Verse 7
The treasure that every Christian possesses is "the knowledge of the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 4:6, i.e., the gospel). Even though it is what dispels spiritual darkness God has deposited this precious gift in every clay Christian. This is a paradox, consequently the "but."
"A vessel’s worth comes from what it holds, not from what it is." [Note: Kraftchick, p. 172.]
God has done this so all may see that the transforming power of the gospel is supernatural and not just human (cf. Judges 7:19-20).
"The pottery lamps which could be bought for a copper or two in the Corinthian market-place provided a sufficient analogy; it did not matter how cheap or fragile they were so long as they showed the light." [Note: Bruce, p. 197.]
Paul was not disparaging the human body by calling it an earthen vessel nor was he saying that it is only a vehicle for the soul. Paul viewed man as a unity of material and immaterial parts (monism) rather than as having higher and lower elements (dualism). [Note: See D. E. H. Whiteley, The Theology of St. Paul, pp. 31-44.] He was contrasting the relative insignificance and unattractiveness of the light-bearers with the surpassing worth and beauty of the light (i.e., God’s glory). [Note: Harris, p. 342.]
"It is precisely the Christian’s utter frailty which lays him open to the experience of the all-sufficiency of God’s grace, so that he is able even to rejoice because of his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9 f.)-something that astonishes and baffles the world, which thinks only in terms of human ability." [Note: Hughes, p. 137.]
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