2 corinthians 4

Read 2 Corinthians 4 at Bible Gateway.

2 Cor 3:18-4:18 chiastic structure:

1a) 2 Cor 3:18a, We with unveiled face behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord;

1b) 2 Cor 3:18b, We are being transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord;

1c) 2 Cor 4:1a, Since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy;

1d) 2 Cor 4:1b, We do not lose heart;

1e) 2 Cor 4:2, Manifestation of truth through us in the sight of God;

1f.1) 2 Cor 4:3-4, The gospel is veiled to those who are perishing, who do not believe;

1f.2) 2 Cor 4:5a, We preach Jesus;

1f.3) 2 Cor 4:5b-6, And make ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake;

1g) 2 Cor 4:7-9, This treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence may be of God/ we are struck down but not destroyed;

central axis) 2 Cor 4:10-11, Two- point theme repeated:

1.1) 2 Cor 4:10a, Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus;
1.2) 2 Cor 4:10b, That the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body;
2.1) 2 Cor 4:11a, We who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake;
2.2) 2 Cor 4:11b, That the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh;

2g) 2 Cor 4:12, Death is working in us, but life in you;

2f.1) 2 Cor 4:13, And since we have the same spirit of faith, we also believe;

2f.2) 2 Cor 4:14, And therefore speak that we will be raised up to life with Jesus;

2f.3) 2 Cor 4:15a, All things are for your sakes;

2e) 2 Cor 4:15b, Manifestation of grace through you to the glory of God;

2d) 2 Cor 4:16a, Therefore we do not lose heart;

2c) 2 Cor 4:16b, Even though our outward man is perishing, our inward man is being renewed daily;

2b) 2 Cor 4:17, Our light affliction is working for us an eternal weight of glory;

2a) 2 Cor 4:18, We do not look at the things which are seen but unseen.

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Cor 4:3-4

This passage reveals the strategy of the god of this world and how he keeps unbelievers from believing in the gospel. He blinds their minds so that they do not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ which is shining forth.

However, Yeshua has come to restore sight to the blind:

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD has made both of them. Pro 20:12

The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. Isa 35:5-6

In Jesus is life, and His life is the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light has come into the world, which gives light to every man. Joh 1:4-5, 9

Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Joh 9:39

The God in whom we believe gives life to the dead, and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Rom 4:17

Even if what does not exist is sight for blinded minds? Yes! Yeshua has been given authority over the god of this age, and we can pray in His name against the god of this age.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Mat 28:18

These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Eph 1:19-21

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross. Col 2:15

We, believers – and we are called believers, because we not only believe in God, but we believe God, that the words from His mouth are true words – can speak and proclaim the truth of the Word of God over someone, if they are an unbeliever and we are praying for them. Find the Scriptures that tell the truth, the way things are, not the way things are presenting themselves to human understanding and the natural eye – and recite that truth as you stand praying for someone. Stand on the truth of God’s word and do not give up; proclaim the truth of God’s word in the face of the enemy until he flees from you!