2 Corinthians 4:3
Verse
Context
The Light of the Gospel
2Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But if our Gospel be hid - Κεκαλυμμενον· Veiled; he refers to the subject that he had treated so particularly in the conclusion of the preceding chapter. If there be a veil on the Gospel, it is only to the wilfully blind; and if any man's heart be veiled that hears this Gospel, it is a proof that he is among the lost, απολλυμενοι, those who are fully under the power of sin; who have given up themselves to work wickedness; persons who are mere heathens, or live like such, and yet such as Jesus Christ came to seek and save; for the word does not necessarily imply those that will perish eternally, but is a common epithet to point out a man without the Gospel and without God in the world. Christ commands his disciples in preaching the Gospel to go to προβατα τα απολωλοτα, the Lost sheep of the house of Israel; Mat 10:6; for himself says, Mat 18:11, and Luk 19:10 : The Son of man is come ζητησαι και σωσαι το απολωλος, to seek and to Save that which is Lost. And such persons he represents under the parable of the lost sheep; for to find το απολωλος, that which is Lost, the good shepherd leaves the ninety-and-nine in the wilderness, and goes in search of it; Mat 18:12; Luk 15:4. The word more properly signifies, in all those connections, and in the parallel passages, not those who Are Lost, but those who are perishing; and will perish, if not sought and saved.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But if--Yea, even if (as I grant is the case). hid--rather (in reference to Co2 3:13-18), "veiled." "Hid" (Greek, Col 3:3) is said of that withdrawn from view altogether. "Veiled," of a thing within reach of the eye, but covered over so as not to be seen. So it was in the case of Moses' face. to them--in the case only of them: for in itself the Gospel is quite plain. that are lost--rather, "that are perishing" (Co1 1:18). So the same cloud that was "light" to the people of God, was "darkness" to the Egyptian foes of God (Exo 14:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if our Gospel be hid,.... When the Gospel is called ours, the meaning is, not that ministers are the authors or subject of it; but it is so styled, because they are intrusted with it; it is preached by them; and is in opposition to another Gospel, the Gospel of the false apostles. Here an objection is obviated, which the apostle saw would be made against the clearness and perspicuity of the Gospel, asserted by him in the foregoing chapter; taken from some persons, who though they sat under the ministry of the word, were not enlightened by it, saw no glory nor excellency in it, nor were their minds in the least affected with it: to which he replies, saying, "if our Gospel be hid", it is hid to them that are lost. But why should the apostle put an if upon its being hid? is it not hid? is it not "the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom?" To which may be answered, that it was hid in God from the beginning of the world; and in Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and in the ceremonial law, which contained types and shadows of many things in it; and was hid from whole nations, and for whole ages formerly: but now God has made known the mystery of his will; Christ is manifest in the flesh; the ceremonial law is done away, and the Gospel is preached to Jews and Gentiles; so that it is hid to none, as to the outward ministration of it: and if the internal, spiritual, and saving knowledge and experience of it is hid from any, eventually and finally, it is "to them that are lost": all mankind are in a lost and perishing condition through sin; though some will not be lost eternally, whom God has chosen, Christ has redeemed, and who by the Spirit are brought savingly to believe in Christ; but there are others, that will be lost for ever; and to these the Gospel is hid; and they are such, who are left to the native blindness of their minds, and are given up to a reprobate mind, to judicial darkness, and are suffered to be under the influence of the prince of darkness, as in the following verse; now such instances are no more an objection to the clearness and perspicuity of the Gospel, and the ministration of it, than men born blind, who never could, nor never will see light, are to the bright and clear shining of the sun noon day.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:3-4 The Good News divides people into two categories: those who remain in darkness and those who are enlightened by God (see Acts 26:18, cp. John 3:19-21). God’s action in bringing people to himself is a movement from a realm governed by darkness to the light of God’s presence (Col 1:12-14; 1 Pet 2:9). The god of this world fights against the change that the Good News brings to people’s hearts and minds.
2 Corinthians 4:3
The Light of the Gospel
2Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A God That Keeps Records
By Rolfe Barnard2.6K56:13Judgment DayPSA 130:4MAT 6:33JHN 5:29ROM 3:202CO 4:32CO 4:7HEB 11:1In this sermon, the preacher recounts a tragic incident where a young man lost his life in an oil rig explosion. The preacher uses this event to emphasize the reality of judgment and the consequences of not being written in the book of life. He urges the congregation to witness the fire of judgment and to stand before God as a holy and obedient people. The preacher highlights the importance of honoring God through obedience, worship, and giving, and warns against robbing God of what is rightfully His.
