2Cor 4 | BSB | STEP | Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy [of God] , we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 4

The Light of the Gospel

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy [of God] , we do not lose heart. 2 Instead, 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. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The 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. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ [as] Lord, and ourselves [as] your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “ {Let} light shine out of darkness,” ^{▼▼Genesis 1:3} 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. ^{▼▼SBL, NE, and WH in the face of Christ}

Treasures in Jars of Clay

7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that [this] surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. 8 We are pressed on all [sides] , but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 {We} always carry around in [our] body the death [of] Jesus, so that the life of Jesus {may} also be revealed in our body. 11 For 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 bodies. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life [is at work] in you. 13 And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,” ^{▼▼Psalm 116:10} we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that the [One who] raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present [us] with you [ in His presence ] . 15 All 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. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. [Though] our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner [self] is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light [and] momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory [that is] far beyond comparison. 18 [So] 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.