2 Corinthians 4:17-18

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

1-6. The messengers of this gospel are not afraid to proclaim it, for they preach Christ, who has revealed the glory of God.1, 2. Paraphrase. ’Having this glorious gospel to preach, we proclaim it boldly. (2) We have nothing to do with methods and practices which cannot bear the light (like those of your false teachers), for we neither seek to undo another’s work by unscrupulous hints and disgraceful insinuations, nor try to gain the favour of the Jewish Christians by false teaching about the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Corinthians 4:17

(17) For our light affliction . . .—More accurately, the present lightness of our affliction. This is at once more literally in accord with the Greek, and better sustains the balanced antithesis of the clauses.A far more exceeding . . .—The Greek phrase is adverbial rather than adjectival: worketh for us exceedingly, exceedingly. After the Hebrew idiom of expressing intensity by the repetition of the same word, (used of this very word “exceedingly” in Genesis 7:19; Genesis 17:2), he seeks to... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Corinthians 4:18

(18) While we look not at the things which are seen.—The “while we look” is, according to the Greek idiom, the condition of what had been stated in the preceding verse. The “look” is that of one who contemplates this or that as the end or goal for which he strives. The “things that are seen” are, of course, all the incidents and circumstances of the present life; the “things that are not seen” (the very phrase of Hebrews 11:1) are the objects of faith, immortality, eternal life, the crown of... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

The Triumph of Continuance 2 Corinthians 4:1 'We all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, as from a Lord who is Spirit.' St. Paul follows these sublime words with a reference to his own life labour. 'Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.' 'We faint not.' We expect, perhaps, a clearer, prouder, more triumphant note. The word, for its place, seems tame and quiet The... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Chapter 12THE VICTORY OF FAITH.2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (R.V)IN the opening verses of this chapter Paul has magnified his office, and his equipment for it. He has risen to a great height, poetic and spiritual, in speaking of the Lord of glory, and of the light which shines from His face for the illumining and redemption of men. The disproportion between his own nature and powers, and the high calling to which he has been called, flashes across his mind. It is quite possible that this disproportion,... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

5. The Character of the True Ministry. CHAPTER 4 1. The Gospel of the Glory of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:1-6 ) 2. The Treasure in Earthen Vessels; Weakness and Power. (2 Corinthians 4:7-12 ) 3. Resurrection and Coming Glory. (2 Corinthians 4:13-18 .) This ministry which the apostle mentions is the ministry of the Gospel. And those who know it by having received mercy are to be the witnesses. Every Christian who has obtained mercy, who is saved by grace, is called to witness to this blessed... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:17

4:17 For our {p} light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of {q} glory;(p) Afflictions are not called light, as though they were light in themselves, but because they pass away quickly, as indeed our whole life is not of very long continuance.(q) Which remains forever firm and stable, and can never be shaken. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Chapters 4 and 5 now show some of the precious, practical results of this ministry, seen in those entrusted with it; for it is such a ministry itself that works powerfully in them to enable them to communicate it. Considering the marvel of the ministry they have, and receiving mercy from God, they faint not. Why should one be discouraged when he has goods to freely give which are infinitely better than all that for which man is willing to pay dearly? Of course there is Satanic opposition, but... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

TRIAL OF PAUL ’S MINISTRY HIS SUFFERINGS (2 Corinthians 4:8-15 ) “Troubled,” “perplexed,” “persecuted,” “cast down” what a story! “Pressed on every side, yet not straitened,” not so hemmed in but that he could still proceed with his work; “perplexed, yet not in despair,” bewildered like a man going in a circle, put to it, yet not utterly put out; “pursued, yet not forsaken,” hunted like a wild animal, yet not abandoned to the foe; “smitten down, yet now destroyed,” thrown to the ground... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

The Changeable and the Unchangeable 2Co 4:18 Have we in our experiences, apart from the religious life, any knowledge of such a distinction? Is it real, or is it fanciful? Is the distinction found in law, in institutions? Is it within the lines of the Church itself? Are all things temporal? are all things eternal? Or is there a specific difference between the one and the other? If we find the distinction in our daily life, without regard to Bible or Church or altar, we may be prepared to... read more

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