2 Corinthians – Chapter 4

New Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not." — so begins 2 Corinthians 4. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: suffering and trial and faith and trust in God. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not.

2But we renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness nor adulterating the word of God: but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God.

3And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost,

4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them.

5For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord: and ourselves your servants through Jesus.

6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus.

7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God and not of us.

8In all things we suffer tribulation: but are not distressed. We are straitened: but are not destitute.

9We suffer persecution: but are not forsaken. We are cast down: but we perish not.

10Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies.

11For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake: that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12So then death worketh in us: but life in you.

13But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed, for which cause I have spoken; we also believe. For which cause we speak also:

14Knowing that he who raised up Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and place us with you.

15For all things are for your sakes: that the grace, abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God.

16For which cause we faint not: but though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17For that which is at present momentary and light of our tribulation worketh for us above measure, exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.

18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal: but the things which are not seen, are eternal.

Important Verses in 2 Corinthians 4

Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not.

2 Corinthians 4:1

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:6

For all things are for your sakes: that the grace, abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:15

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal: but the things which are not seen, are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, 2 Corinthians was written with the Corinthian church, reconciled to its apostle and to God in view. Chapter 4 of 13 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not." The chapter ends with: "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are…" In terms of historical background, Paul's most personal letter, written after a painful crisis with the Corinthian church and attacks on his authority. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 2 Corinthians around About AD 57, from Macedonia.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 57, from Macedonia

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not." The passage repeatedly touches on suffering and trial.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1700). Here, Paul's suffering models participation in Christ's passion (CIC 618). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize suffering and trial as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that My grace is sufficient for you. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 2 Corinthians 4 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

Reflection for Today

In 2 Corinthians Chapter 4, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of apostolic ministry and strength in weakness.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that My grace is sufficient for you.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of trust in providence amid uncertainty bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 about?

2 Corinthians 4 contains 18 verses. It opens with "Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not." and closes with "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 2 Corinthians 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Therefore seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote 2 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 57, from Macedonia.

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