2 Corinthians 4

For what kind (of hypothesis) is it, that the very moment after making a largess of restoration to the privileges of ecclesiastical peace to an incestuous fornicator, he should forthwith have proceeded to accumulate exhortations about turning away from impurities, about pruning away of blemishes, about exhortations to deeds of sanctity, as if he had decreed nothing of a contrary nature just before? Compare, in short, (and see) whether it be his province to say, "Wherefore, having this ministration, in accordance with (the fact) that we have obtained mercy, we faint not; but renounce the secret things of disgrace," who has just released from condemnation one manifestly convicted of, not "disgrace" merely, but crime too: whether it be province, again, to excuse a conspicuous immodesty, who, among the counts of his own labours, after" straits and pressures," after" fasts and vigils," has named "chastity" also: whether it be, once more, his province to receive back into communion whatsoever reprobates, who writes, "For what society (is there) between righteousness and iniquity? what communion, moreover, between light and darkness? what consonance between Christ and Belial? or what part for a believer with an unbeliever? or what agreement between the temple of God and idols? "Will he not deserve to hear constantly (the reply); "And in what manner do you make a separation between things which, in the former part of your Epistle, by restitution of the incestuous one, you have joined? For by his restoration to concorporate unity with the Church, righteousness is made to have fellowship with iniquity, darkness has communion with light, Belial is consonant with Christ, and believer shares the sacraments with unbeliever.

On Modesty

Paul attributes his perseverance not to human merit but to the mercy of God, which first cleanses a person, then makes him righteous, adopts him as a son of God and endows him with a glory like the glory of God’s own Son.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

Seeing he had uttered great things and had set himself and all the faithful before Moses, aware of the height and greatness of what he had said, observe how he moderates his tone again. For it was necessary on account of the false Apostles to exalt his hearers also, and again to calm down that swelling; yet not to do it away, since this would be a trifler's part. Wherefore he manages this in another manner, by showing that not of their own merits was it, but all of the loving-kindness of God. Wherefore also he says, "Therefore seeing we have this ministry." For nothing more did we contribute, except that we became ministers, and made ourselves subservient to the things given by God. Wherefore he said not 'largess,' nor 'supply,' but 'ministry.' Nor was he contented with this even, but added, "as we obtained mercy." For even this itself, he saith, the ministering to these things, is of mercy and loving-kindness. Yet it is mercy's to deliver from evils, not to give so many good things besides: but the mercy of God includes this also.

"We faint not." And this indeed is to be imputed to His loving-kindness. For the clause, "as we obtained mercy," take to be said with reference both to the "ministry," and to the words, "we faint not." And observe how earnestly he endeavors to lower his own things. 'For,' saith he, 'that one who hath been counted worthy of such and so great things, and this from mercy only and loving-kindness, should show forth such labors, and undergo dangers, and endure temptations, is no great matter. Therefore we not only do not sink down, but we even rejoice and speak boldly.'

Homily 8 on 2 Corinthians

Since he expressed many great things, saying that we, the apostles, are above Moses (for if all are above, then all the more so they), he tempers his word and says: all this belongs to God. For we are only ministers, and the fact that we have been appointed as ministers is not ours either, but, he says, this too belongs to the mercy of God. The words "therefore we do not lose heart" refer to both, that is, since we have been deemed worthy of such great blessings, we do not shrink from danger and sorrows, because, having once been shown mercy, we were appointed to the ministry.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Having shown the dignity of the New Testament ministry, the Apostle now discusses the exercise of this ministry. In regard to this he does two things. First, he shows that the exercise of this ministry should consist in doing good; secondly it should consist also in enduring evils patiently (v. 7). In regard to the first he does two things. First, he lays down the use of this ministry; secondly, he excludes an objection (v. 3).

He says, therefore: because this ministry is of such great dignity in itself and in its ministers, therefore having this ministry, i.e., this dignity of administering spiritual things: "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1); "Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry" (Rom. 11:13); having it, I say, not from ourselves or from our merits, but by the mercy of God which we have obtained from God for this: "I received mercy" (1 Tim. 1:13).

Then when he says, we do not lose heart, he describes the exercise of this ministry, which should be engaged in doing good; and this in regard to two things: first, as to avoiding evil; secondly, as to doing good (v. 2b).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

This is really an invitation. Just while he had been speaking about himself and his associates, Paul is now exhorting the Corinthians to lead a better life.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

Knowing Christ as the “true light,” “inaccessible” to falsehood, we learn this, namely, that it is necessary for our lives also to be illuminated by the rays of the true light. But virtues are the rays of “the Sun of Justice,” streaming forth for our illumination, through which we “lay aside the works of darkness,” so that we “walk becomingly as in the day,” and “we renounce those things which shame conceals.” By doing all things in the light, we become the light itself, so that it “shines” before others, which is the peculiar quality of light. And if we recognize Christ as “sanctification,” in whom every action is steadfast and pure, let us prove by our life that we ourselves stand apart, being ourselves true sharers of his name, coinciding in deed and not in word with the power of his sanctification.

On Perfection

"But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully."

And what are "the hidden things of shame?" We do not, he saith, profess and promise great things, and in our actions show other things, as they do; wherefore also he said, "Ye look on things after the outward appearance;" but such we are as we appear, not having any duplicity, nor saying and doing such things as we ought to hide and veil over with shame and blushes. And to interpret this, he added, "not walking in craftiness." For what they considered to be praise, that he proves to be shameful and worthy of scorn. But what is, "in craftiness?" They had the reputation of taking nothing, but they took and kept it secret; they had the character of saints and approved Apostles, but they were full of numberless evil things. But, saith he, "we have renounced" these things: (for these are what he also calls the "hidden things of shame;" being such as we appear to be, and keeping nothing veiled over. And that not in this [our] life only, but also in the Preaching itself. For this is, "nor handling the word of God deceitfully."

"But by the manifestation of the truth."

Not by the countenance and the outward show, but by the very proof of our actions.

"Commending ourselves to every man's conscience."

For not to believers only, but also to unbelievers, we are manifest; lying open unto all that they may test our actions, as they may choose; and by this we commend ourselves, not by acting a part and carrying about a specious mask. We say then, that we take nothing, and we call you for witnesses; we say that we are conscious of no wickedness, and of this again we derive the testimony from you, not as they (sc. false Apostles) who, veiling over their things, deceive many. But we both set forth our life before all men; and we lay bare the Preaching, so that all comprehend it.

Homily 8 on 2 Corinthians

Paul is talking here about circumcision, which the false apostles were covertly forcing on newly converted Gentiles.

Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 307

He points to the false apostles, who were pretending in everything. They took gifts and presented themselves as unbelievers; they appeared holy, but were impure. We, however, he says, have renounced such deeds which, when exposed, cover the one who does them with shame, that is, such deeds as are performed hypocritically. For he adds: "not resorting to cunning," so that what is done with craftiness is precisely what brings shame. However, if you understand this as referring to shameful deeds, there will be nothing new in that, for this too is characteristic of the false apostles.

Not only, he says, is our life simple, pure, and free from lawlessness, but in our teaching and in our word there is no deceit either. For we mix nothing into them from worldly wisdom or anything flattering, we do not collect money from preaching, and we do not say one thing today and another tomorrow, adapting to times and persons, as the false apostles do.

The false apostles present themselves outwardly and for appearance, and seem to be other than what they actually are. But I present myself "by manifesting the truth," that is, I use the very deeds themselves as testimony. Thus, I say that I take nothing, and I have you as witnesses of this; and I act the same way in everything else. This is how I present myself to all people, believers and unbelievers alike, that is, by laying open my life and preaching openly to all, so that everyone can understand. And since people can be deceived, he adds: "before God," Whom the false apostles do not take as witness.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

He teaches us to avoid evil both in conduct and in doctrine, when we exercise this ministry. As to conduct in two ways, namely in our actions and in our intentions. But if a person avoids doing evil and has a good intention, he avoids evil completely. But evil is avoided in our activity by enduring evils patiently in adversity. Hence, he says, we do not lose heart by impatience: "Let us not grow weary in well-doing" (Gal. 6:9); "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10). It is also avoided in prosperity by making moderate use of the things that are going well for us. Hence he says, we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways, i.e., we remove from ourselves whatever makes a man base and dishonorable, namely, things unclean and foul and not only open but even hidden: "Therefore put away all filthiness" (Jas. 1:21); "For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret" (Eph. 5:12). Evil conduct is avoided in our intention, if it is a right intention. In regard to this he says, we refuse to practice cunning, i.e., fraud and pretense and hypocrisy. That is what the false apostles do, who pretend one thing outwardly, but do something else inwardly in the heart: "Dissemblers and crafty men provoke the wrath of God" (Job 36:13, Vulgate). Evil is avoided in doctrine when the Lord's word is proposed in the proper way. In regard to this he says, or to tamper with God's word. This is explained in two ways. First, not mixing false doctrine with the doctrine of Christ, as the false apostles do when they teach that the ceremonies of the Law must be observed along with the Gospel. Secondly, not preaching for gain and for one's own glory. The first of these is a wolf and the second a hireling, but one who preaches the truth and for the glory of God is a shepherd. Hence Augustine says: "The shepherd should be loved and the wolf avoided, but the hireling must be tolerated for the present."

But because perfect justice requires more than avoiding evil, but doing good, he says something about doing good in the exercise of this ministry. The first good is against evil teachings; the second against evil conduct; the third against an evil intention. Against evil teaching, which must be avoided, they perform the good of manifesting the truth. In regard to this he says, by the open statement of the truth: as if to say, we do not lose heart but, avoiding evil, we walk and act in the manifestation of the truth, i.e., we manifest the pure truth: "For this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth" (Jn. 18:37); "Those who show me forth shall have everlasting life" (Sir. 24:31, Vulgate). Against evil conduct they perform good works. In regard to this he says, we would commend ourselves to every man's conscience. We do not do this by saying good things about ourselves, because it is not easy to believe a person who recommends himself, but by doing good, because we do such works, so that by the works themselves we make ourselves commendable to every man's conscience: "Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles" (1 Pet. 2:12). Against an evil intention we do good by making ourselves commendable not only to every man's conscience, but even in the sight of God, who sees the heart: "For it is not the man who commends himself that is accepted, but the man whom the Lord commends" (2 Cor. 10:18); "Providing good things not only before God but before all men" (Rom. 12:17, Vulgate).

According to Augustine in a Gloss, the Apostle fulfills God's commandment in this: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16); "Beware of practicing your piety before men" (Matt. 6:1): the first by saying, we would commend ourselves to every man's conscience; but the second by saying, in the sight of God: "For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly" (Rom. 2:28). Or this whole passage can be read in the following manner without interrupting the text: Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart, namely in doing good. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. Furthermore by the open statement of the truth, keeping the same method of explanation as already given.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Unbelief casts darkness over the splendor of the power of God. This is especially true in the case of the Jews.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

3–4

Then because the unbelievers knew not its power, he added, this is no fault of ours, but of their own insensibility. Wherefore also he saith,

"But if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that are lost; in whom the God of this world hath blinded the eyes of the unbelieving."

