The Light of Christ
—2Corinthians 4
In this amazing chapter (2Corinthians 4) Paul wrote about the heavenly glory and its everlasting light that the Corinthians could not see with their mortal eyes, yet in their hearts they believed that it was real.
1 Manifestation of the Truth
2Cor 4, Verses 1-2
Paul mentioned two circumstances that he avoided. Firstly, by his recognition of God’s mercy, he avoided becoming discouraged in his ministry. Secondly, by his "manifestation of the truth", he avoided any deceit in his teaching and his handling of God’s word. He manifested the truth by making it clear, commending him and his teaching to people’s consciences, rather than hiding anything shameful or corrupt.
2 The Light of the Gospel
2Cor 4, Verses 3-4
Paul recognised the gospel of Jesus Christ as the truth, without which men are perishing. The Lord communicated that gospel to Paul, so he and his fellow ministers could shed "the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ" all around. Paul acknowledged however, that many could not see that light, because they had a veil of unbelief over their hearts. That veil blocked the light of the gospel. In that manner, the devil blinded their minds.
3 The Proclamation and Ministry
2Cor 4, Verse 5
Paul and his companions preached Christ, not themselves, and they served the church for Jesus’s sake. They proclaimed him as Lord. They themselves were not lords over the church; rather they were servants bound to the church —not for their own sakes, but for the sake of Jesus. Because of what they preached, and their status as bondservants, they were able to devote themselves to the Lord.
4 The Light of Knowledge
2Cor 4, Verse 6
Paul recalled that God, on the first day of creation, commanded the light to shine out of darkness. The same God shone into the hearts of Paul and his companions to give the world another light, "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ". In Chapter 3, Paul wrote about the shining face of Moses when he gave the commandments of God to the children of Israel. In the face of Jesus there was far greater light and in his gospel far greater glory. (2Corinthians 3)
5 The Light of the Flame
2Cor 4, Verse 7
Paul said, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels". This brings to mind the earthenware oil lamps common in Paul’s time. In that metaphor, the bright flame symbolised the precious enlightening gospel. The humble clay vessel symbolised the believer from whom the gospel shines. The weak vessel was granted the humbling privilege of carrying the flame. That precious flame displayed the excellence, power, and glory of God.
6 The Manifestation of the Cross
2Cor 4, Verses 8-12
Paul and his companions suffered all kinds of hardships, trials, and bodily suffering, but they were not broken. They saw their sufferings and scars as identifying them with the dying of the Lord Jesus on the cross, and their continued preservation answered to his resurrection. The life of Jesus was manifested in their mortal bodies, and through their sufferings life was ministered to the Christians at Corinth.
7 The Proclamation of the Resurrection
2Cor 4, Verses 13-14
If Jesus died and was buried, but then was not raised up, there would be only spiritual darkness, but he was indeed raised up, and those who believed this also proclaimed it, bringing into the darkness light and hope. Paul believed that the God who raised Jesus would also raise him and present him together with the believers at Corinth.
8 Grace to Man, Glory to God
2Cor 4, Verse 15
Paul emphasised that he and his companions were not working for their own sakes, but for the church’s sake and the world’s. Their purpose was to cause many believers to spread the grace of God, causing thanksgiving to God, to the glory of God.
9 The Light of Heaven
2Cor 4, Verses 16-18
Paul believed in spiritual light and a heavenly and eternal reality which cannot be seen by the mortal eye of the outward man. The things seen by the physical eye are temporary, and one day will be seen no more. Paul wrote about the inward man and "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory". That is the ultimate light. Christians look at these heavenly things, which are unseen by the outward man, but spiritually discerned by faith.