The Light of the Gospel
1Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy,4:1 Mt 5:7; Mk 5:19; Lk 1:50 we do not give up.4:1 2Th 3:13
2Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting4:2 2Jn 6 deceitfully or distorting the word of God,4:2 2Co 2:17; 2Tm 2:15; Heb 4:12 but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth.4:2 2Co 5:11–12; 6:7; 7:14
3But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
4In their case, the god of this age4:4 Lk 16:8 has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,4:4 Or the gospel of the glorious Christ, or the glorious gospel of Christ4:4 Mk 10:37 who is the image of God.4:4 Gn 1:27
Treasure in Clay Jars
7Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power4:7 Mk 5:30; Lk 1:35; 6:19; Ac 19:11; 2Co 13:4; Rv 11:17 may be from God and not from us.
8We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair;
9we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.
10We always carry the death of Jesus4:10 Lk 9:23; Rm 5:6–8; 6:5–8; 8:34–36; Gl 6:17 in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body.
11For we who live are always being given over to death4:11 Mt 10:21; Jn 8:51; Php 3:10 for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh.
12So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.
13And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,4:13Ps 116:10 LXX4:13 Ps 116:10 LXX we also believe, and therefore speak.
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