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Verse Takeaways
1
Treasure in Clay Jars
Scholars unanimously highlight the stark contrast Paul draws. The 'treasure' is the priceless gospel and the knowledge of God's glory. The 'earthen vessels' are the ministers themselves—frail, weak, and ordinary human beings. Commentators note this imagery reflects the real-world practice of storing valuables in simple clay pots, emphasizing that the container's lowliness does not diminish the value of its contents.
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2 Corinthians
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Commentaries
13
Albert Barnes
On 2 Corinthians 4:7
18th Century
Theologian
But we have this treasure. This refers to the treasure of the gospel: the rich and invaluable truths that they were called to preach to ot…
AT Robertson
On 2 Corinthians 4:7
This treasure (τον θησαυρον τουτον). On θησαυρον see Mt 6:19-21. It is the power of giving the illumination of the knowledge of th…
Charles Ellicott
On 2 Corinthians 4:7
19th Century
Bishop
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.—The imagery here begins to change. The treasure is the knowledge of the glory of God
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Charles Spurgeon
On 2 Corinthians 4:7
19th Century
Preacher
That the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
If angels had been commissioned to preach the gospel, we might have …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 2 Corinthians 4:7
Here is the first paradox—the difference between the indescribable value of the Gospel “treasure” (GK 2565) and the apparent worthlessness of the G…
John Calvin
On 2 Corinthians 4:7
16th Century
Theologian
But we have this treasure. Those who heard Paul glorying in such magnificent terms about the excellence of his ministry, and saw, on the o…
John Gill
On 2 Corinthians 4:7
17th Century
Pastor
But we have, this treasure in earthen vessels
This is a further commendation of the Gospel; and by which the apostle…
Matthew Henry
On 2 Corinthians 4:1–7
17th Century
Minister
The best of people would faint if they did not receive mercy from God. And that mercy which has helped us out, and helped us on, until now, we may …