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2 Corinthians 4:7-9
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
The Paradox of the Ministry. 7 [a]But we hold this treasure[b] in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. 8 [c]We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair;(A) 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed;
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- 4:7–5:10 Paul now confronts the difficulty that his present existence does not appear glorious at all; it is marked instead by suffering and death. He deals with this by developing the topic already announced in 2 Cor 3:3, 6, asserting his faith in the presence and ultimate triumph of life, in his own and every Christian existence, despite the experience of death.
- 4:7 This treasure: the glory that he preaches and into which they are being transformed. In earthen vessels: the instruments God uses are human and fragile; some imagine small terracotta lamps in which light is carried.
- 4:8–9 A catalogue of his apostolic trials and afflictions. Yet in these the negative never completely prevails; there is always some experience of rescue, of salvation.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
New International Version
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
New International Version
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay(A) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God(B) and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side,(C) but not crushed; perplexed,(D) but not in despair; 9 persecuted,(E) but not abandoned;(F) struck down, but not destroyed.(G)
New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)
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