2 Corinthians 4

The Light of the Gospel

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; Grace: 1 Corinthians 7:25. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 3:6, 4:16, Isaiah 40:30, Galatians 6:9, Ephesians 3:13, Philippians 4:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Hebrews 12:3, Revelation 2:3 +5

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. References God: 2 Corinthians 5:11, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 4:5. Word: 2 Corinthians 2:17. Truth: 2 Corinthians 7:14. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 11:3, 11:6, Romans 6:21, Ephesians 4:14, 5:12 +5

3 But if our gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16). be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 2:12, 3:14, 4:4, Matthew 11:25, Romans 2:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:11 +3

4 In whom the godGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. References Christ: 2 Corinthians 3:14. Faith: Acts 26:18. References God: 1 John 5:19. Glory: 2 Corinthians 4:6. Light: John 8:12. Parallel theme: Isaiah 6:10, John 12:31, 12:40, Ephesians 2:2, 6:12 +5

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. References Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:23, Philippians 1:15. References Jesus: Philippians 2:11, 2 Timothy 2:10. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:24, Galatians 5:13, Titus 1:11, 2 Peter 2:3 +3

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Glory: 2 Corinthians 3:18, 4:4, Isaiah 40:5, 60:2, John 11:40, Hebrews 1:3. Light: Genesis 1:3, Ephesians 5:8, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Peter 1:19 +5

Treasure in Jars of Clay

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. References God: 2 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 1:28, Colossians 1:27. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:1, 10:10, Lamentations 4:2, Matthew 13:44, Ephesians 3:8, Colossians 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:20 +5

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 6:4, 7:5, 12:10, 1 Samuel 28:15, 30:6, Psalms 37:33, Proverbs 14:26, 18:10, John 14:18, 1 Corinthians 10:13 +5

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 7:6, Psalms 9:10, 22:1, 42:5, 42:11, Proverbs 24:16, Isaiah 43:2, 62:4, Micah 7:8, Hebrews 13:5 +5

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. References Jesus: Galatians 6:17. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:5, 1:9, 13:4, Romans 6:5, 6:8, 8:36, Colossians 1:24, 2 Timothy 2:11, 1 Peter 4:13 +5

11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. References Jesus: Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:31. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:4, Psalms 44:22, Romans 8:36, 1 Corinthians 15:49

12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:15, 13:9, Acts 20:24, 1 Corinthians 4:10, Philippians 2:17, 2:30, 1 John 3:16 +2

13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believeBelieve: πιστεύω (Pisteuo). The Greek pisteuo (πιστεύω) means to believe or trust—active reliance upon Christ. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish' (John 3:16)., and therefore speak; Faith: Psalms 116:10, Acts 15:11, Romans 1:12, 1 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Peter 1:1. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 3:12, Proverbs 21:28 +2

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. Resurrection: Isaiah 26:19, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 6:14. References Jesus: Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:14. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:27, Colossians 1:22, Jude 1:24 +4

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). of God. References God: Psalms 50:14, 50:23, Romans 8:28. Grace: 2 Corinthians 8:19. Glory: Galatians 1:24, 2 Timothy 2:10, 1 Peter 4:11. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:11, 1 Peter 2:9 +4

Our Heavenly Dwelling

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:1, Psalms 27:13, 73:26, Isaiah 40:29, 40:31, Romans 7:22, 12:2, Ephesians 3:16, Colossians 3:10, Titus 3:5 +5

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternalEternal: αἰώνιος (Aiōnios). The Greek aiōnios (αἰώνιος) denotes eternal or everlasting—unending duration. Believers possess 'eternal life' (John 3:16) now and will dwell with God eternally, while the impenitent face 'eternal punishment' (Matthew 25:46). weight of glory; Glory: 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 2:7, 8:18, 1 Peter 5:10, Jude 1:24. Parallel theme: Romans 8:34, 8:37, 1 Corinthians 2:9, James 1:12, 1 Peter 4:7 +5

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. Eternal Life: Matthew 25:46, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 1 John 2:25. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:1, 11:13