Paul’s Perseverance in the Ministry (4:1–6)
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, because we have been given mercy, we do not become discouraged. 2 On the contrary, we have renounced the shameful hidden things, neither practicing deception nor distorting the word of God, but by the open proclamation of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is hidden, it is only hidden to those who are perishing, 4 among whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so that they do not discern the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is God who said, “Out of darkness light will shine” [Gen. 1:3], who shined in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of God’s glory in Christ’s face.
Treasures in Clay Jars (4:7–12)
7 But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that this extraordinary power comes from God and not from us. 8 We are oppressed on every side but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, 9 persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed. 10 We are always carrying around in our bodies the putting to death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus might also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that the life of Jesus might also be revealed in our mortal flesh. 12 Therefore death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
An Eternal Weight of Glory (4:13–15)
13 Now we have the same spirit of faith as written in the scriptures, “I believed, therefore I spoke” [Ps. 116:10]. We also believe, therefore we also speak 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us together with Jesus and bring us together with you into his presence. 15 For all these things are for your sake so that the grace as it increases throughout more and more people may cause thanksgiving to abound to God’s glory.
Renewal through Suffering (4:16–18)
16 Therefore, we do not lose heart, but even if our physical body is being destroyed, our soul is being renewed day by day. 17 For our present insignificant affliction is producing for us an eternal fullness of glory beyond all measure and proportion 18 because we do not focus on the things that are visible, but on the things that are not visible because the visible things are transient, but the things that are not visible are eternal.
