2 Corinthians 4:17

Light affliction. This verse, with its paradoxical superlatives, is one of the most emphatic passages in all of Paul’s writings. Here the apostle contrasts things of the present with things to come, things of time with those of eternity, affliction with glory.

For a moment. Gr. parautika, “momentary,” “immediate.” Compared with eternity, a moment is nothing. In view of eternity the Christian can well afford to endure any affliction for the brief space of a moment.

Few men have suffered as much for Christ as Paul did (ch. 11:23–30). Affliction pursued him everywhere he went, and every day. Considered by themselves, his afflictions were heavy indeed. But when compared with the joys of eternity and the glory of the hereafter, they were but momentary. Compare Rom. 8:18; Phil. 1:29; Heb. 2:9, 10.

Far more exceeding. Paul finds the words “eternal weight of glory” altogether inadequate to express the contrast he sees between the afflictions of time and the bliss of eternity. He adds still another superlative (cf. 1 John 3:1), a Greek idiom which he himself perhaps coined. Compare other superlative expressions used by Paul in Rom. 7:13; 1 Cor. 12:31; 2 Cor. 1:8; Gal. 1:13.

Affliction contributes to eternal glory by purifying, refining, and elevating the character (Ps. 94:12; Isa. 48:10; Heb. 12:5–11; James 1:2–4, 12; 1 Peter 1:7). It cultivates trust in, and dependence upon, God (Ps. 34:19; Isa. 63:9; Hosea 5:15; Jonah 2:2). Affliction exerts a subduing influence upon the heart and mind. It prostrates pride, subdues self, and is often the means of bringing the will of the believer into more complete harmony with the will of God. It tests the believer’s faith and the genuineness of his profession as a Christian (Job 23:10; Ps. 66:10). It gives occasion for the exercise and perfection of faith. Faith is strengthened by exercise. It helps the believer to see things in their true perspective, and to put first things first. Affliction thus creates in Christians a suitableness for glory. When worldly objectives are removed through the discipline of suffering, the Christian finds it easier to set his affection on heavenly things (Col. 3:1, 2; 2 Tim. 4:5). It proves the bankruptcy of human wisdom by placing the believer in difficult positions, where his own helplessness and need of God becomes apparent (Ps. 107:39). It sanctifies human relationships. Nothing contributes more to understanding our fellow men and having a feeling of kindness toward them than do sorrow, trial, and suffering.

Glory. Gr. doxa (see on John 1:14; Rom. 3:23).