1 He showeth that he hath so labored in preaching the Gospel, 4 That such are even blinded of Satan, who do not perceive the brightness thereof, 7 that the same is carried in earthen vessels, 10 who are subject to many miseries: 16 and therefore he exhorteth them by his own example to be courageous, 17 and condemn this present life.

Therefore, [a]seeing that we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we [b]faint not:

But have cast from us the [c]cloaks of shame, and walk not in craftiness, neither handle we the word of God [d]deceitfully: but in declaration of the truth we approve ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

[e]If the Gospel be then hid, it is hid to them that are lost.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 Now he plainly witnesseth that both he and his fellows (through the mercy of God) do their vocation and duty uprightly and sincerely, neglecting all dangers.
  2. 2 Corinthians 4:1 Though we are broken in pieces with miseries and calamities, yet we yield not.
  3. 2 Corinthians 4:2 Subtlety, and all kinds of deceit, which men hunt after, as it were dens and lurking holes, to cover their shameless dealings withall.
  4. 2 Corinthians 4:2 This is it that in the former Chapter he called, making merchandise of the word of God.
  5. 2 Corinthians 4:3 An objection: Many hear the Gospel, and yet are no more lightened thereby than by the preaching of the Law. He answereth, The fault is in the men themselves, whose eyes Satan plucketh out, who ruleth in this world. And yet notwithstanding doth he and his fellows set forth the most clear light of the Gospel to be seen and beholden, seeing that Christ whom only they preach, is he in whom only God will be known, and as it were seen.

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