Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Read it in contextTreasure in earthen vessels
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 4:7 (2 Corinthians 4:7 to 2 Corinthians 4:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The weakness of the messengers highlights God's power, and their suffering is set beside resurrection hope and the weight of eternal glory.
4:7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
4:8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
4:9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
4:10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
4:11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
4:12So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
4:13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
4:14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
4:15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
4:17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
4:18While 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Treasure in earthen vessels. Read 2 Corinthians 4:7 through 2 Corinthians 4:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The weakness of the messengers highlights God's power, and their suffering is set beside resurrection hope and the weight of eternal glory. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7 to 2 Corinthians 4:18).
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 4:7. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects deceit and explains the gospel's light in relation to God's shining in the heart and the knowledge of His glory in Jesus Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe weakness of the messengers highlights God's power, and their suffering is set beside resurrection hope and the weight of eternal glory.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.