2 Corinthians 4:7-18
4:7 a The message of good news is like great treasure, but it is housed in fragile clay jars—our weak bodies. This insight gives purpose to suffering (4:8–5:10 b).4:11 c Believers often share the humiliation of the Lord with confidence that they will also share in his triumphant risen life (4:14 d).
4:12 e Through his life of danger and exposure to mortal peril (see 1 Cor 15:30 f), Paul was reinforcing the faith of the Christians in the churches that he founded (cp. Col 1:24 g; 2 Tim 2:10 h).
Summary for 2Cor 4:13-14: 4:13-14 i The secret of Paul’s resilience was in the same kind of faith the psalmist had, (see Ps 116:10 j), which is centered in the living Lord.
Summary for 2Cor 4:16-17: 4:16-17 k we never give up: This call to endurance is given with a reminder of what is in store in the future (5:1-10 l). The human body is in the process of dying in the normal course of growing old, and Paul was particularly worn away physically and emotionally (4:8-12 m). Yet he was being renewed every day—his spirit’s life was being rejuvenated and revitalized by the power of God.
4:18 n If we look at the troubles we can see now, we grow faint; but when we see our lives in the light of eternal reality, we know that our troubles will soon be gone.
Copyright information for
TNotes