Paragraph 1: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”
Paragraph 2 (preceding): “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
Paragraph 3 (subsequent): “It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
When examining the preceding and subsequent paragraphs in relation to the quoted passage from 2 Corinthians 4:8-12, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
In the preceding paragraph, Paul establishes the foundation for his message by emphasizing the importance of not losing heart in the ministry entrusted to them by God’s mercy. He highlights the need for transparency and integrity in their conduct, renouncing deceit and distortion of God’s Word. This context sets the stage for the challenges and trials described in the quoted passage, reinforcing the idea that even in the face of difficulties, their commitment to truth and righteousness remains steadfast.
In the subsequent paragraph, Paul continues to build upon the themes of faith and resurrection. He references a written testimony of belief leading to spoken proclamation, aligning it with their own spirit of faith. The assurance of Christ’s resurrection becomes a pivotal factor in their unwavering confidence, as they believe in their own future resurrection and ultimate presentation before God. This affirmation of hope and the spreading of God’s grace to more people leads to overflowing thanksgiving, ultimately giving glory to God.
By examining the preceding and subsequent paragraphs, we can see that the challenges and adversities described in the quoted passage are not isolated or disconnected from Paul’s overall message. They are part of a broader narrative that encompasses faith, ministry, integrity, resurrection, and the proclamation of God’s grace. The preceding paragraph establishes the context of their ministry, while the subsequent paragraph reinforces the themes of faith, resurrection, and the spreading of God’s grace, providing a comprehensive framework that enhances the meaning and significance of the quoted passage.
Intentional Faith 