ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Corinthians 4

2 Cor. 4:1–6:13 Paul explains why he does not become discouraged in his ministry, despite his many afflictions (4:1; 16; 5:6). He then goes on to discuss further the message and character of the new covenant ministry itself (5:11–6:13).

2 Cor. 4:2 Paul is not motivated by money (2:17). He does not crave human approval (Gal. 1:10). Thus, Paul refused to tamper with God’s word by watering it down or changing it to suit what people want to hear (compare 2 Tim. 4:3). (The Greek word for “tamper” was also used to describe diluting wine.) Rather, Paul’s open statement of the truth shows that he does not proclaim a “secret” or hidden gospel.

2 Cor. 4:3–5 If our gospel is veiled refers to the hardened heart that makes it impossible for some to recognize Jesus as the Messiah (see 3:12–15). The god of this world refers to Satan. the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. The gospel shows how Christ’s death on the cross makes it possible for God’s people to be in his presence. This gospel is both proclaimed and modeled by Paul (see 1 Cor. 2:1–5). See further the contrast between Paul’s attitudes and actions and those of his opponents (2 Cor. 11:4).

2 Cor. 4:6 Paul uses the creation of light in Gen. 1:3 to picture conversion as the dawning of the new creation in this fallen world. the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. To know the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4) is to encounter the life-transforming glory of God.

2 Cor. 4:7 treasure. A reference to the “knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (v. 6) as the content of the gospel (v. 4). jars of clay. A common metaphor in the ancient world for human weakness (see Ps. 31:12; Isa. 30:14). This verse restates the central thesis of 2 Corinthians as seen in 1:3–11 and 2:14–17: God triumphs amid human weakness (see 1 Cor. 1:27; 2 Cor. 12:5–9; 13:4).

2 Cor. 4:11–12 Paul’s suffering and endurance are intended to bring about resurrection life among the Corinthians as they learn to trust God during difficulty (see 1:6–7).

2 Cor. 4:13 the same spirit of faith. Most interpreters have understood “spirit” to refer not to the Holy Spirit but to the attitude of trust in spite of affliction that Paul shared with David (see Ps. 116:10).

2 Cor. 4:16 Outer self . . . inner self describes the contrast between Paul’s life of suffering in this present evil age (his outer self) and the moral and spiritual transformation of his life into the image of God (his inner self; see 3:18). See Rom. 6:5–6; Eph. 3:16; 4:20–24; Col. 3:5–14.

2 Cor. 4:17–18 Earlier, Paul’s suffering was a burden too heavy to carry (1:8). Now it is a light momentary affliction in view of the eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (see Rom. 8:18). Far from harming him permanently, the difficulty is preparing him to receive a great eternal reward. the things that are seen. Paul’s suffering and all the shortcomings of this present age. the things that are unseen. The full restoration of all things at the final resurrection.