2 Corinthians 4: 16 – 18 reveals Paul’s closing thoughts about gospel bearers and their hardships. Paul understands that gospel bearers in the temporal will waste away. However, their hope for the eternal inspires them beyond their afflictions.
Paul concludes the third pericope by proclaiming hope for those who endure for the sake of the gospel. Paul declares that with salvation at work and faith that sustains, believers do not lose heart. On the contrary, hardships endured prompt a never ceasing glory that out weights them. Lastly, Paul exhorts believers to fix their mind eyes on things that produce or reveal heaven’s everlasting glory. These items are the unseen realities.
Paul’s declaration and promise provide hope and comfort to believers who being frail instruments proclaim the gospel for Christ. We are prompted by faith and trust to speak on the Lord’s behalf. Speaking up for God with our own hardships provide discomfort and at moments feelings of despair. This despair may force us to think that we have died and no longer possess the joys of life. However, as Paul states, these experiences or hardships and feelings are momentary. Not only are they momentary, but they produce eternal weight of glory that surpasses all things. Therefore, the charge remains, will we share the gospel of Christ with others despite our circumstances.
