2 Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians 4 continues Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry, focusing on the gospel’s transformative power despite personal hardships. Written around AD 56 from Macedonia, Paul contrasts the glory of the new covenant with his own frailty, emphasizing that God’s power shines through human weakness. He encourages the Corinthian church to persevere in faith, looking to eternal glory.
Key Sections
Integrity in Ministry (4:1–6): Paul, sustained by God’s mercy, preaches the gospel with sincerity, not deceit or distortion. If the gospel is veiled, it’s to those perishing, blinded by the “god of this age” (Satan). Paul proclaims Christ as Lord, not himself, as God’s light shines in believers’ hearts, revealing His glory.
Treasure in Jars of Clay (4:7–12): The gospel’s treasure is held in fragile “jars of clay” (human bodies), showing God’s surpassing power. Paul endures afflictions, persecution, and being struck down, yet is not crushed, carrying Christ’s death so His life is revealed. His suffering benefits the Corinthians’ faith.
Hope in Eternal Glory (4:13–18): With the same faith as the psalmist (Psalm 116:10), Paul speaks boldly, knowing God will raise believers with Jesus. His afflictions produce eternal glory, far outweighing temporary trials. He focuses on unseen, eternal realities, not fleeting, visible ones.
Cross-References
Integrity in Ministry: 
1 Thessalonians 2:3–5: Pure motives in preaching.

Acts 20:20: Declaring the whole gospel.

2 Timothy 4:2: Preach the word faithfully.
Blinding by Satan: 
John 12:40: Blinded hearts.

Ephesians 2:2: Prince of the air.

1 John 5:19: World under evil one.
Jars of Clay: 
2 Corinthians 12:9: Power in weakness.

Romans 8:17: Suffering with Christ.

Philippians 1:29: Granted to suffer.
Eternal Glory: 
Romans 8:18: Sufferings vs. glory.

1 Peter 5:10: Eternal glory in Christ.

Colossians 3:4: Appearing with Christ.
Faith and Resurrection: 
Psalm 116:10: Speaking in faith.

1 Corinthians 15:14: Resurrection hope.

Hebrews 11:1: Faith in the unseen.
Theological Meaning
Gospel’s Clarity: The gospel is preached plainly, veiled only to those blinded by Satan (4:3–4; Romans 10:14–15).

God’s Power in Weakness: Human frailty showcases divine strength, ensuring God’s glory (4:7; 2 Corinthians 12:10).

Christ’s Life Through Suffering: Paul’s hardships manifest Christ’s life, benefiting others’ faith (4:12; Colossians 1:24).

Eternal Perspective: Temporary afflictions pale against eternal glory, motivating endurance (4:17; Romans 8:28).

Resurrection Hope: Faith in Christ’s resurrection assures believers’ future resurrection (4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:14).

Mission of Proclamation: Believers proclaim Christ’s lordship, reflecting God’s light (4:5–6; Matthew 5:16).
Questions and Answers
Why not lose heart (4:1)?
God’s mercy and the gospel’s truth sustain Paul’s ministry (4:1; Ephesians 3:13).

Who veils the gospel (4:3–4)?
Satan, the “god of this age,” blinds unbelievers to Christ’s glory (4:4; John 8:44).

What are “jars of clay” (4:7)?
Fragile human bodies, showing God’s power, not human strength (4:7; 2 Timothy 2:20).

How is Christ’s life revealed (4:10–11)?
Through Paul’s sufferings, mirroring Jesus’ death, to show His resurrection life (4:10; Galatians 2:20).

Why speak boldly (4:13)?
Faith in God’s resurrection power, as in Psalm 116:10, compels proclamation (4:13; Acts 4:20).

What is the “eternal glory” (4:17)?
The surpassing, everlasting reward awaiting believers, outweighing trials (4:17; 1 Peter 1:7).

How does this apply today?
Preach the gospel faithfully, endure trials with hope, and trust God’s power in weakness (4:7; James 1:12).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written during Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 20:1–3), this chapter reflects tensions with Corinth, where false teachers questioned Paul’s authority (2 Corinthians 11:13). Corinth’s culture valued strength and eloquence (1 Corinthians 1:17), making Paul’s afflictions seem weak (4:8–9). The “god of this age” (4:4) resonated in Corinth’s pagan setting (Acts 18:1). Paul’s ministry benefited the church (4:15; Acts 18:8).

Cultural Questions: “Jars of clay” (4:7) evoke common pottery, fragile yet functional, familiar in Corinth’s markets (Jeremiah 19:1). “Veiled gospel” (4:3) counters Corinthian pride in wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20). “God of this age” (4:4) reflects Jewish views of Satan’s influence (Ephesians 6:12). “Unseen things” (4:18) challenge Greco-Roman focus on visible success (Acts 17:18). Psalm 116:10 (4:13) ties to Jewish faith traditions.

Application: 2 Corinthians 4 calls believers to proclaim Christ boldly, endure hardships with eternal hope, and rely on God’s power in weakness. It challenges worldly values of strength and success, urging focus on unseen realities and gospel mission in a skeptical world (1 Peter 4:12–13; Colossians 3:2).