rd

2 Corinthians 4

1 He declareth his diligence, and roundness in his office. 8 And that which his enemies took for his disadvantage, to wit, the cross and afflictions which he endured, he turned it to his great advantage, 11 17 Shewing what profit cometh thereby.
1.Therefore, seeing that we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not:
2.But have cast from us the cloaks of shame and walk not in craftiness, neither handle we the word of God deceitfully: but in declaration of the truth we approve our selves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3.If our Gospel be then hid, it is hid to them, that are lost.
4.In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds, that is, of the infidels, that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, which is the image of God, should not shine unto them.
5.For we preach not our selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and our selves your servants for Jesus sake.
6.For God that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, is he which hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7.But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of that power might be of God and not of us.
8.We are afflicted on every side, yet are we not in distress: in poverty, but not overcome of poverty.
9.We are persecuted, but not forsaken: cast down, but we perish not.
10.Every where we bear about in our body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might also be made manifest in our bodies.
11.For we which live, are always delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12.So then death worketh in us, and life in you.
13.And because we have the same Spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken, we also believe, and therefore speak,
14.Knowing that he which hath raised up the Lord Jesus, shall raise us up also by Jesus, and shall set us with you.
15.For all things are for your sakes that most plenteous grace by the thanksgiving of many may redound to the praise of God.
16.Therefore we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed daily.
17.For our light affliction which is but for a moment, causeth unto us a far most excellent and an external weight of glory:
18.While we look not on the things which are seen, but on the things, which are not seen: for the things which are seen, are temporal: but the things which are not seen, are eternal.

Notes

1-a.
For any troubles or affiliations.
2-*.
Chap. 2.17.
2-b.
Meaning, such shifts and pretences as become not them that have such a great office in hand.
4-c.
To wit Satan, John 12.31 and 14.30, Eph. 6.12.
4-d.
In whom God doeth show himself to be seen: and here Christ is called so in respect of his office.
5-e.
As they, which preach for gain, or else which rather seek to be seen and known, then to edify.
6-*.
Gen. 1.3.
6-f.
Which are your servants.
6-g.
That we having received light, should communicate the same with others and therefore Christ calls them the light of the world, Mat. 5.14.
7-h.
Albeit the ministers of the Gospel be contemptible as touching their person, yet that treasure which they carry, is nothing worse or inferior.
10-i.
All the faithful, and chiefly the ministers must drink of this cup, because the world hates Christ: and also that the members should be conformable to Christ their head, yet by the mighty power of Christ, who overcame death, they are made conquerors.
12-k.
By our death you have life: so that the fruit of our afflictions comes to you.
13-*.
Psal. 116.10.
13-l.
The same faith by the inspiration of the holy Ghost.
14-m.
In delivering us from these dangers, which is as it were a restoring from death to life.
15-n.
That I being delivered and restored to you again, may not only my self give God thanks for this infinite benefit of deliverance, but also you all, which are both partakers of mine affliction and comfort, may abundantly set forth his glory.
16-^.
Or, be corrupted.
16-o.
Grows stronger.
17-p.
Which is so called in respect of the everlasting life.