The Priority of Christ - Part 1
By Tom Wells1.3K45:462CO 4:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God. He references 2 Corinthians 4 and 2 Timothy 3 to support his point. The speaker encourages believers to continue in their faith and to rely on the scriptures, which have the power to make them wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. He also highlights the role of Jesus as the image of God and the light of the gospel, emphasizing that unbelievers are blinded by the god of this age and cannot see this light.
The Gospel of Christ's Glory
By Zac Poonen1.2K58:43ISA 55:62CO 3:182CO 4:32CO 4:5GAL 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of not hiding behind masks of pretense but seeking to be transformed into the likeness of Christ by the Holy Spirit. It challenges believers to focus on the gospel of the glory of Christ, to be open and transparent in their lives, and to serve others as slaves for Jesus' sake, not seeking personal honor or recognition.
God Uses Earthen Vessels
By Rolfe Barnard8411:01:532CO 4:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of every believer in the body of Christ having a role in manifesting God's presence in the world. The speaker highlights the predicament of unsaved individuals who fail to see the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ despite believing in key Christian doctrines. The main theme is that God has always chosen to reveal himself through human vessels, and the only way to hear from God is through these vessels. The sermon also mentions the miraculous transformation that occurs in the lives of those who truly embrace Christ and the power of the cross.
The Gospel of the Devil! Believe It Not (2)
By Ian Paisley82630:262CO 4:32CO 4:5REV 1:5REV 1:14REV 11:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the gospel of Christ to release people from their chains. He explains that the gospel shines through preaching and sets an example for others to follow. The preacher also highlights the role of God in bringing light into the darkness and how the devil blinds the minds of those who do not believe. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the attributes of Jesus as described in the book of Revelation.
The Course of This Age
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0MAT 24:37JHN 8:441CO 1:192CO 4:3EPH 2:22TI 2:15Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth, warning against a critical attitude that may lead to unbelief and reliance on worldly wisdom. Understanding the divisions and purpose of God's Word is crucial for grasping His providence and the significance of the present age. Chafer highlights the necessity of belief in unfulfilled prophecy, especially in discerning the signs of the times and the imminent fulfillment of predicted events. He stresses the distinction between the heavenly people and the children of the evil one in this age, pointing out the vital relationship between the unregenerate and Satan as revealed in Scripture.
Part 6: Amillennialism as a System of Theology
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 25:31JHN 3:16ACT 5:3ROM 3:24ROM 8:381CO 7:51CO 12:271CO 15:522CO 4:32CO 11:142CO 12:7GAL 3:28EPH 1:7EPH 2:191TH 2:181TH 4:162TH 2:91TI 1:201PE 5:81JN 3:81JN 3:10REV 20:1REV 20:4John F. Walvoord preaches on 'The Growing Importance of Millennialism,' highlighting how millennialism now plays a crucial role in shaping theology as a whole, influencing systems like premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. The controversy between amillennialism and premillennialism has intensified, revealing significant theological implications. Amillennialism's impact on bibliology is explored, showcasing its figurative interpretation of Scripture and its potential dangers in undermining the inspiration of the Bible. The sermon delves into amillennial theology's influence on soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, emphasizing the differences between amillennial and premillennial views in these areas.
Conviction by the Spirit
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0JHN 6:44ACT 2:47ROM 2:162CO 4:3HEB 4:12Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the importance of understanding the cause of indifference towards the Gospel among unsaved individuals and the need for cooperation with the Spirit in soul-winning. He emphasizes the veiling of the Gospel by Satan and the necessity of divine illumination for individuals to comprehend the way of salvation through the cross of Christ. Chafer explains that saving faith involves turning from self-merit to trusting in God's saving work through Christ, highlighting the essential role of the Spirit in convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He underscores the power of the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit in unveiling the truth to the blinded minds of the unsaved, leading to a genuine and abiding trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Rejection of Christ—a Common, and Most Unreasonable Iniquity
By Samuel Davies0ISA 49:7JER 28:16MRK 12:6JHN 1:12JHN 3:18JHN 15:142CO 4:3HEB 2:3HEB 10:29Samuel Davies preaches about the common sin of rejecting Jesus Christ, emphasizing the unsuitable reception of Christ and the gospel, which often hides under a cloak of religion. He highlights the deadly nature of neglecting Christ and the perishing condition of souls that reject Him. Through the parable of the vineyard and the rejection of the Son, Davies illustrates the consequences of rejecting the Savior. He challenges the audience to reflect on their reception of Christ, urging them to give Him the proper reception He deserves as Savior, High Priest, King, and Prophet. Davies warns of the aggravated guilt and severe punishment for neglecting the Son of God, calling for repentance and a change of heart to receive the mercy and salvation offered by Jesus.