As he said also before, "To some a savor from death unto death, to others a savor from life unto life," so he saith here too. But what is "the God of this world?" Those that are infected with Marcion's notions, affirm that this is said of the Creator, the just only, and not good; for they say that there is a certain God, just and not good. But the Manichees say that the devil is here intended, desiring from this passage to introduce another creator of the world besides the True One, very senselessly. For the Scripture useth often to employ the term God, not in regard of the dignity of that so designated, but of the weakness of those in subjection to it; as when it calls Mammon lord, and the belly god. But neither is the belly therefore God, nor Mammon Lord, save only of those who bow down themselves to them. But we assert of this passage that it is spoken neither of the devil nor of another creator, but of the God of the Universe, and that it is to be read thus; "God hath blinded the minds of the unbelievers of this world." For the world to come hath no unbelievers; but the present only. But if any one should read it even otherwise, as, for instance, "the God of this world;" neither doth this afford any handle, for this doth not show Him to be the God of this world only. For He is called "the God of Heaven," yet is He not the God of Heaven only; and we say, 'God of the present day;' yet we say this not as limiting His power to it alone. And moreover He is called the "God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;" and yet He is not the God of them alone. And one may find many other like testimonies in the Scriptures. How then "hath" He "blinded" them? Not by working unto this end; away with the thought! but by suffering and allowing it. For it is usual with the Scripture so to speak, as when it saith, "God gave them up unto a reprobate mind." For when they themselves first disbelieved, and rendered themselves unworthy to see the mysteries; He Himself also thereafter permitted it. But what did it behove Him to do? To draw them by force, and reveal to those who would not see? But so they would have despised the more, and would not have seen either.

Homily 8 on 2 Corinthians

3–4

"That the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ should not dawn upon them."

Not that they might disbelieve in God, but that unbelief might not see what are the things within, as also He enjoined us, commanding not to "cast the pearls before the swine." For had He revealed even to those who disbelieve, their disease would have been the rather aggravated. For if one compel a man laboring under ophthalmia to look at the sunbeams, he the rather increases his infirmity. Therefore the physicians even shut them up in darkness, so as not to aggravate their disorder. So then here also we must consider that these persons indeed became unbelievers of themselves, but having become so, they no longer saw the secret things of the Gospel, God thenceforth excluding its beams from them. As also he said to the disciples, "Therefore I speak unto them in proverbs, because hearing they hear not." But what I say may also become clearer by an example; suppose a Greek, accounting our religion to be fables. This man then, how will he be more advantaged? by going in and seeing the mysteries, or by remaining without? Therefore he says, "That the light should not dawn upon them," still dwelling on the history of Moses. For what happened to the Jews in his case, this happeneth to all unbelievers in the case of the Gospel. And what is that which is overshadowed, and which is not illuminated unto them? Hear him saying, "That the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God, should not dawn upon them." Namely, that the Cross is the salvation of the world, and His glory; that this Crucified One himself is about to come with much splendor; all the other things, those present, those to come, those seen, those not seen, the unspeakable splendor of the things looked for. Therefore also he said, "dawn," that thou mayest not look for the whole here, for that which is [here] given is only, as it were, a little dawning of the Spirit. Therefore, also above as indicating this, he spoke of "savor;" and again, "earnest," showing that the greater part remaineth there. But nevertheless all these things have been hidden from them; but had been hidden because they disbelieved first. Then to show that they are not only ignorant of the Glory of Christ, but of the Father's also, since they know not His, he added, "Who is the Image of God?" For do not halt at Christ only. For as by Him thou seest the Father, so if thou art ignorant of His Glory, neither wilt thou know the Father's.

Homily 8 on 2 Corinthians

It is veiled only to those who are unbelievers. It is not hidden from everyone, as the face of Moses was hidden from all Israel in the Old Testament..

Pauline Commentary from the Greek Church

Having said above that although a veil lies upon the Israelites, we believers look with uncovered face, he now says that if the Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to unbelievers. For what was the case then with the Jews regarding Moses, the same thing now happens with unbelievers regarding the Gospel. But they themselves are to blame for this, not the Gospel, for if they had believed, they would have seen the glory of God without a veil.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Here the Apostle answers a tacit objection. For someone could say to him: you say that you do not grow faint in manifesting the truth of Christ. But this does not seem true, because many people contradict you. To this question, therefore, he responds. And in regard to it he does two things: first, he responds to this question; secondly, he removes a doubt which seems to follow from his answer (v. 5). In regard to the first he does three things. First, he shows from whom Christ's truth is hidden; secondly, the reason for this hiding (v. 4); thirdly, he shows that it is not due to a deficiency in the truth of the Gospel that it is hidden (v. 4b).

He says therefore: I have said that we do not faint in manifesting the truth; but even if our gospel, which we preach, is veiled, it is not veiled from all, but it is veiled only to those who are perishing, namely, who offer an obstacle to its manifestation to them: "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

As to their affirming that Paul said plainly in the Second [Epistle] to the Corinthians, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not," and maintaining that there is indeed one god of this world, but another who is beyond all principality, and beginning, and power, we are not to blame if they, who give out that they do themselves know mysteries beyond God, know not how to read Paul. For if any one read the passage thus-according to Paul's custom, as I show elsewhere, and by many examples, that he uses transposition of words-"In whom God," then pointing it off, and making a slight interval, and at the same time read also the rest [of the sentence] in one [clause], "hath blinded the minds of them of this world that believe not," he shall find out the true [sense]; that it is contained in the expression, "God hath blinded the minds of the unbelievers of this world." And this is shown by means of the little interval [between the clause]. For Paul does not say, "the God of this world," as if recognising any other beyond Him; but he confessed God as indeed God. And he says, "the unbelievers of this world," because they shall not inherit the future age of incorruption.

Against Heresies Book 3

For one and the same God [that blesses others] inflicts blindness upon those who do not believe, but who set Him at naught; just as the sun, which is a creature of His, [acts with regard] to those who, by reason of any weakness of the eyes cannot behold his light; but to those who believe in Him and follow Him, He grants a fuller and greater illumination of mind. In accordance with this word, therefore, does the apostle say, in the Second the] to the Corinthians: "In whom the this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine [unto them]."

Against Heresies Book 4

The latter method has been adopted by Marcion, by reading the passage which follows, "in whom the God of this world," as if it described the Creator as the God of this world, in order that he may, by these words, imply that there is another God for the other world.

Against Marcion Book 5

Now the countenance (or person ) of the Lord here is Christ. Wherefore the apostle said above: Christ, who is the image of God." Since Christ, then, is the person of the Creator, who said, "Let there be light," it follows that Christ and the apostles, and the gospel, and the veil, and Moses-nay, the whole of the dispensations-belong to the God who is the Creator of this world, according to the testimony of the clause (above adverted to), and certainly not to him who never said, "Let there be light.

Against Marcion Book 5

Who then is he? Undoubtedly he who has raised up "children of disobedience" against the Creator Himself ever since he took possession of that "air" of His; even as the prophet makes him say: "I will set my throne above the stars; ... I will go up above the clouds; I will be like the Most High." This must mean the devil, whom in another passage (since such will they there have the apostle's meaning to be) we shall recognize in the appellation the god of this world. For he has filled the whole world with the lying pretence of his own divinity.

Against Marcion Book 5

For if it is a Christian who, after wandering far from his Father, squanders, by living heathenishly, the "substance" received from God his Father,-(the substance), of course, of baptism-(the substance), of course, of the Holy Spirit, and (in consequence) of eternal hope; if, stripped of his mental "goods," he has even handed his service over to the prince of the world -who else but the devil?-and by him being appointed over the business of "feeding swine"-of tending unclean spirits, to wit-has recovered his senses so as to return to his Father,-the result will be, that, not adulterers and fornicators, but idolaters, and blasphemers, and renegades, and every class of apostates, will by this parable make satisfaction to the Father; and in this way (it may) rather (be said that) the whole "substance" of the sacrament is most truly wasted away.

On Modesty

For the Son of God is Word and Righteousness. But every sinner is under the tyranny of the prince of this age, since every sinner is made a friend of the present evil age. For he does not hand himself over to the One who gave “himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age” and to deliver us “according to the will of our God and Father,” according to the verse in the letter to the Galatians. And the one who by voluntary sin is under the tyranny of the prince of this age is also ruled by sin. That is why we are commanded by Paul no longer to be subjected to sin that wishes to rule over us. We are so ordered through the following words, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions.”.

On Prayer 25.1

But if anyone dares to attribute corruption of substance to what was made according to the image and likeness of God, in my opinion he extends the charge of impiety also to the Son of God himself, since he is also called in Scripture “the image of God.” At least the one who holds the opinion will certainly find fault with the authority of Scripture, which says that humanity was made after the image of God. And the traces of the divine image are clearly recognized not through the likeness of the body, which undergoes corruption, but through the intelligence of the soul, its righteousness, temperance, courage, wisdom, discipline, and through the entire chorus of virtues that are present in God by substance and can be in humankind through effort and the imitation of God. The Lord points this out in the Gospel when He says, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” and “Be perfect, as your Father is perfect.” Consequently, it is quite clear that in God all these virtues can never enter or leave, but they are acquired by us little by little and one by one.

On First Principles 4.10

When, therefore, the number of men had begun to increase, God in His forethought, lest the devil, to whom from the beginning He had given power over the earth, should by his subtilty either corrupt or destroy men, as he had done at first, sent angels for the protection and improvement of the human race; and inasmuch as He had given these a free will, He enjoined them above all things not to defile themselves with contamination from the earth, and thus lose the dignity of their heavenly nature. He plainly prohibited them from doing that which He knew that they would do, that they might entertain no hope of pardon. Therefore, while they abode among men, that most deceitful ruler of the earth, by his very association, gradually enticed them to vices, and polluted them by intercourse with women. Then, not being admitted into heaven on account of the sins into which they had plunged themselves, they fell to the earth. Thus from angels the devil makes them to become his satellites and attendants. But they who were born from these, because they were neither angels nor men, but bearing a kind of mixed nature, were not admitted into hell, as their fathers were not into heaven. Thus there came to be two kinds of demons; one of heaven, the other of the earth. The latter are the wicked spirits, the authors of all the evils which are done, and the same devil is their prince.

Therefore in this union of heaven and earth, the image of which is developed in man, those things which belong to God occupy the higher part, namely the soul, which has dominion over the body; but those which belong to the devil occupy the lower part, manifestly the body: for this, being earthly, ought to be subject to the soul, as the earth is to heaven.

The Divine Institutes, Book 2, Chapters XIII-XV

Paul is saying that God dims the sight of worldly people because they are hostile to the faith of Christ. He is giving them what they want, since it is because they are hostile and tell lies that they move further toward not being able to believe what they do not want to believe. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.

And the Image, as of one substance with him, and because he is of the Father, and not the Father of him. For this is of the nature of an image, to be the reproduction of its archetype and of that whose name it bears; only that there is more here. For in ordinary language an image is a motionless representation of that which has motion, but in this case it is the living reproduction of the living one and is more exactly like than was Seth to Adam or any son to his father.

Theological Oration 4.20

Every unbeliever is of this world. No one who has overcome it and been deemed worthy of the world to come is blinded in his understanding, for his eyes have been enlightened.

Pauline Commentary from the Greek Church

The god of this world may be understood to be the devil, on the ground that he has claimed to rule over unbelievers. Or, on account of the attacks of the heretics it may be understood to mean that God has blinded the minds of unbelievers precisely because of their unbelief.

Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 4

What is the face of God like? As his image, certainly, for as the apostle says, the image of the Father is the Son. With his image, therefore, may he shine upon us, that is, may he shine his image, the Son, upon us in order that he himself may shine upon us, for the light of the Father is the light of the Son. He who sees the Father sees also the Son, and he who sees the Son sees also the Father. Where there is no diversity between glory and glory, there glory is one and the same.

Homily 6 on Psalm 66 (67)

Paul is saying that unbelief is limited to this world, because in the next life the truth will be plain to everyone.

Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 308

A hermit said, ‘When the donkey’s eyes are covered it walks round the mill-wheel. If you uncover its eyes, it will not go on walking in the circle. So if the devil succeeds in covering a man’s eyes, he leads him into every kind of sin. But if the man’s eyes are uncovered, he can more easily escape.’

