'Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged. Rather, we have renounced shameful, hidden things; not acting deceitfully or falsifying the word of God, but by the open declaration of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even though our gospel is veiled, it is veiled for those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of [Jesus] Christ (2 Cor. 4:1-6).'
Paul persecuted followers of ‘the Way’ before his conversion so he is keenly aware of God’s mercy towards him and others. He does not puff up himself or pretend that he is without sin and he encourages the Corinthians to completely renounce those things of which they are now ashamed. The truth of the Gospel must be fully and openly preached omitting nothing. Those who believe can discern the truth of the Gospel because of its illuminating power but to those who do not believe the Gospel is veiled. The Gospel presents the Glory of Christ who is a reflection of the Glory of God. Ministers should not give themselves prominence when they preach the Gospel but should preach Jesus Christ as Lord (Rom 10:9). From the dawn of creation, the light of Christ that was with God at creation has illuminated the hearts of men so that the Glory of God may be revealed to them.
Almighty God, without you we are overwhelmed by the many gods of this world and are blinded by the darkness with which they envelop us. Grant us the grace to have the right disposition and attitude to understand the truth of the Gospel and follow the light of Christ to our eternal home. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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