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Time after Pentecost · Proper 4 · Year B

2 Corinthians 4:5-12

Treasures in Jars of Clay

May 30, 2027

The Waterseller of Seville, Diego Velázquez
The Waterseller of Seville, Diego Velázquez, c. 1618–1622Apsley House, London
An early Velázquez made before he left for the court: an old man handing a glass to a boy, with a fig in the bottom of it, and a jar painted so that the beads of water are individually weighted.We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and not to us.Diego VelázquezCourt painter to Philip IV of Spain (1599-1660), and the one most often called a painter's painter. He painted less than most of his rank and left almost nothing unfinished.Apsley House, LondonThe Duke of Wellington's house at Hyde Park Corner, whose Spanish pictures were captured baggage from Joseph Bonaparte and never reclaimed.Apsley House, London
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelMk. 2:23-28 (3:1-6)Mk 2:23-28 (3:1-6)
Epistle2 Cor. 4:5-122 Cor 4:5-12
Old TestamentDeut. 5:12-15Dt 5:12-15
PsalterPs. 81:1-10Ps 81:1-10

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

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:5-12Commentary on 2 Cor 4:5-12 Working Preacher

The Lutheran lectionary voice on the treasure in jars of clay.

2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Commentary2 Cor 4:5-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

A Reformed reading of the treasure carried in clay jars.

2 Corinthians 4 Commentary2 Cor 4 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse by verse study of the treasure in jars of clay.

2 Corinthians 4:5 Commentaries2 Cor 4:5 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators gathered on the light of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 4 Commentary2 Cor 4 Commentary Precept Austin

Detailed study notes and cross references on the chapter.

Barnes' Notes: 2 Corinthians 4Barnes' Notes: 2 Cor 4 StudyLight

A historic verse by verse commentary on the passage.

Background & Word Study

Book of 2 Corinthians OverviewBook of 2 Cor Overview BibleProject

Animated overview of Paul's second letter to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 4:5 Interlinear2 Cor 4:5 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek word by word of the treasure in jars of clay.

The Church Fathers

2 Corinthians 4 - Catena2 Cor 4 - Catena Catena

Patristic comment on the clay jars from 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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