2 Corinthians 4:7

This treasure. That is, “the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (v. 6). In vs. 7–18 Paul dwells on the way in which this knowledge has given him the power to endure, as a “slave” of God, the almost insuperable difficulties that have confronted him in his ministry. Except for this knowledge and power the weak human vessel would have collapsed (see v. 1).

Earthen vessels. Gr. ostrakinoi, originally, hollow receptacles made of shell or of baked clay. Such utensils were frail and fragile, unimposing, of brief usefulness, and of little value. Such is the human vessel in contrast with the eternal treasure of God. Yet it is God’s plan to make this weak vessel the recipient and retainer of the greatest of treasures. The minister and the believer are declared to be but earthen jars for the supreme purpose of containing God’s great treasure. Perhaps Paul is thinking of the ancient practice of storing treasure in great earthen jars for safekeeping.

Man is but the casket that contains the jewel of Christ’s righteousness, which is imputed and imparted to every believer (see on Matt. 13:45, 46). By himself, man is in a state of abject poverty. He remains in that state until he is enriched by this heavenly treasure. All who are redeemed by Christ have this treasure, some more than others, according to their own reception of it by faith. To those crossing the desert, water is of supreme value. To those living in darkness, light is of supreme value. To those facing death, life is of supreme value. To mortal man, the gospel treasure is all of these—living water, the light of the world, eternal life.

Of God. Men would be inclined to use valuable containers for storing their treasures. But in the working out of His plan God often chooses the humblest of men, lest they take credit to themselves (1 Cor. 1:28, 29). It is not for man’s good that he should receive credit for saving himself or his fellow men. There is no greater hindrance to the life of the minister or the believer than pride. It is not the containers, but their contents, that are important; thus with the minister and his message. God might have commissioned angels to do the work He has committed to frail men, but in doing so He works in such a way as to make it evident that the work of redemption is of God and not of man. The vessel or instrument has no value of itself (cf. 2 Tim. 2:19, 20); His presence and power alone determine its value. The spread of the gospel is always hindered where men obscure the work of God by emphasis upon human wisdom, ability, or eloquence.