2 Corinthians 4:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 4:6
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 glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 4 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, mercy, discipleship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 4:6
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 glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Analysis
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness (ho theos ho eipōn ek skotous phōs lampsai, ὁ θεὸς ὁ εἰπὼν ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψαι)—Paul invokes Genesis 1:3 ('Let there be light') to describe conversion. The God who spoke creation into existence hath shined in our hearts (elampen en tais kardiais hēmōn, ἔλαμψεν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν). Salvation is new creation, not self-improvement—just as original light required divine fiat, so does spiritual illumination.
To give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (pros phōtismon tēs gnōseōs tēs doxēs tou theou en prosōpō Christou, πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Χριστοῦ)—God's glory is revealed in the face (en prosōpō, ἐν προσώπῳ) of Christ, not in abstract theology. To know Christ is to know God's glory. This is personal, relational knowledge (gnōsis, γνῶσις), not mere information.
Historical Context
Paul's Genesis 1 allusion would resonate powerfully with Jewish readers who saw creation and redemption as parallel works of God. The concept of God's glory revealed in a human face (Christ) was scandalous to both Jews (who avoided divine representations) and Greeks (who saw deity in idealized forms). Paul insists the crucified Christ reveals God's true glory.
Reflection
- How does viewing conversion as 'new creation' rather than human decision affect your understanding of evangelism and discipleship?
- Where do you seek knowledge of God's glory apart from 'the face of Jesus Christ'—through experiences, ideas, or methods divorced from Christ?
- What does it mean practically that the same God who created light creates spiritual sight in your heart?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- 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