2 Corinthians 4:5-12

New International Version

⁵For what we preach is not ourselves,^(A) but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(B) and ourselves as your servants^(C) for Jesus’ sake. ⁶For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[a]^(D) made his light shine in our hearts^(E) to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.^(F)

⁷But we have this treasure in jars of clay^(G) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God^(H) and not from us. ⁸We are hard pressed on every side,^(I) but not crushed; perplexed,^(J) but not in despair; ⁹persecuted,^(K) but not abandoned;^(L) struck down, but not destroyed.^(M) ¹⁰We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,^(N) so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.^(O) ¹¹For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake,^(P) so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹²So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.^(Q)

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Footnotes

2 Corinthians 4:6 Gen. 1:3

Isaiah 43:1-4

New International Version

Israel’s Only Savior

43 But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created^(A) you, Jacob,
    he who formed^(B) you, Israel:^(C)
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed^(D) you;
    I have summoned you by name;^(E) you are mine.^(F)
²When you pass through the waters,^(G)
    I will be with you;^(H)
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,^(I)
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.^(J)
³For I am the Lord your God,^(K)
    the Holy One^(L) of Israel, your Savior;^(M)
I give Egypt^(N) for your ransom,
    Cush^[a]^(O) and Seba^(P) in your stead.^(Q)
⁴Since you are precious and honored^(R) in my sight,
    and because I love^(S) you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.