Read & explore together
The Light of the Gospel
The writer explains why this ministry does not lead to giving up, how God’s word must be handled truthfully, why some do not see the Good News clearly, and how God brings light through Jesus Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In 2 Corinthians 4:1–6, the writer speaks in the first person plural about ministry linked with mercy. The passage rejects shameful and deceitful ways, describes the Good News as veiled among the dying and the unbelieving, centres on Christ Jesus as Lord, and ends with God shining light into hearts.
2 Corinthians 4:1–6Main takeaway
This passage teaches that the Good News is spoken truthfully, centred on Christ Jesus as Lord, and known as God shines light into hearts.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Mercy and perseveranceThe passage begins with confidence to continue: “seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint”.
Explanation
The passage begins with confidence to continue: “seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint”. The writer joins ministry with having obtained mercy, and says this leads to not fainting. The verse presents endurance as part of the way this ministry is carried on.
02No deceit, but truth made plainThe next verse explains how this ministry is practised. The speakers have renounced “the hidden things of shame”.
Explanation
The next verse explains how this ministry is practised. The speakers have renounced “the hidden things of shame”. They are not walking in craftiness or handling God’s word deceitfully. Instead, they speak of “the manifestation of the truth”, commending themselves to every person’s conscience in God’s sight.
03A veiled message and blinded mindsThe writer then addresses why the Good News may not be seen clearly. If it is veiled, it is veiled “in those who are dying”.
Explanation
The writer then addresses why the Good News may not be seen clearly. If it is veiled, it is veiled “in those who are dying”. The passage says “the god of this world” has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so the light of the Good News of Christ’s glory does not dawn on them.
04Christ Jesus, not ourselvesThe focus of the message is stated plainly: “we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord”.
Explanation
The focus of the message is stated plainly: “we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord”. At the same time, the speakers describe themselves as “your servants for Jesus’ sake”. The passage keeps attention on Christ Jesus, while giving the speakers a serving role rather than a self-promoting one.
05God’s light in the heartThe final verse points to God as the one who brings true light. The God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” has shone in hearts.
Explanation
The final verse points to God as the one who brings true light. The God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” has shone in hearts. This shining gives “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” and the verse locates that glory “in the face of Jesus Christ”.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does the writer connect with not fainting in this ministry?
Notice the link between “this ministry”, having “obtained mercy”, and the words “we don’t faint”.
02Which ways of handling God’s word are rejected, and what is put in their place?
Compare “hidden things of shame”, “craftiness”, and “deceitfully” with “the manifestation of the truth”.
03How does the passage describe the difference between blinded minds and hearts filled with light?
Read together the lines about unbelieving minds being blinded and God shining in hearts.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
2 Corinthians 4:1–6
1Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint.
2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who are dying,
4in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them.
5For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake,
6seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.