But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
What does 2 Corinthians 4:7 mean?
The best of men would faint, if they did not receive mercy from God. And that mercy which has helped us out, and helped us on, hitherto, we may rely upon to help us even to the end.
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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure - The treasure of the gospel; the rich and invaluable truths which they were called to preach to others. The word "treasure" is applied to those truths on account of their inestimable worth. Paul in the previous verses had spoken of the gospel, the knowledge of Jesus Christ, as full of glory, and infinitely precious. This rich blessing had been committed to him and his fellow-laborers, to dispense it to others, and to diffuse it abroad. His purpose in this and the following verses is, to show that it had been so entrusted to them as to secure all the glory of its propagation to God, and so also as to show its unspeakable value.
Key words
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treasure. The doctors and scholars among the Jews are compared hereunto; "says R.
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But we have, this treasure in earthen vessels,.
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But we have, this treasure in earthen vessels,.
Context in 2 Corinthians 4
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2 Corinthians 4 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as reconciliation and the new covenant. Second Corinthians is Paul’s deepest letter on apostolic suffering, consolation, generosity, reconciliation, and the paradox of strength in weakness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of weakness, ministry, and reconciliation in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.
Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.