2 Corinthians 4
2 Corinthians 4 is part of “Paul's Ministry Defended” (1–7) in the outline of 2 Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 4 summary
In this chapter we have an account, I. Of the constancy of the apostle and his fellow-labourers in their work. Their constancy in declared (Co2 4:1), their sincerity is vouched (Co2 4:2), an objection is obviated (Co2 4:3, Co2 4:4), and their integrity proved (Co2 4:5-7). II.
Read the full introduction
In this chapter we have an account, I. Of the constancy of the apostle and his fellow-labourers in their work. Their constancy in declared (Co2 4:1), their sincerity is vouched (Co2 4:2), an objection is obviated (Co2 4:3, Co2 4:4), and their integrity proved (Co2 4:5-7). II. Of their courage and patience under their sufferings. Where see what their sufferings were, together with their allays (Co2 4:8-12), and what it was that kept them from sinking and fainting under them (Co2 4:13 to the end).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in 2 Corinthians 4
2 Corinthians 4 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
The Light of the Gospel
1Therefore, seeing that we haue this ministerie, as we haue receiued mercy, we faint not: 2But haue cast from vs ye clokes of shame, and walke not in craftines, neither handle we the worde of God deceitfully: but in declaration of the trueth we approue our selues to euery mans conscience in the sight of God. 3If our Gospell bee then hid, it is hid to them that are lost. 4In whom the God of this world hath blinded the mindes, that is, of the infidels, that the light of the glorious Gospell of Christ, which is the image of God, should not shine vnto them. 5For we preach not our selues, but Christ Iesus the Lord, and our selues your seruaunts for Iesus sake. 6For God that commanded the light to shine out of darknesse, is he which hath shined in our hearts, to giue the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ.
Treasure in Jars of Clay
7But we haue this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellencie of that power might be of God, and not of vs. 8Wee are afflicted on euery side, yet are we not in distresse: we are in doubt, but yet wee despaire not. 9We are persecuted, but not forsaken: cast downe, but we perish not. 10Euery where we beare about in our bodie the dying of the Lord Iesus, that the life of Iesus might also be made manifest in our bodies. 11For we which liue, are alwaies deliuered vnto death for Iesus sake, that the life also of Iesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So then death worketh in vs, and life in you. 13And because we haue the same spirite of faith, according as it is written, I beleeued, and therefore haue I spoken, we also beleeue, and therefore speake, 14Knowing that he which hath raised vp the Lord Iesus, shall raise vs vp also by Iesus, and shall set vs with you. 15For all thinges are for your sakes, that that most plenteous grace by the thankesgiuing of many, may redound to the praise of God.
Our Heavenly Dwelling
16Therefore we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed daily. 17For our light affliction which is but for a moment, causeth vnto vs a farre most excellent and an eternall waight of glorie: 18While we looke not on the thinges which are seene, but on the things which are not seene: for the things which are seene, are temporall: but the things which are not seene, are eternall.