The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks

Among those who are perishing, he says, who are many and various, are also the unbelievers. It is they whose "the god of this age has blinded the minds." The Marcionites assert that this is said about the demiurge, whom they call just (see St. John Chrysostom, Homily 8), but not good, while the Manichaeans refer this to the devil, whom they also call the creator of the world. But neither the one nor the other is correct; rather, this is said about our God. And if He is called the God of this age, there is nothing new in that, for He is also called the God of heaven, although He is not God of it alone; He is also called the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, although He is God not of them alone, but of all. What is strange, then, if Paul also fittingly called Him here the God of this age, in order to better show the unbelievers that He created even this visible world, while enjoying which they reject the Creator? This passage can also be explained thus: that God blinded the minds of the unbelievers of this age, for in the age to come there are no unbelievers. What then does "blinded" mean? It means that He permitted them to be blind, just as He also "gave them over to a debased mind" (Rom. 1:28). For after they fell away from Him, He left them to themselves, abandoned them, because He does not compel anyone to salvation. Note, however, that he did not say He blinded them so that they would not believe, but so that unworthy eyes would not see the radiance of Christ's glory. And the radiance consists in believing that He was crucified, ascended, and will grant us future blessings. Just as one with diseased eyes is not allowed to see the rays of the sun lest they be harmed, so too they became unbelievers of their own accord. And when they became such, God hid from them the rays of the glory of the Gospel, as from the Israelites the face of Moses. So He also commanded us "not to cast pearls before swine" (Matt. 7:6). He beautifully said "to shine," for now we have a moderate light, and not full illumination, which above he called a fragrance and a pledge, showing that there is something greater.

Here he shows that they do not know not only the glory of Christ, but also the glory of the Father. For if Christ is the image of the Father, then he who does not see Christ does not know the Father either.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

The cause of this concealment is not on the part of the Gospel, but on account of their own guilt and malice; and this is what he adds: in their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers. This can be explained in three ways: in one way so that the god of this world, i.e. God, who is the Lord of this world and of all things by creation and nature: "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein" (Ps. 24:1), has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, not by producing malice, but by the merit, or rather demerit of preceding sins, by withdrawing his grace: "Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed" (Is. 6:10). Therefore he hints at their preceding sins when he says, of unbelievers, as though their unbelief is the cause of this blindness. In a second way, so that the god of this world, i.e., the devil, who is called the god of this world, i.e., of those who live in a worldly manner, not by reason of creation but by imitation, because worldly persons imitate him: "They follow him that are on his side" (Wis. 2:25, Vulgate). Here he blinds them by suggesting, by attracting and by inclining to sins. And so, when they are already in sin, they work in the darkness of sin, lest they see: "Darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God" (Eph. 4:18). In the third way thus: God has the nature of the ultimate end and fulfillment of the desires of every creature. Hence, whatever a person assigns to himself as an ultimate end in which his desire rests, can be called his god. Hence, when you have pleasure as end, pleasure is called your god, and the same for pleasures of the flesh and for honors. Then it is explained so that the god of this world, i.e., that which men living in a worldly way set up as their end, say pleasure or riches and the like. And God blinds their minds, inasmuch as he prevents them from seeing the light of grace here, and the light of glory in the future: "Fire", namely of concupiscence, "has fallen on them, and they shall not see the sun" (Ps. 57:9, Vulgate). Thus, therefore, the blindness of unbelievers is not on the part of the Gospel, but from the sin of unbelievers.

Therefore, he adds, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. Here it should be noted that God the Father is the source of all light: "God is light and in him is no darkness at all" (1 Jn. 1:5). From this fountain of light is derived the image of this light, namely the Son, the Word of God: "He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature" (Heb. 1:3). Therefore, this brightness of glory and image of the fountain of light took our flesh and accomplished many glorious and divine works in this world. The disclosing of this light is the Gospel. Hence, the Gospel is also called the knowledge of the glory of Christ, which knowledge has the power to enlighten: "Wisdom is radiant and unfading" (Wis. 6:12). As far as it is concerned, it shines upon all and enlightens all. But those who place an obstacle are not enlightened. And this is what he says: the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing, namely, with their unbelieving minds, the light of the gospel, which enlightens because it is the glory of Christ, i.e. his brightness: "We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father" (Jn. 1:14). This glory is Christ's, inasmuch as he is the likeness [image] of God: "He is the image of the invisible God" (Col. 1:15).

Note, according to a Gloss, that Christ is the most perfect image of God. For in order that something be perfectly an image of something, three things are necessary, and these three are perfectly in Christ. First, a likeness; second, origin; third, perfect equality. For if there is unlikeness between the image and that of which it is the image, and one does not arise from the other, or even if there is not perfect equality according to the same nature, then the notion of perfect image would not be there. For the likeness of a king on a coin is not called a perfect image of the king, because equality according to the same nature is lacking; but the likeness of a king in his son is called a perfect image of the king, because it possesses the three marks mentioned. Therefore, since those three are present in Christ, the Son of God, because namely he is similar to the Father, arises from the Father and is equal to the Father, he is in the highest degree and perfectly called the image of God.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

From this I see only two exits: either that there is a Great God, and also a 'God of this world', a prince of the powers of the air, whom the Great God does curse, and sometimes curses through us; or else that the operations of the Great God are not what they seem to me to be.

The Pains of Animals, from God in the Dock

One of the things that surprised me when I first read the New Testament seriously was that it talked so much about a Dark Power in the universe—a mighty evil spirit who was held to be the Power behind death and disease, and sin. The difference is that Christianity thinks this Dark Power was created by God, and was good when he was created, and went wrong.

Mere Christianity, The Invasion

It sounds as if you supposed that argument was the way to keep him out of the Enemy's clutches. That might have been so if he had lived a few centuries earlier. At that time the humans still knew pretty well when a thing was proved and when it was not; and if it was proved they really believed it. They still connected thinking with doing and were prepared to alter their way of life as the result of a chain of reasoning. But what with the weekly press and other such weapons we have largely altered that. Your man has been accustomed, ever since he was a boy, to have a dozen incompatible philosophies dancing about together inside his head. He doesn't think of doctrines as primarily "true" or "false", but as "academic" or "practical", "outworn" or "contemporary", "conventional" or "ruthless". Jargon, not argument, is your best ally in keeping him from the Church. Don't waste time trying to make him think that materialism is true! Make him think it is strong, or stark, or courageous--that it is the philosophy of the future. That's the sort of thing he cares about.

The Screwtape Letters

In expressing himself humbly, Paul spoke in a way which was designed to show that he was not preaching the gospel for his own advantage but for the glory of the Lord Christ, to whom he is obedient.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

And the apostle: “For we preach not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves merely as your servants in Jesus.” Knowing, then, the fruits of humility and the penalty of conceit, imitate the Master by loving one another and do not shrink from death or any other punishment for the good of each other. But the way which God entered upon for you, do you enter upon for him, proceeding with one body and one soul to the invitation from above, loving God and each other. For love and fear of the Lord are the first fulfillment of the law.

On the Christian Mode of Life

It is not we but he who enables our faith, accepting us and judging us by it.

Pauline Commentary from the Greek Church

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake."

And what is the nature of the connexion there? What hath this in common with what has been said? He either hints at them as exalting themselves, and persuading the disciples to name themselves after them: as he said in the former Epistle, "I am of Paul and I of Apollos;" or else another thing of the gravest character. What then is this? Seeing that they waged fierce war against them, and plotted against them on every side; 'Is it,' he says, 'with us ye fight and war? [Nay but] with Him that is preached by us, "for we preach not ourselves." I am a servant, I am [but] a minister even of those who receive the Gospel, transacting every thing for Another, and for His glory doing whatsover I do. So that in warring against me thou throwest down what is His. For so far am I from turning to my own personal advantage any part of the Gospel, that I will not refuse to be even your servant for Christ's sake; seeing it seemed good to Him so to honor you, seeing He so loved you and did all things for you.' Wherefore also he saith, "and ourselves your servants for Christ's sake." Seest thou a soul pure from glory? 'For in truth,' saith he, 'we not only do not take to ourselves aught of our Master's, but even to you we submit ourselves for His sake.'

Homily 8 on 2 Corinthians

Above he said that we "do not resort to cunning," then he added about the unbelievers, how they were covered. Now he says: we do not deceive, for we preach not ourselves, as the false apostles do. For they urged their disciples to call themselves by their names, as he also showed in the first epistle: "I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas" (1 Cor. 1:12). Otherwise: do not think, you who attack us, that you are attacking us, for we preach not ourselves but Christ; therefore you are rising up against the One we preach. We so far from preach ourselves that we do not refuse to be even your servants for Christ's sake, that is, because He so loved us and did everything for us.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Then when he says, For what we preach is not ourselves, the Apostle settles a doubt. For some could say to the Apostle, contrary to what was said here: above you said that your Gospel was hidden; now you say that the Gospel of Christ enlightens. Therefore, if it is granted that the Gospel of Christ enlightens, it cannot follow that your Gospel is hidden. To settle this he does two things. First he shows that his own Gospel and Christ's are the same; secondly, he shows how it is that his own Gospel enlightens (v. 6).

He says, therefore: I say that the manifestation of the brightness of Christ is the Gospel of Christ and our Gospel. It is ours as preached by us; it is Christ's truly as the one preached in the Gospel. Hence it is that what we preach is not ourselves, i.e., we do not commend ourselves nor for ourselves, i.e., we do not use our preaching for our praise or gain, but we refer it all to Christ and his praise: "We preach Christ crucified" (1 Cor. 1:23); "That I may tell of all your works," not mine, "in the gates of the daughter of Zion" (Ps. 73:28). But Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. As if to say: we preach Jesus as Lord, but ourselves as servants, the reason being that we principally seek the praise of Christ and not our own. For a servant is one who exists for the profit of the master. That is why a minister of the Church, who does not seek the honor of God and the welfare of his subjects, is not a true ruler, but a tyrant. For whoever rules well should be as a servant seeking the honor and profit of his subjects: "The elder shall serve the younger" (Gen. 25:23); "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all" (1 Cor. 9:19).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Now he did not observe how much this clause of the sentence made against him: "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to (give) the light of the knowledge (of His glory) in the face of (Jesus) Christ." Now who was it that said; "Let there be light? " And who was it that said to Christ concerning giving light to the world: "I have set Thee as a light to the Gentiles" -to them, that is, "who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death? " (None else, surely, than He), to whom the Spirit in the Psalm answers, in His foresight of the future, saying, "The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, hath been displayed upon us.

Against Marcion Book 5

Now, if you will examine the words which precede the passage where mention is made of the outward and the inward man, will you not discover the whole truth, both of the dignity and the hope of the flesh? For, when he speaks of the "light which God hath commanded to shine in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord in the person of Jesus Christ," and says that "we have this treasure in earthen vessels," meaning of course the flesh, which is meant-that the flesh shall be destroyed, because it is "an earthen vessel," deriving its origin from clay; or that it is to be glorified, as being the receptacle of a divine treasure? Now if that true light, which is in the person of Christ, contains in itself life, and that life with its light is committed to the flesh, is that destined to perish which has life entrusted to it? Then, of course, the treasure will perish also; for perishable things are entrusted to things which are themselves perishable, which is like putting new wine into old bottles.

On the Resurrection of the Flesh

So also the mercies of God entirely dissolve death, and assist the human race, and nourish the light of the heart.

Discourse X. Domnina

Therefore, having finished the world, He commanded that animals of various kinds and of dissimilar forms should be created, both great and smaller. And they were made in pairs, that is, one of each sex; from the offspring of which both the air and the earth and the seas were filled. And God gave nourishment to all these by their kinds from the earth, that they might be of service to men: some, for instance, were for food, others for clothing; but those which are of great strength He gave, that they might assist in cultivating the earth, whence they were called beasts of burthen. And thus, when all things had been settled with a wonderful arrangement, He determined to prepare for Himself an eternal kingdom, and to create innumerable souls, on whom He might bestow immortality. Then He made for Himself a figure endowed with perception and intelligence, that is, after the likeness of His own image, than which nothing can be more perfect: He formed man out of the dust of the ground, from which he was called man, because He was made from the earth. Finally, Plato says that the human form was godlike; as does the Sibyl, who says, "Thou art my image, O man, possessed of right reason."

