A folio of
Papyrus 46 (written ca. AD 200), containing 2 Corinthians 11:33–12:9. This manuscript contains almost complete parts of the whole
Pauline epistles.
The Greek οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν (ouk enkakoumen) is a Pauline phrase used twice in this chapter, derived from the verb ἐκκακέω (ekkakeó), meaning "to faint".[5] The word is used in three of the other
Pauline epistles, and in one other New Testament text: "the example outside the Pauline corpus is found at
Luke 18:8.
Jesus spoke a
parable concerning the constant necessity of prayer and [teaching] that the Christians should not grow weary of prayer".[2]
Verse 2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.[6]
"Handling the word of God deceitfully": or "adulterating the word of God"[7] from
Ancient Greek: δολοῦντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, dolountestonlogontouTheou, "falsifying the word of God".[8]
Verse 7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.[9]
"Treasure in earthen vessels": The Gospel, as a "treasure" because "it contains rich truths", is placed in "earthen vessels," i.e. "ministers of the word."[10][11] It alludes either to the "earth", where hidden treasures are to be dug, or to "pots and vessels made of earth", or to "earthen pitchers", formerly to carry lights or lamps (cf.
Judges 7:16: three hundred men of Gideon took empty pitchers and placed lamps within the pitchers); the latter may represent the Gospel as a "glorious light, shining in darkness" (
2 Corinthians 4:4;
2 Corinthians 4:6).[10] The Greek word ostrakinoiu signifies "shells of fishes" which Philo the Jew compare the human body.[12] This reference may point to pearls, which are found in shells, particularly in
oysters, expressing the "frail mortal bodies of the ministers of the Gospel" (comparable to the brittle shells) as they work under persecutions, for Gospel's sake (cf.
Jeremiah 32:14).[10]
^Jewish scholars also think likewise, for examples, R. Eleazar says (T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 52. 2.): "a disciple of a wise man like, ... at first ... like to a golden cup; when he has conversed with him, he is like to a silver cup; and when he has received any profit by him, he is like "an earthen cup", which, when broken, cannot be repaired again. Also, "the law is not confirmed but by him, who makes himself 'as an earthen vessel'" (Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 4. 2.) apud Gill, John. On 2 Corinthians 4:7.
^De Joseph. p. 536. apud Gill, John. On 2 Corinthians 4:7. Quote: I am (says he) very little concerned for this mortal body which is about me, and cleaves to me (ostreou diken), "like the shell of a fish"; though it is hurt by everyone.
Sources
MacDonald, Margaret (2007). "66. 2 Corinthians". In Barton, John; Muddiman, John (eds.).
The Oxford Bible Commentary (first (paperback) ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 1134–1151.
ISBN978-0199277186. Retrieved February 6, 2019.