Hello, this will be a bit shorter today since I have a test soon!
So two thoughts from this chapter for today:
- The focus of this chapter summarised by v. 1
- A possible chiastic structure??
For thought one, I believe that this chapter can be summarised in one verse.
1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2 Cor 4:1
Let’s go through Paul’s thoughts:
- In the original section from the verse from v. 1 to v. 1-2; Paul states that despite people refusing to turn to Christ, they (Paul’s group) refuse to convince people through trickery.
- In v. 7-12, Paul expands on trials and sufferings they’ve gone through for the sake of Christ
- In v. 16-18, Paul once again repeats the statement to not lose heart. And provides further encouragement about the eventual return and transformation ( 1 Cor 15:50-53)
In summary of this passage, Paul says despite his difficulties with ministry, he does not lose heart, why? Because of the Spirit that He has provided us (v. 13).
Moving on to the second point. In the previous part of this post, I mentioned the way that Paul repeats the statement “we do not lose heart” from verses 1 and 16. So I tried googling it but didn’t find much luck except this.
I haven’t really read through it in depth but the author claims the center of the chiasm to be verses 13a and 13b.
13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak
2 Corinthians 4:13
If that is so, then how does the chapter follow?
- Paul, as a minister of the Gospel, has faced many difficulties and trials
- But, because of the Spirit of God that he has been provided, he does not lose heart
- Instead, because of his belief, he speaks.
Stay cool,
Jason
Jason Reads the Bible 