Free Bible Commentary
“2 Corinthians 4:7-12”
Categories: 2 Corinthians“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.”
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The Apostle Paul switches metaphors in verse 7. In verse 6 he referred to “the knowledge of God” as pure, powerful, glorious light from the Father in heaven. Now he calls the Gospel Truth “treasure”. The life-changing, life-saving word of God is the most precious treasure that could ever be made available to humankind. All of the precious metals and substances that can be retrieved from the ground will corrupt over time and perish with the earth. But the precious gift that God sent down from heaven will endure and can save us for all eternity.
Jesus talked about the kingdom of heaven in two short parables from Matthew 13:44-46. “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” When you discover the Truth, you find the greatest of treasure and most precious of pearls that are worth selling everything else to acquire the purchase price of the kingdom.
This “treasure” that Paul and his companions were sharing was contained in “earthen vessels”. It was common for people of that place and era to store their valuables in clay jars and bury them in the ground for safe keeping. Paul knew that he (his “mortal flesh” {verse 11}) was just a vessel for the storing and distributing of the treasure that God had entrusted him with. The “surpassing greatness of the power” of God for salvation was in the message, not the earthen container. Paul’s vessel was beaten, bruised and battered, yet carried on because the priceless message that produces “life in you” (verse 12) is inviolable and indestructible.
Please read 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
