2 Corinthians 4:1–6

Verse 1. The apostle, having in the last chapter shewn the excellence of his ministry above that of the law, proceeds to inform them of his own labours, and so forth in order to destroy the credit which the false teachers had acquired amongst the Corinthians, and to caution them against any attempts that these teachers might make to destroy what had caused Saint Paul so much trouble to effect. But he still refers all to God. As for these false teachers, what Churches had they founded? what persecutions have they endured? Calmet.

Verse 3. The apostle here brings another proof of the sincerity of his preaching, that is the success with which it is attended: And he says, if there be any who have not yet received it, that is their own fault. For had they been as eager to receive it, as we have been to announce it to them, the whole world had long since been converted. Theodoret.

Verse 4. In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers. [1] Thus the words are placed, both in the Latin and Greek text, so that the true God seems to be called the God of this world, as he is elsewhere called the God of heaven, the God of Abraham. God, says Saint John Chrysostom blinded, that is, permitted them to be blinded. Others translate, in whom God hat blinded the minds of the infidels of this world; so that this world may be joined with unbelievers, and not with God: and by the God of this world, some understand the devil, called sometimes the prince of this world, that is, of the wicked. Witham.

Verse 6. The light to shine out of darkness. He alludes to what is related at the first creation, when God divided the light from darkness. Genesis 1:4.—In the face of Christ Jesus, which may signify in the person of Christ, who was the true light enlightening every man, that comes into this world. John 1:9. Witham.