul says that because they have such a great ministry, given by God’s mercy, they do not give up or become lazy. Instead, this honor encourages them to work harder and be more faithful. It is only by God’s grace that they can continue serving, just as Paul wrote before: By the grace of God I am what I am (1 Corinthians 15:10 ).

‏ 2 Corinthians 4

Constancy and Sincerity of the Apostles; The Apostle's Integrity

In this section, Paul continues to defend his work as an apostle. He wants the Corinthians to know that he and the other apostles are honest and faithful in their ministry. Some people accused them of being deceitful or untrustworthy, but Paul explains how they serve God with sincerity, not for their own gain, but for the glory of Jesus Christ. He also explains why some people do not accept the gospel and shows that this is not the fault of the message or the messengers.

v. 1: Paul says that because they have such a great ministry, given by God’s mercy, they do not give up or become lazy. Instead, this honor encourages them to work harder and be more faithful. It is only by God’s grace that they can continue serving, just as Paul wrote before: By the grace of God I am what I am(1 Corinthians 15:10 ^a).

v. 2: Paul and his companions are sincere in their work. They have rejected anything dishonest or shameful. They do not act with trickery or try to deceive people. Instead, they speak the truth openly, making everything clear to everyone’s conscience. They do this before God, wanting to be honest in His sight and in the sight of people.

v. 3: Some people might ask why the gospel is hidden from certain people or does not seem to work for them. Paul explains that if the gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are lost. Jesus came to save that which was lost(Matthew 18:11 ^b), but if people do not accept the gospel, there is no other way for them to be saved.

v. 4: The reason some people cannot see the truth is because the god of this world—meaning the devil—has blinded their minds (2 Corinthians 4:4 ^c). The devil keeps people in darkness so they cannot see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. Christ came to show us God’s glory and grace, but the devil tries to keep people from seeing this light.

v. 5: Paul says, We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord(2 Corinthians 4:5 ^d). The apostles do not preach their own ideas or seek their own glory. They preach Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior, and the rightful Lord. As for themselves, they are servants for Jesus’ sake, ready to help the Corinthians grow in faith, not for personal gain, but for Christ’s honor.

v. 6: Through the gospel, God gives us the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ(2 Corinthians 4:6 ^e). This light is greater than the light God created at the beginning of the world. Just as light was the first thing God made in creation, spiritual light is the first thing He gives to believers. With this light, those who were sometimes darkness are made light in the Lord(Ephesians 5:8 ^f).

v. 7: Paul says that they carry this treasure of the gospel in earthen vessels—meaning their weak, human bodies (2 Corinthians 4:7 ^g). Like the fragile jars that Gideon’s soldiers used to carry lamps (Judges 7:16 ^h), the apostles are weak and mortal, but God’s power is shown through them. This way, all the glory goes to God, not to people. The power to change lives comes from God, not from the apostles themselves.

The Apostles' Sufferings and Supports

In this section, Paul talks about the many sufferings faced by the apostles. He explains how, even though they go through hard times, they do not lose hope. He describes the courage and patience that God gives them, and he shares the reasons why they do not give up. Paul also explains how their sufferings are connected to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and how faith, hope, and the promise of eternal life give them strength.

v. 8: Paul says, We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair(2 Corinthians 4:8 ⁱ). The apostles face many kinds of problems and do not always know what will happen next. Still, they trust God and do not lose hope, because He helps them and gives them strength.

v. 9: He continues, We are persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. Enemies attack them, and sometimes they feel weak or discouraged. Even so, God never abandons them, and they are never completely defeated.

v. 10: The apostles always carry in their bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus(2 Corinthians 4:10 ^j). Their lives show the suffering of Christ, so that others can also see the power of His resurrection and the grace He gives to those who believe.

v. 11: Paul says, We who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh(2 Corinthians 4:11 ^k). Even though they face death daily, God’s power and the life of Jesus are clearly seen in them.

v. 12: He explains, So then death is at work in us, but life in you(2 Corinthians 4:12 ^l). The apostles suffer greatly, but through their suffering, other believers experience spiritual life and blessing.

v. 13: Paul says they keep going because of faith. We have the same spirit of faith… we also believe, and therefore speak(2 Corinthians 4:13; Psalm 116:10 ^m). The faith that helped believers in the past helps them now. Faith gives strength to speak boldly about Jesus, even during troubles.

v. 14: Hope in the resurrection also keeps them strong. They know that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus(2 Corinthians 4:14 ⁿ). Because Jesus rose from the dead, they believe God will also raise them and all believers. This hope helps them stay brave, even in the face of death (1 Corinthians 15:20-22 ^o).

v. 15: The apostles remember that their sufferings help the church and bring glory to God. All things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God(2 Corinthians 4:15 ^p). When others are helped and God is praised, it makes their suffering worthwhile.

v. 16: Paul says, Though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Their bodies may grow weak and tired, but spiritually they grow stronger. God renews their hearts every day, even as they face problems.

v. 17: He adds, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory(2 Corinthians 4:17 ^q). Paul sees their present troubles as small compared to the wonderful and lasting reward God has prepared for them in heaven.

v. 18: Finally, Paul says, 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(2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 11:1 ^r). They focus on eternal things—God, heaven, and spiritual blessings—rather than on their current problems, because these unseen things will last forever.