The poets also have not given a different account respecting this formation of man, however they may have corrupted it; for they said that man was made by Prometheus from clay. They were not mistaken in the matter itself, but in the name of the artificer. For they had never come into contact with a line of the truth; but the things which were handed down by the oracles of the prophets, and contained in the sacred book of God; those things collected from fables and obscure opinion, and distorted, as the truth is wont to be corrupted by the multitude when spread abroad by various conversations, everyone adding something to that which he had heard.

The Divine Institutes, Book 2, Chapter XI

But does anyone deny that the Godhead of the eternal Trinity is to be adored, when the Scriptures also set forth the inexplicable majesty of the divine Trinity, as the apostle says elsewhere: “For the God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus?” … Who is it, then, who shined that we might know God in the face of Christ Jesus? For he said: “God shined,” that the glory of God might be known in the face of Jesus Christ. Who else do we think but the Spirit who was made manifest? Or who else is it but the Holy Spirit, to whom the power of the Godhead is referred? For those who exclude the Spirit must introduce another to receive with the Father and the Son the glory of the Godhead.

On the Holy Spirit 3.12.86. 88

"Seeing it is God that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in your hearts."

Seest thou how again to those who were desirous of seeing that surpassing glory, I mean that of Moses, he shows it flashing with added lustre? 'As upon the face of Moses, so also hath it shined unto your hearts,' he saith. And first, he puts them in mind of what was made in the beginning of the Creation, sensible light and darkness sensible, showing that this creation is greater. And where commanded He light to shine out of darkness? In the beginning and in prelude to the Creation; for, saith he, "Darkness was upon the face of the deep. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light." Howbeit then indeed He said, "Let it be, and it was:" but now He said nothing, but Himself became Light for us. For he said not, 'hath also now commanded,' but "hath" Himself "shined." Therefore neither do we see sensible objects by the shining of this Light, but God Himself through Christ. Seest thou the invariableness in the Trinity? For of the Spirit, he says, "But we all with unveiled face reflecting in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory even as from the Lord the Spirit." And of the Son; "That the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, Who is the Image of God, should not dawn upon them." And of the Father; "He that said Light shall shine out of darkness shined in your hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." For as when he had said, "Of the Gospel of the glory of Christ," he added, "Who is the Image of God," showing that they were deprived of His glory also; So after saying, "the knowledge of God," he added, "in the face of Christ,' to show that through Him we know the Father, even as through the Spirit also we are brought unto Him.

Homily 8 on 2 Corinthians

Since the divine nature is invisible and always remains so, it is seen for what it is in the humanity of Jesus Christ which shines with divine light and sends out its rays.

Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 309

Our hearts had been submerged in darkness.

Book of Perfection 64

We should accordingly worship and glorify him who raised our dust to such state, recounting ceaselessly the holiness of him who mingled our spirit with his Spirit and mixed into our bodies the gift of his grace, causing the fire of his Holy Spirit to burst into flame in us. For “he has shone out in our hearts” which had been submerged in darkness.

Book of Perfection

When the apostle said, “God, who commanded the light to shine out of the darkness, has shined in our hearts,” he referred to the resurrection. He showed this resurrection to be the exodus from the old state which in the likeness of Sheol incarcerates a person where the light of the gospel will not shine mystically upon him. This breath of life shines through hope in the resurrection. By it the dawning of divine wisdom shines in the heart, so that a person should become new, having nothing of the old.

Ascetical Homilies 37

Why, he says, do we not preach ourselves? Because God has shone in our hearts, as in ancient times upon the face of Moses, so now upon us. As at the first creation He spoke, and light appeared out of darkness, so now too He spoke, and light appeared. However, He Himself became light for us, for He shone for us "in the face of Christ," that is, through Christ, because the Father shines in us through Christ and gives "illumination by the knowledge," not of His essence, but of His glory. Notice, here too Paul has theology concerning the Trinity. For concerning the Spirit he says, "beholding the glory of the Lord," for the Spirit is the Lord; concerning the Son: "the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ," and now concerning the Father: "to illuminate us with the knowledge of His glory."

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Then when he says, For it is the God who said, he shows the source of his Gospel's power to enlighten. Here we should note the order of the Apostle's procedure. It is this: at one time, namely, before being converted to Christ, we were darkness, just as you and the others, upon whom the brightness of Christ's glory did not shine. But now, after Christ has called us to himself by his grace, that darkness has been taken away from us, and now the power of the glory of Christ's brightness shines in us, and it shines on us in such a way that not only are we enlightened so that we can see, but we enlighten others. Therefore, from the spiritual grace and abundant splendor of the brightness of the glory of Christ in us, our Gospel has the power to enlighten.

And this is what he says: I say that our Gospel enlightens, for it is the God who said, i.e., who made by a single command, let light shine out of darkness, by separating the elements, when he enlightened the dark chaos by the light he made: "He said, 'let there be light'" (Gen. 1:3): "I made an unfailing light to rise in the heavens" (Sir 24:6). He, I say, has shone in our hearts, i.e., in our minds, previously darkened by the absence of the light of grace and by the obscurity of sin: "To enlighten those that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death" (Lk. 1:79). He has shone, I say, not only to enlighten us, but to give the light, i.e., that we might enlighten others: "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given" (Eph. 3:8); "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14). To give the light, I say, of the knowledge, i.e., that we make others know of the glory of God, i.e., of the clear vision of God, in the face of Christ. A Gloss: i.e., "through Jesus Christ", who is the face of the Father, because without him the Father is not known. But it is said better thus: to illumine the holy brightness of God, which indeed shines in the face of Jesus Christ, i.e., so that by that glory and brightness Jesus Christ may be known. As if to say: in summary, God has shone upon us to enlighten us, so that Jesus Christ may be known and preached among the Gentiles.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

This visible appearance cheats death and the devil; for the wealth within, the beauty, is unseen by them. And they rave about the carcase, which they despise as weak, being blind to the wealth within; knowing not what a "treasure in an earthen vessel" we bear, protected as it is by the power of God the Father, and the blood of God the Son, and the dew of the Holy Spirit.

Who is the Rich Man that Shall Be Saved?

Since therefore he said, that the Gentiles were without God, whilst their god was the devil, not the Creator, it is clear that he must be understood to be the lord of this world, whom the Gentiles received as their god-not the Creator, of whom they were in ignorance. But how does it happen, that "the treasure which we have in these earthen vessels of ours" should not be regarded as belonging to the God who owns the vessels? Now since God's glory is, that so great a treasure is contained in earthen vessels, and since these earthen vessels are of the Creator's make, it follows that the glory is the Creator's; nay, since these vessels of His smack so much of the excellency of the power of God, that power itself must be His also! Indeed, all these things have been consigned to the said "earthen vessels" for the very purpose that His excellence might be manifested forth.

Against Marcion Book 5

How shall we observe that principle, if in our loathing we shall not loathe revenge? What honour, moreover, shall we be offering to the Lord God, if we arrogate to ourselves the arbitrament of vengeance? We are corrupt -earthen vessels. With our own servant-boys, if they assume to themselves the right of vengeance on their fellow-servants, we are gravely offended; while such as make us the offering of their patience we not only approve as mindful of humility, of servitude, affectionately jealous of the right of their lord's honour; but we make them an ampler satisfaction than they would have pre-exacted for themselves.

Of Patience

But just as divine providence is not proved to be a fiction, particularly for those who are convinced of its existence, because its workings and arrangements are beyond the comprehension of human minds, so neither will the divine inspiration of holy Scripture, which extends through its entire body, be supposed to be nonexistent because the weakness of our understanding cannot discover the deep and hidden thoughts in every sentence. For the treasure of divine wisdom is concealed in vessels of poor and humble words, as the apostle points out when he says: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the greatness of the divine power may shine forth the more,” when no taint of human eloquence is mingled with the truth of the doctrines.

On First Principles 4.1

By treasure, Paul meant the sacrament of God in Christ, which is made manifest to believers but which has been concealed from unbelievers with a veil. Just as a treasure is put in a hidden place, the sacrament of God is hidden within a person, in his heart. The reference to earthen vessels is an allusion to the weakness of human nature, which can do nothing unless empowered by God.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves."

For seeing he had spoken many and great things of the unspeakable glory, lest any should say, 'And how enjoying so great a glory remain we in a mortal body?' he saith, that this very thing is indeed the chiefest marvel and a very great example of the power of God, that an earthen vessel hath been enabled to bear so great a brightness and to keep so high a treasure. And therefore as admiring this, he said, "That the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;" again alluding to those who gloried in themselves. For both the greatness of the things given and the weakness of them that receive show His power; in that He not only gave great things, but also to those who are little. For he used the term "earthen" in allusion to the frailty of our mortal nature, and to declare the weakness of our flesh. For it is nothing better constituted than earthenware; so is it soon damaged, and by death and disease and variations of temperature and ten thousand other things easily dissolved. And he said these things both to take down their inflation, and to show to all that none of the things we hold is human. For then is the power of God chiefly conspicuous, when by vile it worketh mighty things. Wherefore also in another place He said, "For My power is made perfect in weakness." And indeed in the Old [Testament] whole hosts of barbarians were turned to flight by gnats and flies, wherefore also He calleth the caterpillar His mighty force; and in the beginning, by only confounding tongues, He put a stop to that great tower in Babylon. And in their wars too, at one time, He routed innumerable hosts by three hundred men; at another He overthrew cities by trumpets; and afterwards by a little and poor stripling, David, He turned to flight the whole army of barbarians. So then here also, sending forth twelve only He overcame the world; twelve, and those, persecuted, warred against.

Homily 8 on 2 Corinthians

We have a treasure in such vessels of clay. There are many who construe this last expression in reference to the body and to the Holy Spirit, meaning, of course, that we possess a treasure in earthen vessels. There is certainly that interpretation, but I think the better treasury-concept is that we have a most precious treasure in vessels of clay symbolizing the homely words of the Scripture.

Homily 11 on Psalm 77 (78)

Every word of Scripture is a symbol all its own. These rustic words that persons of every age ponder over are packed full of mystical meaning. “But we carry this treasure in vessels of clay”; we have a divine treasury of meaning in the most ordinary words.

Homily 20 on Psalm 90 (91)

Since he said much that was great and lofty about the ineffable glory, lest anyone should say: how then shall we, having received such blessings as you describe, remain in a mortal body? – he says: the earthen vessel contains such treasures by the power of God.

That the exceeding power manifested in us might be of God, and that no one might think we accomplish anything of ourselves, but that all who see might say that all this is of God. He hints at the false apostles, who attributed everything to themselves.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Above, he discussed the use of the ministry of the New Testament in regard to doing good; here he discusses its use in regard to enduring evil. In regard to this he does two things: first, he points to the endurance of the evils they suffered; secondly, he explains this (v. 11). In regard to the first he does three things: first, he shows the reason why they are exposed to tribulations by God; secondly, he shows that they should act patiently under these tribulations (v. 8); thirdly, he gives the reason for this patience (v. 10).

He says, therefore: God has shone on our minds to give light to others, and this light is our greatest treasure: "It is an unfailing treasure for men" (Wis. 7:14); "Abundance of salvation, wisdom and knowledge" (Is. 33:6). But we do not have that greatest treasure in a precious place, but in a lowly fragile thing, in order that its power may be attributed to God. Hence, he says, We have this treasure, i.e., that light by which we enlighten others, in earthen vessels, i.e., in our frail and lowly body: "For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust" (Ps. 103:14); "Like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel" (Jer. 18:6); "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay" (Is. 64:8). Therefore we have it in earthen vessels to show that the transcendent power of that light belongs to God, i.e., attributed to God, and not believed to belong to us. For if we were rich or powerful or noble according to the flesh, any great good we did would be attributed not to God but to ourselves. But now, because we are poor and contemptible, such excellence is attributed to God and not to ourselves. Therefore, God wants us to be held in contempt and to be exposed to tribulations: "Lest they should say, 'Our hand is triumphant, the Lord has not wrought all this'" (Deut. 32:27); "That no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Cor. 1:29); "You sent them as your forerunners not to speak" (Wis. 12:8).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

...blessed then will he be, and truly proclaimed perfect, "that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us," as the apostle says. Only let us preserve free-will and love: "troubled on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." For those who strive after perfection, according to the same apostle, must "give no offence in anything, but in everything approve themselves not to men, but to God."

