What does it mean to be struck down but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:9)?

Response

In 2 Corinthians 4:7–18, the apostle Paul explains that the perseverance he demonstrates in his ministry highlights God’s strength rather than his own. Despite facing various challenges physically, mentally, and spiritually, he continues onward due to God’s extraordinary power “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us.”, (2 Corinthians 4:7). This is vividly depicted through a series of comparisons in verses 8 and 9. One striking example given is of being knocked down. Paul states, “We are . . . struck down, but not destroyed” “persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”, (2 Corinthians 4:9).

The terms “struck down” and “destroyed” carry precise meanings in the original language. “Struck down” conveys the idea of being hit, mistreated, deserted, or even killed. “Destroyed” simply signifies “perished or ruined.” Paul admits to having been struck down by adversity in the past, but promptly clarifies that he has never been destroyed, rising again through God’s power (2 Corinthians 4:7;cf: Psalm 54:4). The imagery is akin to a boxer who is knocked down by a heavy blow but manages to stand once more—think of Rocky Balboa in the Rocky movies. In his ministry, Paul has been knocked down but not knocked out. He has been injured by his adversaries, yet no one can deliver a fatal blow because God is his source of strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

What does this resilience look like in Paul’s life? One evident example is the pePersecution Paul endured during his missionary journeys. The gospel of Christ was often unwelcome, and Paul was mistreated for preaching it. Nevertheless, his detractors could not hinder him due to God’s continual protection and empowerment. An illustrative incident occurred in Lystra on Paul’s initial missionary journey when the locals stoned him and left him for dead «And there came certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. », (Acts 14:19). Despite the attack, the resilient apostle rose and resumed his ministry, spreading the gospel «However, as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. », (Acts 14:20). Paul was indeed “struck down, but not destroyed” «persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; », (2 Corinthians 4:9).

What does this signify for us? Similar to Paul, there are challenges in life that may attempt to bring us down. Because of our faith, we might face persecution, isolation, or mockery. In times of severe adversity, it is crucial to redirect our focus to God and recall that He alone is our source of strength. Only through God’s strength, not our own, can we be “struck down, but not destroyed” «persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; », (2 Corinthians 4:9). The world may inflict wounds upon us, but it cannot annihilate us because our future is secure in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:13-14).