Paul presents a clear contrast between the messenger and the message. The message, the gospel of of the glory of Christ (v. 4) is the good news. The messengers, however, are just jars of clay, baked dirt. It is a graphic way to illustrate Paul’s awareness of his own weakness and failures while at the same time pointing out that God uses just such broken vessels to declare the glorious truth. Paul proves God’s enabling power in vv. 8-9. Despite Paul being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted and struck down, God continued to use Paul’s ministry. God addressed each of those problems as needed giving Paul and his companions the strength they needed to have a faithful gospel ministry. Their suffering manifested the life of Jesus. Death and sorrow, suffering and pain are inherent to the life of a Christian. Just as their Master suffered so must they. However, the lives of Christians have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb and no longer belongs to them; it belongs to God. Still, God gives His own the ability to suffer well to a watching world. Indeed, the sufferings of Christians has more than once led others to a saving relationship with the Lord. It is through the hope provided by faith that Christians continue on. After all, Jesus having suffered and died was raised again, never to die again. That resurrection is the hope, the reasonable coming expectation for believers in |
