2 Corinthians 4:16

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

IX.—THE WORTHLESS AND FEEBLE APPEARANCE OF MINISTERS. CONFIDENCE IN VIEW OF THE GLORIOUS RESULT OF THEIR AFFLICTIONS2 Corinthians 4:7 to 2 Corinthians 5:107But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency [exceeding greatness] 8of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side [In every way we are hard pressed], yet not distressed [inextricably straitened]; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

the Inward Life Triumphant over Affliction 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 Few men have been more conscious of their weakness than was the Apostle. The earthen vessel had become very cracked and scratched, but the heavenly treasure was unimpaired, as in the case of Gideon, when the pitcher was broken the lantern shone out. Paul here confesses that he was troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down, always bearing the scars of Jesus, and being perpetually delivered over to death. But he gratefully... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Continuing about the ministry, the apostle said, "We faint not," "we have renounced the hidden things of shame," "we preach . . . Christ Jesus as Lord." Hearing, some perish because "the god of this world hath blinded their minds," and that because of "unbelief." The god of this world is able only to blind the minds of the unbelieving. This ministry, so full of triumph for such remarkable reasons, is yet exercised through great tribulation. The treasure is in earthen vessels, and these are... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:12-18

Consideration of the Consequences of the Difference In the Two Covenants (2 Corinthians 4:12-18 ) Having been described as earthen vessels, the practical application of this is now made. As earthen vessels which bear the message of the Glory of Christ they can expect nothing but trouble from the god of this world, for he who drove Jesus to His death will surely seek to drive them to the same destination eternally. But again he will fail for behind them is the One Who raises the dead, the... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

‘For this reason we faint not. But though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory, 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.’ And it is because of his concern for the welfare of their spiritual lives, and, we could... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

2 Corinthians 4:7-Job : . It is true that the splendid character of this ministry is for the present obscured by the earthly and physical conditions under which it is discharged. Paul is conscious that this disability is specially marked in his case. His opponents had probably good reason for saying “ his bodily presence is weak” ( 2 Corinthians 10:10, 1 Corinthians 15:8 *). 2 Corinthians 10 f. refers frequently to “ infirmities,” and specially to the “ thorn in the flesh” ( 2 Corinthians... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:16

Because of this double advantage which accrueth from our sufferings, viz. the furthering of the good of your souls, and the promoting the glory of God from the thanksgivings of many, though we suffer many harsh and bitter things, yet we do not faint nor sink under the burden of our trials; but though, as to our outward, nan, we are every day dying persons, daily decaying as to the strength, and vigour, and prosperity of our outward man, yet the strength and comfort of our souls and spirits... read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

CRITICAL NOTES2 Corinthians 4:8.—“Pressed for room, and still having room” (Stanley). “Perplexed, but not utterly perplexed” (Beet). Apparent, not real, contradiction to 2 Corinthians 1:8 (same word).2 Corinthians 4:9.—“Pursued in our flight, but not left behind as a prey to our pursuers; struck down (as with a dart, or thrown down as in wrestling), yet not perishing” (Stanley).2 Corinthians 4:10. Dying.—Note margin. See under 2 Corinthians 1:5 for the thought.2 Corinthians 4:11. Live.—In more... read more

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Chapter 4Therefore seeing we have this ministry ( 2 Corinthians 4:1 ),What ministry? Pointing people to Jesus Christ. as we have received mercy, we faint not; But [we] have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God ( 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 ).Paul said, "Look, I am not seeking to be crafty. I'm not seeking to give some kind of a... read more

Joseph Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

2 Corinthians 4:1 . Seeing we have this ministry, of grace and reconciliation to a guilty world; the ministry of righteousness, not of condemnation; the ministry of life, and not of death; we have lived in the spirit of our mission, and in full conformity to our calling. If judges and magistrates keep up the dignity of their courts, it will never do for the ambassadors of heaven to lower the style of their address, especially when addressing the enemies of the truth. 2 Corinthians 4:2 . ... read more

Group of Brands