Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 4:7

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;" — 2 Corinthians 4:7 (ASV)

Here is the first paradox—the difference between the indescribable value of the Gospel “treasure” (GK 2565) and the apparent worthlessness of the Gospel’s ministers, whom Paul terms “jars of clay” (GK 5007 & 4017). Behind this contrast Paul sees a divine purpose—that people may recognize that “this allsurpassing power” is God’s alone. His power finds its full scope in human weakness (12:9).