2 Corinthians 4:1-6

International Standard Version

Treasure in Clay Jars

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown to us, we do not get discouraged. ² Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not use trickery or pervert God’s word. By clear statements of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience before God.

³ So if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are dying.^{[a] 4} In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe to keep them from seeing the light of the glorious gospel of the Messiah,^[b] who is the image of God.

⁵ For we do not preach ourselves, but rather Jesus the Messiah^[c] as Lord, and ourselves as merely your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[d] has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus^[e] the Messiah.^[f]