The Stromata Book 4

Rather, dishonour and weakness will accrue to him, because the earthen vessels with which he had nothing to do have received all the excellency! Well, then, if it be in these very earthen vessels that he tells us we have to endure so great sufferings, in which we bear about with us the very dying of God, (Marcion's) god is really ungrateful and unjust, if he does not mean to restore this same I substance of ours at the resurrection, wherein so much has been endured in loyalty to him, in which Christ's very death is borne about, wherein too the excellency of his power is treasured.

Against Marcion Book 5

He also says, in verses occurring in a previous part of the epistle: "Our condition is such, that we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; and are in need, but not in utter want; since we are harassed by persecutions, but not forsaken; it is such that we are east down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in our body the dying of Christ." "But though," says he, "our outward man perisheth"-the flesh doubtless, by the violence of persecutions-"yet the inward man is renewed day by day"-the soul, doubtless, by hope in the promises.

Scorpiace

For God delivers us from afflictions not when we are no longer in affliction (… Paul says “we are afflicted in every way,” as though there were never a time when we were not afflicted), but when in our affliction we are not crushed because of God’s help. “To be afflicted,” according to a colloquial usage of the Hebrews, has the meaning of a critical circumstance that happens to us without our free choice, while “to be crushed” implies our free choice and that it has been conquered by affliction and given into its power. And so Paul is right when he says, “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed.”

On Prayer 30.1

And unless we understand something that has escaped the notice of the many concerning praying not to enter into temptation, it is time to say that the apostles sometimes prayed and were not heard. How many thousand sufferings did they experience throughout their lifetimes with far greater labors, with far more beatings, with countless imprisonments, and often near death? Paul on his own received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one, was beaten with rods three times, was stoned once, was shipwrecked three times, was adrift at sea a night and a day. He was in every way afflicted, perplexed, persecuted and struck down.

On Prayer 29.4

8–9

"We are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued, yet not forsaken."

He still dwells upon proving that the whole work is to be ascribed to the power of God, repressing the highmindedness of those that glory in themselves. 'For not this only,' saith he, 'is marvelous, that we keep this treasure in earthen vessels, but that even when enduring ten thousand hardships, and battered on every side, we [still] preserve and lose it not. Yet though there were a vessel of adamant, it would neither have been strong enough to carry so vast a treasure, nor have sufficed against so many machinations; yet, as it is, it both bears it and suffers no harm, through God's grace.' For, "we are pressed on every side," saith he, "but not straitened." What is, "on every side?"

'In respect of our foes, in respect of our friends, in respect of necessaries, in respect of other needs, by them which be hostile, by them of our own household.' "Yet not straitened." And see how he speaks contrarieties, that thence also he may show the strength of God. For, "we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened," saith he; "perplexed, yet not unto despair;" that is, 'we do not quite fall off. For we are often, indeed, wrong in our calculations, and miss our aim, yet not so as to fall away from what is set before us: for these things are permitted by God for our discipline, not for our defeat.'

"Pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed." For these trials do indeed befal, but not the consequences of the trials. And this indeed through the power and Grace of God. In other places indeed he says that these things were permitted in order both to their own humble-mindedness, and to the safety of others: for "that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn," he says: and again, "Lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me;" and in another place again, "that we should not trust in ourselves:" here, however, that the power of God might be manifested. Seest thou how great the gain of his trials? For it both showed the power of God, and more disclosed His grace. For, saith He, "My grace is sufficient for thee." It also anointed them unto lowliness of mind, and prepared them for keeping down the rest, and made them to be more hardy. "For patience," saith he, "worketh probation, and probation hope." For they who had fallen into ten thousand dangers and through the hope they had in God had been recovered, were taught to hold by it more and more in all things.

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

If none of these things ever happened, the greatness of God’s power would never be revealed.

Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 310

To such a degree, he says, everything is a matter of God's power, that although we are earthen vessels and are subjected to so many and such varied trials, we are nevertheless not shattered and do not lose the treasure that is within us. For we are afflicted at all times, in every place, and in every matter, among friends, among enemies, "but not crushed," because God enlarges our hearts.

That is, although we are subjected to calamities and afflictions, nevertheless, standing firm, we do not despair and are not overcome, but in God we find help and prevail.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Then when he says, we are afflicted in every way, he shows their patience in the things they suffer. In regard to this he does two things: first, he points out the evils they suffer in general; secondly, he mentions them in particular (v. 8b).

He says, therefore: truly we have this treasure in earthen vessels, because we are afflicted in every way. As if to say: no type of tribulation has missed us: "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Ac. 14:22). Nor is this strange, for it says in Luke (24:26): "Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And although we suffer in this way, we are not crushed. He speaks as a traveler who becomes distressed, when he cannot find a way out of a narrow place. As if to say: men who trust only in the world are distressed, if they are troubled on all sides by the world, because no way of relief is open to them, since they trust only in the world. But we, although we are troubled in the world, yet because we trust in God and hope in Christ, escape by the help of God. That is why we are not distressed.

Then when he says, perplexed, but not driven to despair, he lists the tribulations in particular. Now there are four things by which men are wont to be troubled; and the apostles were also troubled by them, namely, by external things, by the disquiet of their state, by injury to their reputation, and by affliction of their body. Therefore, in regard to the first he says, we are perplexed, i.e., impoverished. As if to say: we are so poor that we lack necessities: "To the present hour we hunger and thirst" (1 Cor. 4:11). But we are not driven to despair, i.e., abandoned by God, who is our treasure. For riches are not sought for their own sake, but for a sufficiency of life. Hence, men who live without God's help and without hope, are destitute, if they lack riches. But those who trust and hope in God alone, no matter how perplexed they be, are not destitute: "As having nothing and possessing everything" (2 Cor. 6:10).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

God was with them, like a shepherd, when they were in need. He looked after their interests, so that their enemies would not get the better of them.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

People persecute us, but God does not abandon us. For this is permitted so that we may be exercised in struggle, not so that we may fall.

The adversaries, he says, strike us down in body and in outward things, but we do not perish; we are of good courage and enjoy steadfastness of spirit, and in this we preserve, with the help of God, the body itself.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

But this is not all, for along with this we are disquieted: persecuted, namely, from place to place: "When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next" (Matt. 10:23), but not forsaken by God, because he offers help: "I will never fail you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5); "You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you" (Ps. 9:10). Along with this we are injured in our reputation, because we are humiliated, i.e., scorned and regarded as nothing: "The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God" (Jn. 16:2); "Blessed are you when men hate you" (Lk. 6:22). But because when a man is scorned and there is reason for it, the scorned one is usually ashamed. But when there is no cause, he is not ashamed. And there was no reason for their being scorned, hence he continues, but not ashamed. As if to say: since there is no reason, we do not care: "In you, O Lord, have I hoped; let me never be put to shame" (Ps. 31:2). But as though these were trifles, he adds to the amount of tribulation, saying: struck down into the dangers of death, but not destroyed, i.e., we do not cease doing good; or we are not destroyed because God sustains us: "We have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things" (1 Cor. 4:13); "When you shall think yourself consumed, you shall rise as the daystar" (Job 11:17, Vulgate); "We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter" (Ps. 44:22).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

That he uses these words with respect to the body of flesh, and to none other, he declares to the Corinthians manifestly, indubitably, and free from all ambiguity: "Always bearing about in our body the dying of Jesus, that also the life of Jesus Christ might be manifested in our body. For if we who live are delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, it is that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh."

Against Heresies Book 5

Rather, dishonour and weakness will accrue to him, because the earthen vessels with which he had nothing to do have received all the excellency! Well, then, if it be in these very earthen vessels that he tells us we have to endure so great sufferings, in which we bear about with us the very dying of God, (Marcion's) god is really ungrateful and unjust, if he does not mean to restore this same I substance of ours at the resurrection, wherein so much has been endured in loyalty to him, in which Christ's very death is borne about, wherein too the excellency of his power is treasured. For he gives prominence to the statement, "That the life also of Christ may be manifested in our body," as a contrast to the preceding, that His death is borne about in our body.

Against Marcion Book 5

For he gives prominence to the statement, "That the life also of Christ may be manifested in our body," as a contrast to the preceding, that His death is borne about in our body.

Against Marcion Book 5

When also he adds, "Always bearing about in our body the dying of the Lord Jesus Christ" what sort of substance is that which, after (being called) the temple of God, can now be also designated the tomb of Christ? But why do we bear about in the body the dying of the Lord? In order, as he says, "that His life also may be manifested.

On the Resurrection of the Flesh

Christ himself shares in the death of martyrs. Their sufferings are his sufferings. His life is made manifest in their bodies. Their sufferings are evidence of the fact that they are prepared to receive the life to come which Christ promised.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body."

And what is the "dying of the Lord Jesus," which they bare about? Their daily deaths by which also the resurrection was showed. 'For if any believe not,' he says, 'that Jesus died and rose again, beholding us every day die and rise again, let him believe henceforward in the resurrection.' Seest thou how he has discovered yet another reason for the trials? What then is this reason? "That his life also may be manifested in our body." He says, 'by snatching us out of the perils. So that this which seems a mark of weakness and destititution, this, [I say,] proclaims His resurrection. For His power had not so appeared in our suffering no unpleasantness, as it is now shown in our suffering indeed, but without being overcome.'

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

That is, by daily being subjected to death and always imitating the death of the Lord, we thus bear witness to His life, or to His resurrection, in our body. For if someone does not believe that the Lord rose, he will have no pretext for unbelief when he sees that we die daily and yet daily remain alive.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Then when he says, always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, he gives the reason for this patience. Here it should be noted that in Christ the process was this: having from the beginning of his conception a flesh that could suffer, he both suffered and died, yet within he was leading a spiritual life. But after the resurrection that spiritual and glorious life flowed into the body, so that his body became glorious and immortal, because "Christ being raised from the dead will never die again" (Rom. 6:9). Hence we can think of two states in the body of Christ, namely, of death and of glory. Hence, he says that we endure the perils of death and suffering patiently, in order to attain to the glorious life.

And this is what he says: always carrying, i.e., in all things and everywhere, the death of Jesus, i.e., for Jesus, or in the likeness of Jesus' death: "I bear on my body the marks of Jesus" (Gal. 6:17), because we have suffered for the truth, as Jesus did. In our body, not only in our mind: "For your sake we are slain all the day long" (Ps. 44:22). That the life of Jesus, i.e., the life of grace which Jesus gives, or the life of glory which Jesus reached by his sufferings: "Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" (Lk. 24:26), may also be manifested, i.e., be evident even to enemies. He says therefore, in the future, namely, in the resurrection, or even now the life of grace, in our bodies, and not only in our souls: "When they had broken the wine jars, the lamps appeared" (cf. Jdg. 7:20). Therefore Ambrose says: "They did not fear to die on account of the promised resurrection." Bearing about, i.e., carrying it about and enduring, because wherever we go, we suffer and do not give up. And this so that the life of Jesus, which is now hidden in our hearts, may be manifested in our bodies, namely, when "He will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body" (Phil. 3:21); "You have died and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3); "If we die with him, we shall also live with him" (2 Tim. 2:11).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

That he uses these words with respect to the body of flesh, and to none other, he declares to the Corinthians manifestly, indubitably, and free from all ambiguity: "Always bearing about in our body the dying of Jesus, that also the life of Jesus Christ might be manifested in our body. For if we who live are delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, it is that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh." And that the Spirit lays hold on the flesh, he says in the same Epistle, "That ye are the epistle of Christ, ministered by us, inscribed not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone, but in the fleshly tables of the heart." If, therefore, in the present time, fleshly hearts are made partakers of the Spirit, what is there astonishing if, in the resurrection, they receive that life which is granted by the Spirit?

