Pentecost Season · Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B
2 Corinthians 4:6-11
Treasures in Jars of Clay
May 30, 2027
Overview & Insights
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
In 2:14–4:6, Paul defends the legitimacy of his apostleship by focusing on the glory of God that his ministry mediates. In the final section of this argument (4:1–6) Paul asserts the integrity of his ministry and claims that those who reject his apostleship and his gospel message are blinded by Satan. Paul goes back to his encounter with Christ on the Damascus road to establish the legitimacy of his apostleship. 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 concludes Paul’s argument as it began in 2:14–17, with reference to Paul’s vision of God’s throne. There are also several other striking correspondences between the beginning and the end of 2:14–4:6.
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Commentary
Enduring Word: 2 Corinthians 4 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical notes on the treasure in clay jars.
BibleHub: Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 4:6 BibleHub
Parallel classic commentaries keyed to the light shining in our hearts.
Precept Austin: 2 Corinthians 4 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed study page gathering many commentators on 2 Corinthians 4.
CEP: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on the gospel treasure carried in fragile vessels.
The Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Brant Pitre reads Paul's treasure in clay jars alongside the day's other readings.
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Agape Bible Study
Catholic study of Paul's afflicted ministry as this Sunday's second reading.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: 2 Corinthians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's scholarly introduction to 2 Corinthians and Paul's defense of his ministry.
BibleProject: 2 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the argument and themes of 2 Corinthians.
BibleHub: 2 Corinthians 4 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek-English interlinear for word-level study of 2 Corinthians 4.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why treasure in jars of clay?
The light of the gospel is carried in frail, breakable people, so that the extraordinary power is seen to be God's and not ours; afflicted yet not crushed, we carry the life of Jesus.
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