2 Corinthians 4:1-9

Christian Standard Bible

The Light of the Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy,^(A) we do not give up.^{(B) 2} Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting^(C) deceitfully or distorting the word of God,^(D) but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth.^{(E) 3} But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case, the god of this age^(F) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,^[a](G) who is the image of God.^{(H) 5} For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(I) and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. ⁶ For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^(J) has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge^(K) of God’s glory^(L) in the face of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Clay Jars

⁷ Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power^(M) may be from God and not from us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; ⁹ we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.