2 Corinthians 4:3

Be hid. Or, “be veiled,” or “remains veiled.” Paul here alludes to the “vail” of ch. 3 (see vs. 13–16). In Paul’s day the situation was the same as it had been in the days of Moses—for many, truth still remained hidden. This situation was not due to lack of clearness in the gospel itself, but to the attitude of the minds and hearts to which it was addressed.

Are lost. Literally, “are being lost.” Paul is thinking, no doubt, of the Corinthian minority that persists in following the false apostles among them. They may yet repent, but so long as the gospel remains veiled to them, they remain in a lost condition. For them, salvation will be possible when the “vail” is removed (see Matt. 18:11; Luke 15:4, 6, 24, 31, 32; 19:10).

Man cannot provide himself with light, but he can make darkness for himself by closing his eyes to the light. However bright the sun, its beams are veiled to the blind. Paul speaks of those who refused the light of the gospel because of inward darkness for which they themselves were responsible (see on Hosea 4:6). Certain conditions may veil the saving power of the gospel. In the Corinthian church, for instance, party spirit, rivalry, contention, immorality, pride, and selfishness in the lives of some hid the gospel from them. The open gospel must be met by open minds and hearts (John 8:47; 1 John 4:6).

Indifference to spiritual things and preoccupation with nonspiritual things also draw the veil (see Luke 21:34; see on Matt. 6:24–34). Legitimate earthly occupations may swallow up a man until he has neither time nor the desire for heavenly light. Men do not reject the truth because of lack of evidence. They may, indeed, believe a thousand things on the basis of far less evidence. They reject the truth because it condemns them; it reproves their sins and disturbs their conscience.