Against Heresies Book 5

Now of what life of Christ does he here speak? Of that which we are now living? Then how is it, that in the words which follow he exhorts us not to the things which are seen and are temporal, but to those which are not seen and are eternal -in other words, not to the present, but to the future? But if it be of the future life of Christ that he speaks, intimating that it is to be made manifest in our body, then he has clearly predicted the resurrection of the flesh.

Against Marcion Book 5

But lest any one should here object, that the life of Jesus has even now to be manifested in our body by the discipline of holiness, and patience, and righteousness, and wisdom, in which the Lord's life abounded, the most provident wisdom of the apostle inserts this purpose: "For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that His life may be manifested in our mortal body." In us, therefore, even when dead, does he say that this is to take place in us.

On the Resurrection of the Flesh

Paul is saying that Christians are not afraid to die because they have the promise of resurrection.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

"For we which live are also delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in us in our mortal flesh."

For every where when he has said any thing obscure, he interprets himself again. So he has done here also, giving a clear interpretation of this which I have cited. 'For therefore, "we are delivered,"' he says, 'in other words, we bear about His dying that the power of His life may be made manifest, who permitteth not mortal flesh, though undergoing so great sufferings, to be overcome by the snowstorm of these calamities.' And it may be taken too in another way. How? As he says in another place, "If we die with him, we shall also live with Him." 'For as we endure His dying now, and choose whilst living to die for His sake: so also will he choose, when we are dead, to beget us then unto life. For if we from life come into death, He also will from death lead us by the hand into life.'

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

We do not suffer because of doing wrong but for the sake of the body of Christ, which is the church. He suffered for us so that his life, which is eternal, might be made manifest in our mortal bodies, so that they too might become immortal.

Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 4

This explains the words "the dying of Jesus," which were unclear. For he usually clarifies what has been said obscurely. And the words "that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest," besides the previous interpretation, should also be interpreted thus: as we now undergo the death of Christ and resolve to die alive for Him, so also He will be pleased to give life to us who have died, at that time. The apostle says this in another place as well: "if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him" (Rom. 6:8).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Having mentioned the patience of the apostles in the midst of evils, and revealed the cause of their patience, the Apostle now explains them. First, he explains what he said about the hope of glory; secondly, what he said about his own patience (v. 16). In regard to the first he does two things. First, he shows the hope of glory that he has; secondly, he shows the source of this hope (v. 13).

In regard to the first he does three things. First, he shows how he bears the mortification of Jesus in his body; secondly, how he bears the life of Jesus (v. 11b); thirdly, what he and others have obtained from this (v. 12). He says therefore: I say that we bear the death of Jesus in our bodies; not that we might die, but because while we live with bodily life or powers, we are always being given up to death or dangers of death; and this for Jesus' sake: "We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter" (Ps. 44:22). But how we carry the life of Jesus in our body is explained when he says, so that the immortal and incorruptible life of Jesus may be manifested in our now mortal flesh, so that our mortal flesh may put on immortality at the resurrection: "This mortal nature must put on immortality" (1 Cor. 15:53).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Paul is saying this because he and Timothy were being threatened with death for their sakes. By preaching to the Gentiles they had stirred up hatred from both Jews and Gentiles, risking even death.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

"So then death worketh in us, but life in you."

Speaking no more of death in the strict sense, but of trials and of rest. 'For we indeed,' he says, 'are in perils and trials, but ye in rest; reaping the life which is the fruit of these perils. And we indeed endure the dangerous, but ye enjoy the good things; for ye undergo not so great trials.'

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

He calls death here temptations, saying: we are in dangers, while you enjoy the life that flows from these dangers, namely through the preaching of the Gospel to you, through which you live eternal life.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

What results from this is mentioned when he continues, so death is at work, i.e., exercises its sway, in us, but life, namely, the present one, works in you, because you live in prosperity: "We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong" (1 Cor. 4:10). And death works in us a great good, namely, the attainment of spiritual life: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" (Ps. 116:15). But the earthly life that you love works in you a great evil, namely, eternal death: "The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin" (Prov. 10:16); "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (Jn. 12:25). Or another way: there were two things in Christ, namely, bodily death and spiritual life. He says therefore, so death is at work in us. As if to say: not only does spiritual life work in us, inasmuch as we imitate him spiritually, but death is at work, i.e., because of the hope of the resurrection and for the love of Christ, the marks of Christ's death appear in us, inasmuch as we are exposed to the sufferings of death: "For your sake we are slain all the day long" (Ps. 44:22). But in you, only the life of Christ works, through which faith and the spiritual life are planted in you.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

It is one and the same Spirit who is in the prophets and in the apostles. However, the Spirit dwelt in the prophets sporadically, whereas he abides in believers forever.

On the Trinity 29.6

Accordingly the apostle Paul says: “Since we have the same spirit, as shown in that which is written: ‘I believed, and so I spoke,’ we also believe and so we speak.” Therefore, it is one and the same Spirit who is in the prophets and in the apostles. He was, however, in the former only for a while; whereas he abides in the latter forever. In other words, he is in the prophets but not to remain always in them; in the apostles, that he might abide in them forever. He has been apportioned to the former in moderation; to the latter, he has been wholly poured out. He was sparingly given to the one; upon the other, lavishly bestowed.

On the Trinity 29.5-6

"But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak; that He which raised up the Lord Jesus, shall raise up us also by Jesus."

He has reminded us of a Psalm which abounds in heavenly wisdom, and is especially fitted to encourage in dangers. For this saying that just man uttered when he was in great dangers, and from which there was no other possibility of recovery than by the aid of God. Since then kindred circumstances are most effective in comforting, therefore he says, "having the same Spirit;" that is, 'by the same succor by which he was saved, we also are saved; by the Spirit through which he spake, we also speak.' Whence he shows, that between the New and Old Covenants great harmony exists, and that the same Spirit wrought in either; and that not we alone are in dangers, but all those of old were so too; and that we must find a remedy through faith and hope, and not seek at once to be released from what is laid upon us. For having showed by arguments the resurrection and the life, and that the danger was not a mark of helplessness or destitution; he thenceforward brings in faith also, and to it commits the whole. But still of this also, he furnishes a proof, the resurrection, namely, of Christ, saying, "we also believe, and therefore also we speak." What do we believe? tell me.

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

Here Paul is attacking those who have believed in false apostles, who claimed that Paul was suffering because he had little faith. According to them, faith ought to guarantee that there will be no suffering at all. But Paul shows that, on the contrary, he has endured all things precisely because of his faith.

Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 4

Moreover, our Mediator, when revealed to us, wished the sacrament of our regeneration to be manifest. But for the just men of old it was something hidden, although they also were to be saved by the same faith which was to be revealed in its own time. For we do not dare to prefer the faithful of our own time to the friends of God by whom those prophecies were to be made, since God so announced himself as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, as to give himself that name forever. If the belief is correct that circumcision served instead of baptism in the saints of old, what shall be said of those who pleased God before this was commanded, except that they pleased him by faith, because, as it is written in Hebrews: “Without faith it is impossible to please God”? “But having the same spirit of faith,” says the apostle, “as it is written: I believed, for which cause I have spoken, we also believe, for which reason we also speak.” He would not have said “the same” unless this very spirit of faith was also theirs. For, just as they, when this same mystery was hidden, believed in the incarnation of Christ which was to come, so we also believe that it has come.

Letter 187, to Dardanus 34

Those just men also were saved by their salutary faith in him as man and God. They, before he came in the flesh, believed that he was to come in the flesh. Our faith is the same as theirs, since they believed that this would be, while we believe that it has come to pass. Hence, the apostle Paul says: “But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed for which reason I have spoken: we also believe for which reason we also speak.” If, then, those who foretold that Christ would come in the flesh had the same faith as those who have recorded his coming, these religious mysteries could vary according to the diversity of times yet all refer most harmoniously to the unity of the same faith.

Letter 190, to Optatus

Paul the apostle says that he has the same spirit of faith which the blessed David had, which the holy Moses received, just as he himself testifies, saying, “Since then we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written: ‘I believed, therefore, I spoke.’ We too believe and therefore speak.” How did they have the one spirit of faith, if they believed differently concerning the faithful God? For the difference in belief is great if what Paul says, “There is no injustice with God,” differs from what Moses and David say, “There is no iniquity in God.” And if, as Paul says, he has the same spirit of faith which the prophets also had and yet his belief is different from their faith, let the apostle be declared a liar (God forbid), he who testifies that Christ speaks in him. “You are looking for proof of Christ speaking in me?” But since Christ has truly spoken in Paul, Paul is not a liar. And when he says that he has the same spirit of faith, he does not lie; the belief of each is in agreement so that what Moses and David have said.… This is also what Paul says.

To Monimus 3.5.7

Above he mentioned trials and death, then said that Jesus delivered us from them as well, and gave the reason that He delivered us precisely in order to assure us of His resurrection. Now he affirms that this must be grounded in faith, and not in reasonings alone, and says: just as David, who was in trials and was delivered from them by God alone, said, "I believed, and therefore I spoke," so we also, having the same spirit of faith that he had, believe and therefore speak, that just as Jesus rose, so we too shall overcome dangers and shall again be raised. Note that in the Old and New Testaments there is one and the same Spirit; note this against those who blaspheme the Law.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Then the Apostle shows how he acquired this hope of certainty. In regard to this he does two things. First, he states the cause of the certainty; secondly, he concludes to the certainty itself (v. 14).

Now the cause of this certainty is the Spirit instilling faith into their hearts. First, therefore, he mentions this cause; secondly, he explains it with an example (v. 13b). He says therefore: the reason we hope and do not faint is that we have the same spirit of faith which the ancients had, because although the times have changed, the Spirit and the faith have not changed, except that they believed that the Christ would come and suffer, whereas we believe that he has already come and suffered. And this Spirit is the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of faith: "All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills" (1 Cor. 12:11). Having, therefore, this Spirit that the ancients had, we do the same things as they did and we believe. But what they did is described in Ps. 116:10, "I have believed", namely, God perfectly. And this is what the ancients did: "And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised" (Heb. 11:39). And so, namely, for believing, I spoke, i.e., I confessed the faith: "For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved" (Rom. 10:10). But we do this because, since we believe, we speak and confess the faith and preach: "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard" (Ac. 4:20). Therefore the Holy Spirit is the cause of this certitude.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

"Wherefore, girding up your loins," "serve the Lord in fear" and truth, as those who have forsaken the vain, empty talk and error of the multitude, and "believed in Him who raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and gave Him glory," and a throne at His right hand. To Him all things in heaven and on earth are subject. Him every spirit serves. He comes as the Judge of the living and the dead. His blood will God require of those who do not believe in Him. But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness; "not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing," or blow for blow, or cursing for cursing, but being mindful of what the Lord said in His teaching: "Judge not, that ye be not judged; forgive, and it shall be forgiven unto you; be merciful, that ye may obtain mercy; with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again;" and once more, "Blessed are the poor, and those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God."

Epistle to the Philippians 2

What fellowship has light with darkness, life with death?

De Spectaculis

Now of what life of Christ does he here speak? Of that which we are now living? Then how is it, that in the words which follow he exhorts us not to the things which are seen and are temporal, but to those which are not seen and are eternal -in other words, not to the present, but to the future? But if it be of the future life of Christ that he speaks, intimating that it is to be made manifest in our body, then he has clearly predicted the resurrection of the flesh. He says, too, that "our outward man perishes," not meaning by an eternal perdition after death, but by labours and sufferings, in reference to which he previously said, "For which cause we will not faint.

