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Answer
In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul eloquently states that “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” The context clarifies the treasure in earthen vessels (other translations refer to “jars of clay”). Paul encourages his readers that despite facing great difficulty in their ministry, he is strengthened “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;”, (2 Corinthians 4:1). He acknowledges that in his ministry, he had received mercy, and he, along with others sharing the ministry, did not lose heart “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:”, (in this case, he also refers to Timothy, see 2 Corinthians 1:1). They could be confident because they walked in the truth of God’s Word, not in their own cleverness or craftiness “but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”, (2 Corinthians 4:2). Their confidence in His truth, not their own ability, allowed them to fulfill their ministry with a clear conscience, knowing that God observed their actions “but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
Even though Paul and Timothy’s ministry of proclaiming the gospel was sometimes met with rejection, it was not due to any flaw in the good news itself. Unbelievers are afflicted with a blindness of the mind and cannot perceive the “light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Because of this significant need, the gospel message holds such importance. They were not proclaiming or promoting themselves; instead, they were serving others by proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5). The light that Paul and Timothy were proclaiming had originated from God— the same God who had initially created light, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3), and who had ordained that Christ would come to bring light to humanity (John 1:4-9). God had brought about the creation of light and the arrival of Jesus. What He decrees will come to pass; indeed, God had illuminated Paul’s and Timothy’s hearts so that they would be prepared to present the marvelous truth of Jesus Christ and the eternal life He offers, “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 Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6). This is why Paul explains that they possess this treasure in earthen vessels.
Paul says in «But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. », (2 Corinthians 4:7) and explains its significance.
Elsewhere, Paul mentions that if anyone boasts, they should boast in the Lord «But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. », (2 Corinthians 10:17). Here, he is doing just that by stating that they possess the treasure in earthen vessels «But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. », (2 Corinthians 4:7). Paul is conveying the wonder that even as he, Timothy, and the other disciples preached Christ, they did not do so by their own strength. Instead, God supplied the life, power, and message. Paul recognized that those proclaiming were merely earthen vessels—without their own glory or merit. As he told the Corinthians in a previous letter, “Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth” «So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. », (1 Corinthians 3:7). These humble individuals were entrusted with a remarkable treasure—the personal and life-giving knowledge of Jesus Christ within them and the gospel to share with others. This demonstrates the surpassing strength and power of God, reassuring listeners that the power comes from God and His truth, not from human cleverness or might.
God utilizes broken and imperfect vessels to accomplish His purposes.
People, we can also be encouraged that God can use us to accomplish significant things. When we utilize the tools He provides, the power is not ours but His. We are merely earthen vessels or jars of clay; the treasure is God’s gift inside.
