2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1

Notes on the Passage

Besieged from All Angles: The context of this passage is best summed up with the words recorded throughout the letter: Trouble, Distress, Suffering, Hardship, Death at work, Jars of Clay, Affliction.  Paul writes this letter because he feels besieged from many angles; from his past history with the Corinthians (6:11-13), from misunderstood intentions (1:15-17), to personal attacks questioning his apostleship (11:1-6), to his own physical persecution (4:8-10).  Paul’s life has been, is, and will be under attack, YET he will not give up, will not be overwhelmed, will not lose heart. In fact, Paul says that out of his weakness God will be glorified; for God alone provides the daily renewal all believers require.

This letter…