Against Marcion Book 5

14–15

"That He which raised up Jesus, shall raise up also, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God."

Again, he fills them with lofty thoughts, that they may not hold themselves indebted to men, I mean to the false Apostles. For the whole is of God Who willeth to bestow upon many, so that the grace may appear the greater. For your sakes, therefore, was the resurrection and all the other things. For He did not these things for the sake of one only, but of all.

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

Paul believed that through the work of Christ he and all believers were made greater than death and that they would all be brought before the terrible seat of judgment.

Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 311

What then, he says, do we believe and what do we know? That He Who raised up Jesus will even now deliver us from dangers, and in the end will raise us up and present us together with you to the enjoyment of good things. He stirs them up to faith and a virtuous life.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Finally, therefore, he reaches the intended conclusion, namely, the certitude itself. First, in regard to his own salvation; secondly, in regard to the salvation of others (v. 14b). He says therefore, knowing, i.e., having certain knowledge, that he who raised Jesus, i.e., God the Father or the entire Trinity, will raise us also with Jesus, namely, to put on the same glory as Jesus, because since we are his members, we should be with the head: "Where I am, there shall my servant be also" (Jn. 12:26); "He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit which dwells in you" (Rom. 8:11). And I am certain not only of our salvation but of yours also, because he will bring us with you, i.e., we will be together. For just as we are members of Christ, so you are also through us: "And so we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Th. 4:17); "Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together" (Matt. 24:28). Therefore he says, with you, to urge them to good, inasmuch as he shows that they are not inferiors but equals.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

God does not want anyone to be excluded from his gift. But because not everyone had received the word of faith, God’s apostle, who knew God’s will, was not afraid to suffer persecutions and perils as long as he could preach to everyone faithfully, so that more people might believe.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

And hinting at the false apostles, who said that through their mediation the blessings of God were communicated to their disciples, he says: "all things are for your sakes," even the resurrection itself, and not for the sake of this one or that one. God does this and grants grace to many, so that as grace abounds, thanksgiving also may abound, being offered by many to the glory of God. Therefore the false apostles, by attributing the grace of God to themselves, also obscure its glory.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

And well can I say this with certainty, because all things are for your benefit. For all things, the sufferings we endure, the graces we receive from God, are for your sake, namely, that you be instructed by our example. And this, therefore, so that as grace extends from us, in you to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God, i.e., that many may thank God for so great a favor: "Always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father" (Eph. 5:20).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Now of what life of Christ does he here speak? Of that which we are now living? Then how is it, that in the words which follow he exhorts us not to the things which are seen and are temporal, but to those which are not seen and are eternal -in other words, not to the present, but to the future? But if it be of the future life of Christ that he speaks, intimating that it is to be made manifest in our body, then he has clearly predicted the resurrection of the flesh.

Against Marcion Book 5

He says, too, that "our outward man perishes," not meaning by an eternal perdition after death, but by labours and sufferings, in reference to which he previously said, "For which cause we will not faint.

Against Marcion Book 5

He says, too, that "our outward man perishes," not meaning by an eternal perdition after death, but by labours and sufferings, in reference to which he previously said, "For which cause we will not faint." Now, when he adds of "the inward man" also, that it "is renewed day by day," he demonstrates both issues here-the wasting away of the body by the wear and tear of its trials, and the renewal of the soul by its contemplation of the promises.

Against Marcion Book 5

For although it is called "a vessel" by the apostle, such as he enjoins to be treated "with honour," it is yet designated by the same apostle as "the outward man," -that clay, of course, which at the first was inscribed with the title of a man, not of a cup or a sword, or any paltry vessel.

On the Resurrection of the Flesh

Well, then, heresies finding that the apostle had mentioned two "men"-"the inner man," that is, the soul, and "the outward man," that is, the flesh-awarded salvation to the soul or inward man, and destruction to the flesh or outward man, because it is written (in the Epistle) to the Corinthians: "Though our outward man decayeth, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Now, neither the soul by itself alone is "man" (it was subsequently implanted in the clayey mould to which the name man had been already given), nor is the flesh without the soul "man ": for after the exile of the soul from it, it has the title of corpse.

On the Resurrection of the Flesh

A man who has his own best interest at heart will therefore be especially concerned for his soul and will spare no pains to keep it stainless and true to itself. If his body is wasted by hunger or by its struggles with heat and cold, if it is afflicted by illness or suffers violence from anyone, he will pay little attention to it, and, echoing the words of Paul, he will say in each of his adversities: “but though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” … But, if a man would also have mercy upon his body as being a possession necessary to the soul and its cooperator in carrying on the life on earth, he will occupy himself with its needs only so far as is required to preserve it and keep it vigorous by moderate care in the service of the soul.

Homily 21 on Detachment

In times of persecution the soul advances. Every day it adds something more to its experience of faith. Even the damage done to the body becomes conducive to immortality through the merit of the soul.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

"Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."

How does it decay? Being scourged, being persecuted, suffering ten thousand extremities. "Yet the inward man is renewed day by day." How is it renewed? By faith, by hope, by a forward will, finally, by braving those extremities. For in proportion as the body suffers ten thousand things, in the like proportion hath the soul goodlier hopes and becometh brighter, like gold refined in the fire more and more. And see how he brings to nothing the sorrows of this present life.

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

The renewal of humankind, begun in the sacred bath of baptism, proceeds gradually and is accomplished more quickly in some individuals and more slowly in others. But many are in progress toward the new life if we consider the matter carefully and without prejudice. As the apostle says: “Even though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” He says that the inner man is renewed day by day in order that he may become perfect, but you would have him begin with perfection. Would that you really did desire this! But you seek to lead the unwary astray rather than to uplift the weak.

The Way of Life of the Catholic Church 1.35.80

16–17

Syncletica also said, ‘If you are troubled by illness, do not be miserable, even if you are so ill that you cannot stand to pray or use your voice to say psalms. We need these tribulations to destroy the desires of our body; they serve the same purpose as fasting and austerity. If your senses are dulled by illness, you do not need to fast. In the same way that a powerful medicine cures an illness, so illness itself is a medicine to cure passion. A great deal is gained spiritually by bearing illness quietly and giving thanks to God. If we go blind, let us not be upset. We have lost one means to excellence, yet we can contemplate the glory of God with the inward eyes of the soul. If we go deaf let us remember that we shall no longer hear a lot of silly talk. If suffering has weakened the strength of your hands, you still have inner strength against the enemy’s attacks. If the whole body is afflicted by disease, your spiritual health is still increasing.’

The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks

Since, he says, we know the power of God and that God will now deliver us from dangers, and afterwards will raise us up glorified, we do not lose heart and do not despair amid sufferings. Further — the "outer man," that is, the body, wastes away. In what way? When it endures beatings and persecutions. But the "inner" man, that is, the spirit and soul, is renewed. In what way? By having good hope and boldness, as one who endures and rejoices for the sake of God.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Having mentioned the patience which the Apostle showed in tribulations and manifested the reward they expected, he then treats of the cause of patience and the mode or reason for patience. In regard to this he does three things. First, he hints at the patience of the saints; secondly, the cause of patience (v. 16b); thirdly, the reward of patience (v. 17).

In regard to the first he intends to show that the patience of the saints is unconquerable. Hence, he says, so, i.e., because we know that he who raised Jesus from the dead will raise us and place us with you; therefore we do not lose heart, namely, in our tribulations, i.e., we are reduced to the state in which we cannot bear and endure more for Christ. For to lose heart is the same as not being able to bear: "I was wearied, not being able to bear it" (Jer. 20:9).

But the reason why we do not fail is that although we fail as to the outward man, we are always renewed as to the inward man. Hence, he says, though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. Here it should be noted that by occasion of these words a certain heretic, Tertullian by name, said that the rational soul, which is in the body of a man, has a bodily shape and bodily members, just as the body has; and this is called the inward man. This, of course, is false. Hence, to understand the passage, it must be known that even according to the Philosopher in Ethics 9.9, and according to the way we speak, each thing is said to be that which is most important in it. For example, the most important thing in the city is the power and the council, so that whatever the power and council do, the city is said to do. Now something can be judged the most important thing in man either in truth or according to appearance. In truth the most important thing in man is the mind. Hence, according to the judgment of spiritual men, the mind is called the inward man. But according to appearance, the most important thing is the outward body with its senses. Hence, according to the judgment of those who consider only bodily and sense-perceptible things and savor earthly things, and whose god is the belly, the body with the sense is called the outward man.

Therefore, it is according to this manner that the Apostle is speaking here when he says, though our outer nature, i.e., the body with its sentient nature, is wasting away, in tribulations, fasts, abstinences and watchings: "Our old self was crucified with him" (Rom. 6:6); "Rottenness enters into my bones" (Hab. 3:16), yes this man, who is inner, namely, the mind or reason strengthened with the shield of faith, is being renewed. This should be understood in the following way: oldness is the road to corruption: "And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away" (Heb. 8:13). But human nature was established in wholeness, and if it had continued in that wholeness, it would have always been new. But through sin it began to be corrupted. As a result, whatever followed, such as ignorance, difficulty in doing good, inclination to evil, punishment, and so on, all pertain to oldness. Therefore, when such a human nature gets rid of the results of sin, it is said to be renewed. Such riddance begins in the saints here, but is perfectly completed in heaven. For here the oldness of sin is put off; for the spirit removes the oldness of sin and is subjected to the newness of justice. Here the intellect removes errors and assumes the newness of truth. It is according to this that the inner man, namely, the soul, is renewed: "Be renewed in the spirit of your minds" (Eph. 4:23). But in heaven, even the oldness of punishment is removed. Hence, there will be a complete renewal there: "Your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Ps. 103:5). But because the saints advance daily in purity of conscience and knowledge of divine things, he says, every day: "Ascending in his heart" (Ps. 84:7, Vulgate). Consequently, patience is unconquerable, because it is renewed from day to day.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

You may learn this, too, from the following passage, where the apostle says: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for as a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen," that is, our sufferings, "but at the things which are not seen," that is, our rewards: "for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." For the afflictions and injuries wherewith the outward man is worn away, he affirms to be only worthy of being despised by us, as being light and temporary; preferring those eternal recompenses which are also invisible, and that "weight of glory" which will be a counterpoise for the labours in the endurance of which the flesh here suffers decay.

On the Resurrection of the Flesh

It was not a light, momentary affliction to everyone, but it was to Paul and to people like him, because they had the perfect loving affection of God in Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit poured into their hearts.

Commentary on the Song of Songs

Paul is saying that our present afflictions are light because they are happening within time and space. In return for this light tribulation, we shall gain a degree of glory beyond measure. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.

Such, after all, is the way with good people: when they endure something for his sake, far from attending to the appearance of what occurs, they understand the reason behind it and thus bear everything with equanimity. Likewise Paul, the teacher of the Gentiles, identified imprisonment, arraignment, daily peril, all those many unbearable hardships as light burdens, not because they really were so by nature but because the reason behind their happening produced such an attitude in him that he would not turn back in the face of these oncoming threats. Listen, after all, to what he says: “For the light weight of our passing distress produces in us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison”; expectation of the glory we are destined to attain, he is saying, and of that unceasing enjoyment makes us bear without difficulty these hardships one after another and consider them of no consequence. Do you see how love of God reduces the intensity of troubles and prevents our having any sense of them as they befall us? On this account, of course, this blessed man, too, bore everything with equanimity, sustained by faith and hope in God.

Homilies on Genesis 25.17

"For the light affliction," he saith, "which is for the moment, worketh more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen."

