Example: Context for 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

As noted under "Pericope," the section immediately preceding our text (4:1-6) discusses the glory of the gospel which Paul proclaims. Because of this, Paul and his partners do not lose heart, and they do not behave like others who are charlatans and "falsify God’s word (4:2)." If Paul’s gospel is veiled to some, the fault lies not with Paul or his gospel, but with the activity of the god of this world (4:4). 

The section immediately following our text, 4:16-5:10, discusses Paul’s confidence, even in the face of death and divine judgment. He does not lose heart, since all that he does is not for himself but for the benefit of the Corinthians and to the glory of God (4:15). He sees beyond this temporal struggle (including his struggle with this problematic congregation) to the glory that God has prepared (4:17), and for which God has given the Spirit as guarantee (5:5). This is what the Corinthians should see in Paul as well, but have not been able to recognize (see under "History").

Placed in larger context, this section is part of the defense of Paul’s ministry (begun at 2:14 and running to 7:4). The "earthen vessels" are not our bodies which contain soul or salvation, but are the lives and ministries of Paul and his associates, marked by fragility, earthiness, and dishonor, and yet used by God to bring salvation even to the Corinthians.

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"We" in this text are not Christians in general, but Paul and his associates in ministry (note the use of "you" in vv. 5, 12, 14, 15). Thus, the "treasure" is not faith or salvation, but the ministry of the gospel (see 4:1, which also begins with "having," exontev, as does vs. 7). Paul ends with a majestic declaration of the light and glory of God which is revealed in the gospel Paul proclaims. It is the stark contrast between that glorious picture and the "earthen vessel" that the Corinthians see in Paul that prompts Paul’s discussion of ministry in our text. Why Paul must speak so boldly about his ministry must be explored under "History and Society."

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