Epiphany Season · Ninth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year B
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Treasures in Jars of Clay
March 7, 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
2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Working Preacher
Reads 'we do not proclaim ourselves' and the treasure in clay jars as a theology of ministry pointing away from the preacher to God's power.
2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed reading of how human fragility deflects attention from us to the God who empowers the gospel treasure.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 verse by verse Precept Austin
Word study on the jars of clay and the four 'not' clauses, with cross-references and Greek detail.
Classic commentaries on 2 Corinthians 4 BibleHub
Classic commentary on Paul preaching Christ as Lord and himself as servant.
2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.
Background & Word Study
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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