The bible contains numerous stories about the gospel or the good news of Christ being spread throughout the world. In particular, 2 Corinthians 4:7 – 18 identifies Paul’s discourse about his apostolic ministry to the Corinthian church. This discourse resides in a larger context of 2 Corinthians 1 – 9. Paul writes 2 Corinthians 1 – 9 in response of good news from Titus about the Corinthians reception of his previous severe letter. His severe letter called the Corinthians to respond accordingly against those who attacked Paul’s apostleship. In addition to Paul’s joy from hearing about their handling of such conflict, Paul spends time to share his travel plans, exhort the church on how to further deal with an offender, his apostolic ministry, and the collection for God’s people.
2 Corinthians 4:7 -12 denote a pericope or selection of text that identifies Paul’s ideology of treasures in an earthen vessel. While preachers of the gospel sustain death and life in their mortal bodies, they depart life to those who hear the gospel. Paul begins his simile of the earthen vessels by first taking note of treasures being stored within the vessels. In verse 6, Paul refers to God providing light in believers’ hearts that radiated knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. In this reference, it can be concluded that Paul identifies the treasure to be the knowledge of the glory of God which the gospel proclaims. Therefore, the good and precious things or treasure or gospel has been placed in earthen vessels.
Earthen vessels by definition mean chosen men who are frail instruments. Paul conclusion identifies the contrast between the power of God displayed in his gospel being placed in frail and weak men. Paul also represents this anomaly; he is the fragile jar of clay and is also subject to the surpassing power of God. Paul further expounds upon God’s surpassing power by establishing the hardships endured in the fragile jar of clay. These hardships may appear to cause destruction or even death, but God’s surpassing power sustains him. Moreover, the characteristics or actions deployed by God exemplify the death of Jesus. Jesus was not crushed, despaired, forsaken, and destroyed. Paul continues to expose the connection of Jesus, when he brings attention to the manifestation of Jesus’ life which also reflects God’s transcendent power.
Paul climaxes the power of the resurrected Jesus into his own flesh. This conclusion also parallels to the gospel being placed in the earthen vessels. In this context, Paul demonstrates that this gospel represents Christ being placed in the earthen vessels. In addition, as the death to his own life and death of Christ manifests within him, they foster life to those who receive the message he proclaims. Therefore as Paul loses his life for the worthiness of Christ’s name, he makes Jesus visibly, plainly recognizable, and thoroughly understood to those who hear the message. The outcome for those who hear is life. This life consists of genuineness, vigorousness, activity, and devotion to God.
Paul’s message of bearing the gospel within our fragile bodies continues to be relevant for today’s Christians. I, personally, appreciate Paul’s insight that because Christ and the gospel reside within us, I possess power. However, this is not power of my own accord, but the power of God and Christ within me. He looks beyond my weakness and declares his glory in my life. His glory should then be manifested to others as it exudes from my being.
Continue Reading: Gospel Bearers Pt II
