Pentecost Season · Proper 4 · Year B
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
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
2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Working Preacher
A Luther Seminary commentary showing how Paul's account of affliction and fragility puts the risen life of Jesus, not the preacher, on display.
2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed commentary drawing out how Paul's brokenness deflects attention away from himself and toward his risen Lord.
2 Corinthians 4 Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the treasure in clay jars and being struck down but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4 verse by verse Precept Austin
A deep study page compiling Greek word studies, cross-references, and many expositors on the chapter.
Classic commentaries on 2 Corinthians 4:5 BibleHub
A classic aggregator collecting historic verse-by-verse commentary on the clay jars passage.
Background & Word Study
2 Corinthians and Work Theology of Work
A vocational reading of 2 Corinthians that connects apostolic weakness and treasure in clay jars to ordinary work and endurance.
2 Corinthians Enter the Bible
A Luther Seminary book introduction to the letter's occasion, Paul's defense of his ministry, and its major themes.
2 Corinthians 4:5 interlinear BibleHub
The Greek text word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for close study of the passage.
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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