2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7
Chapter 4
1
Sincere Preaching
Since this is our ministry, graciously entrusted to us, we do not weaken.2
We refuse to remain silent with half-truths out of fear; we do not act with cunning or distort God’s message, but by speaking the truth openly, we place ourselves before the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
5
It is not ourselves we preach, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and for Jesus’ sake, we serve you.
6
God, who said, ‘Let the light shine out of darkness,’ has also made the light shine in our hearts to radiate and reveal the glory of God as it shines in the face of Christ.
7
Trust in God
However, we carry this treasure in jars of clay so that this all-surpassing power may not be attributed to us, but to God.
Commentaries
Sincere Preaching.
Paul defends his ministry by responding to his enemies’ accusations. His ministry is a pure gift and, therefore, carries responsibility (cf. 1 Tim 2:5). The honesty and responsible sincerity he mentioned earlier are contrasted with two tactics: hiding with shame and twisting truths with cunning. Paul continues his defense by affirming that he does not promote himself but Christ, and that his ministry is one of service, carried out in humility, poverty, and suffering. It is a ministry without human glamour or prestige.
Trust in God.
We reach the central part of the letter. Up to this point, Paul has defended himself against his critics. Now he describes his ‘ideal’ of the mission of an apostle of Christ. He speaks openly, shaped by many years of missionary work. He believes that “a crucified man” is the best messenger of the Crucified One. But just as Christ’s death brought life to him and to everyone else, so the suffering of the Apostle brings life to the community: death in us and life in you (12). With this hope, the Apostle faces his hardships with joy and confidence, concluding that “he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us up with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence” (14).