Having closed the question by a reference to hope, (and, as he said in his Epistle to the Romans, "We are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope;" establishing the same point here also,) he sets side by side the things present with the things to come, the momentary with the eternal, the light with the weighty, the affliction with the glory. And neither is he content with this, but he addeth another expression, doubling it and saying, "more and more exceedingly." Next he also shows the mode how so great afflictions are light. How then light? "While we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen." So will both this present be light and that future great, if we withdraw ourselves from the things that are seen.

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

The human patience which is good, praiseworthy and deserving the name of virtue is said to be that by which we endure evils with equanimity so as not to abandon, through a lack of equanimity, the good through which we arrive at the better. By their unwillingness to suffer evil, the impatient do not effect their deliverance from it; instead, they bring upon themselves the suffering of more grievous ills. But the patient, who prefer to bear wrongs without committing them rather than to commit them by not enduring them, both lessen what they suffer in patience and escape worse things by which, through impatience, they would be submerged. In yielding to evils that are brief and passing, they do not destroy the good which is great and eternal, for “the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared,” the apostle says, “with the glory to come that will be revealed in us.” And he also says: “Our present light affliction, which is for the moment, prepares for us an eternal weight of glory that is beyond all measure.”

On Patience 2

He explains in what manner the inner man is renewed, and says: by the reflection that affliction is brief, that is, temporary, and light because it is temporary, while glory is both eternal and has weight, that is, greatness in the highest degree, for such is the meaning of the words: "in immeasurable excess."

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

The third point, namely, the cause of this patience, is recognition of a reward. This recognition is most efficacious, because, according to Gregory, it lessens the force of a scourge. And this is what he says: For this present, slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. As if to say: the tribulations we suffer here are nothing, if we look to the glory we obtain from them. Hence, he compares the condition of the saints in this life to the condition of those in heaven and mentions five things in each state that correspond.

First, the condition of the present life in the saints is of itself slight and, as it were, imperceptible. Hence, he says, this, i.e., the least: "For a brief moment I forsook you" (Is. 54:7). Likewise it is transitory; hence he says, present, i.e., in this life, which is one of affliction and toil: "The life of man is warfare" (Job 7:1, Vulgate). Likewise it lasts a short time; hence he says, momentary: "For a moment I hid my face from you" (Is. 54:8). For the whole time of this present life compared to eternity is only momentary. Likewise it is light; hence he says, slight. For although he said above (1:8): "We were crushed," because the body is heavy, yet it is very light to a spirit on fire with charity. Hence Augustine says: "All that is heavy and huge love makes easy and almost nothing." Likewise it is penal; hence he says, of our affliction: "I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him" (Mic. 7:9).

But as to the state of happiness, he lays down five things, because in contrast to what is this, he places beyond all measure: "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). But on the other hand: "He will give to each one according to his works" (Matt. 16:27). Therefore it will not be beyond all measure. I answer that the word "according" does not denote an equality of amount, as though a person will be rewarded so much for so much merit, but an equality of proportion, so that one who merits more will receive more reward. Likewise, against that which is in the present he places exceedingly, i.e., in an excellent state without disturbance: "I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth" (Is. 58:14). Against that which is momentary, he places eternal: "Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads" (Is. 35:10). Against that which is light he places a weight. He says, weight for two reasons: first, because a weight inclines and draws to its motion all things under it. In the same way eternal glory will be so great that it will make the whole man glorious in soul and in body. There will be nothing in man that does not follow the impulse of glory. Or it is called weight, because it is precious, for only precious things are weighed. Against that which is called tribulation he places of glory. Or of glory can be common to the other four, which are said of the state of glory, so that of tribulation is common to the four which are said of the present life. It is preparing, namely, above the tribulations we suffer, for these are the cause and merit for which God confers that glory on us. And so the patience of the saints is unconquerable, their reward ineffable, and the recompense of their reward right and delightful.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

The truth is that the special impressiveness which does come from being persecuted only happens in the case of extreme persecution. For the fact that the modern enthusiast will undergo some inconvenience for the creed he holds only proves that he does hold it, which no one ever doubted. ... Pagans were not impressed by the torture of Christians merely because it showed that they honestly held their opinion; they knew that millions of people honestly held all sorts of opinions. The point of such extreme martyrdom is much more subtle. It is that it gives an appearance of a man having something quite specially strong to back him up, of his drawing upon some power. And this can only be proved when all his physical contentment is destroyed; when all the current of his bodily being is reversed and turned to pain.

All Things Considered, The Modern Martyr (1908)

17–18

In all seriousness I think that the life of faith is easier to me because of these memories. To think, in sunny and confident times, that I shall die and rot, or to think that one day all this universe will slip away and become memory (as Oldie slipped away into memory three times a year, and with him the canes and the disgusting food, the stinking sanitation and the cold beds)--this is easier to us if we have seen just that sort of thing happening before. We have learned not to take present things at their face value.

Surprised by Joy, Ch. 2

Ye have never envied any one; ye have taught others. Now I desire that those things may be confirmed [by your conduct], which in your instructions ye enjoin [on others]. Only request in my behalf both inward and outward strength, that I may not only speak, but [truly] will; and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really be found to be one. For if I be truly found [a Christian], I may also be called one, and be then deemed faithful, when I shall no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal. "For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." For our God, Jesus Christ, now that He is with the Father, is all the more revealed [in His glory]. Christianity is not a thing of silence only, but also of [manifest] greatness.

Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans

Head-dresses and varieties of head-dresses, and elaborate braidings, and infinite modes of dressing the hair, and costly specimens of mirrors, in which they arrange their costume,-hunting after those that, like silly children, are crazy about their figures,-are characteristic of women who have lost all sense of shame. If any one were to call these courtesans, he would make no mistake, for they turn their faces into masks. But us the Word enjoins "to look not on the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen; for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal."

The Instructor Book 3

More grievous and painful is this persecution, which arises from within, which is ever with a man, and which the persecuted cannot escape; for he carries the enemy about everywhere in himself. Thus also burning which attacks from without works trial, but that from within produces death. War also made on one is easily put an end to, but that which is in the soul continues till death.

With such persecution, if you have worldly wealth, if you have brothers allied by blood and other pledges, abandon the whole wealth of these which leads to evil; procure peace for yourself, free yourself from protracted persecutions; turn from them to the Gospel; choose before all the Saviour and Advocate and Paraclete of your soul, the Prince of life. "For the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal." And in the present time are things evanescent and insecure, but in that to come is eternal life.

Who is the Rich Man that Shall Be Saved?

Paul is saying that people who long for heavenly things despise the things of this world, because in comparison with what they want, these things are nothing.

Commentary on Paul’s Epistles

Consider, dearly beloved, that life’s troubles, even if distressing, are still of short duration, whereas the good things that will come to us in the next life are eternal and everlasting. “What we see is passing,” Scripture says, “but what is not seen is everlasting.” Accordingly, let us endure what is passing without complaint and not desist from virtue’s struggle so that we may enjoy the good things that are eternal and last forever.

Homilies on Genesis 25.24

Far from being surprised or troubled, let us endure developments with complete fortitude and endurance, having regard not to the distress but to the gain accruing to us from it. This transaction, you see, is spiritual. People intent on making money and being involved in a transaction of this life would succeed in increasing their wealth in no other way than by being exposed to great danger on land and at sea (they must, after all, put up with the onset of brigands and wiles of pirates), and yet they are ready to accept everything with great enthusiasm, having no sense of hardship through the expectation of gain. In just the same way must we keep our mind on the wealth and spiritual riches accruing to us from this. We must rejoice and be glad, considering not what can be seen but what cannot be seen, as Paul’s exhortation goes, “not considering what can be seen.”

Homilies on Genesis 63.20

And, to show you that he was as it were in solitude, and so looked upon the things present, hear himself saying, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." What sayest thou? Answer me. And yet what thou sayest is the contrary; thou seest the things invisible, and the visible thou seest not. Such eyes as thou hadst gotten, such are the eyes which are given by Christ: for as these bodily eyes see indeed the things that are seen, but things unseen they see not: so those heavenly eyes do the contrary: no one that beholds the invisible things, beholds the visible: no one beholding the things seen, beholds the invisible. Or is not this the case with us also? For when having turned our mind inwards we think of any of the unseen things, our views become raised above the things on earth.

Homily on Acts 52

"For the things that are seen are temporal." Therefore the afflictions are so too. "But the things that are not seen are eternal." Therefore the crowns are so also. And he said not the afflictions are so, but "the things that are seen;" all of them, whether punishment or rest, so that we should be neither puffed up by the one nor overborne by the other. And therefore when speaking of the things to come, he said not the kingdom is eternal; but, "the things which are not seen are eternal," whether they be a kingdom, or again punishment; so as both to alarm by the one and to encourage by the other.

Since then "the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal," let us look to them. For what excuse even can we have, if we choose the temporal instead of the eternal? For even if the present be pleasurable, yet it is not abiding; whilst the woe it entails is abiding and irremissible.

Homily 9 on 2 Corinthians

If you seek temporal things, you pray publicly and with your door open. If you ask for eternal things, your prayer is secret because you long to receive not the things which are seen but those which are not seen.

Sermon 146.3

He shows how light the affliction is. Everything visible, he says, is temporary — consequently both affliction and rest itself, for it too is visible. For he said "visible" in order to encompass rest as well. Therefore let us neither lose heart in affliction nor grow slack in rest. And if this is so, then the "invisible" — that is, the Kingdom and torment — are eternal. Therefore seek the former and flee the latter.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Hence he says, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. As if to say: although the things we hope for are still to come, and in the meantime our body is corrupted, nevertheless, we are renewed, because we do not pay attention to those temporal things, but to eternal. And this is what he says: it works in us a weight of glory. In us, I say, not looking, i.e., not paying attention, to the things that are seen, i.e., earthly things, but to the things that are unseen, namely, heavenly things: "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead" (Phil. 3:13); "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Cor. 2:9). And why do we look on heavenly things? Because the things that are seen, i.e., earthly things, are transient and temporal, but the things that are unseen, namely, heavenly things, are eternal: "My salvation will be forever" (Is. 51:6).

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

I return to Fleet Street... I am strangely haunted by this accidental comparison... But this black-and-white contrast between the visible and invisible, this deep sense that the one essential belief is belief in the invisible as against the visible, is suddenly and sensationally brought back to my mind. ... For I realise that I have really come into a topsy-turvy country; I have come into the country where men do definitely believe that the waving of the trees makes the wind. That is to say, they believe that the material circumstances, however black and twisted, are more important than the spiritual realities, however powerful and pure.

In Topsy-Turvy Land (Tremendous Trifles)

The great human dogma, then, is that the wind moves the trees. The great human heresy is that the trees move the wind. When people begin to say that the material circumstances have alone created the moral circumstances, then they have prevented all possibility of serious change. For if my circumstances have made me wholly stupid, how can I be certain even that I am right in altering those circumstances?

The man who represents all thought as an accident of environment is simply smashing and discrediting all his own thoughts--including that one. To treat the human mind as having an ultimate authority is necessary to any kind of thinking, even free thinking. And nothing will ever be reformed in this age or country unless we realise that the moral fact comes first.

Tremendous Trifles, The Wind and the Trees (1909)

The general rule which we have now pretty well established among them is that in all experiences which can make them happier or better only the physical facts are "Real" while the spiritual elements are "subjective"; in all experiences which can discourage or corrupt them the spiritual elements are the main reality and to ignore them is to be an escapist. Thus in birth the blood and pain are "real", the rejoicing a mere subjective point of view; in death, the terror and ugliness reveal what death "really means". The hatefulness of a hated person is "real"—in hatred you see men as they are, you are disillusioned; but the loveliness of a loved person is merely a subjective haze concealing a "real" core of sexual appetite or economic association. Wars and poverty are "really" horrible; peace and plenty are mere physical facts about which men happen to have certain sentiments.

The Screwtape Letters