An Evil Heart of Unbelief
By Thomas Reade0MAT 7:21ROM 14:231CO 13:132CO 4:3GAL 5:22EPH 2:8HEB 3:12HEB 11:62PE 3:10REV 22:12Thomas Reade preaches about the destructive nature of unbelief, emphasizing that an evil heart of unbelief leads to all kinds of evil and is the laboratory of Satan. Unbelief blinds individuals to the glorious light of the gospel, causing them to be slaves of Satan. The sermon warns about the consequences of unbelief, highlighting that even popular virtues without faith and love are abominable to God. It concludes with a call to live holy, godly lives in anticipation of Christ's return and the final judgment.
Calvinism's Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace
By David Servant0JHN 3:16ACT 16:30ACT 17:30ROM 3:92CO 4:3EPH 2:1David Servant preaches about the Calvinistic doctrine of TULIP, focusing on Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace. He highlights the belief that humanity is inherently sinful and incapable of submitting to God or believing in Jesus without God's sovereign intervention through irresistible grace. The sermon delves into the Calvinist perspective that unregenerate individuals are so corrupt that they cannot choose to repent or believe, emphasizing God's role in choosing and changing individuals for salvation. The sermon also addresses the concept of persuasive preaching in Calvinism, questioning the necessity of preaching if salvation is solely the work of God's irresistible grace.
The Son Declares the Father
By W.E. Best0EXO 3:14JHN 1:1JHN 8:58JHN 10:30JHN 14:9JHN 17:24ACT 5:202CO 4:3COL 2:9HEB 13:8W.E. Best delves into the profound revelation of Jesus Christ claiming the incommunicable name 'I Amos,' signifying His unchangeable essence and everlasting duration as God, distinct from earthly change. The Jews misunderstood His pre-existence as a claim to Deity, blinded by religious traditions. Best emphasizes that the gospel of John unveils Christ's eternal being and divine nature, portraying Him as the Eternal Son of God, distinct from the first three gospels that present Jesus Christ. He highlights Christ's role in revealing the Father, His eternal existence, equality with the Father, and being the image of the invisible Godhead.
Reclaiming the Gospel
By Art Katz0Lordship Of ChristReclaiming the Gospel2CO 4:3Art Katz emphasizes the need to reclaim the true essence of the Gospel, warning that it is often veiled not only to unbelievers but also to nominal Christians. He argues that the Gospel should not be reduced to a mere formula for salvation, but must flow from a life fully surrendered to Jesus as Lord. Katz highlights that true proclamation of the Gospel requires a lifestyle of servitude to Christ, and that without recognizing His lordship, our understanding of salvation becomes inadequate. He calls for a restoration of the apostolic mindset, where the Gospel is seen as a treasure in earthen vessels, and encourages believers to view their afflictions in light of eternal glory. Ultimately, Katz urges the church to embody the Gospel's transformative power in a world blinded by the god of this age.
Countless Treasures!
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 18:28PSA 119:105PSA 119:130PRO 20:27LUK 1:78JHN 8:12JHN 12:392CO 4:32CO 4:6EPH 1:18J.C. Philpot preaches about the countless treasures found in the Bible, highlighting how the Scriptures are often heard without interest or understanding by many, leading to dangerous errors and stumbling in religious matters. He contrasts the darkness of those without divine light with the enlightening work of the Spirit in believers, guiding them to see their fallen state, the holiness of God, and the way of salvation through Christ. Philpot emphasizes the necessity of divine teaching to truly comprehend and apply the truths of Scripture, showing that without a living faith, the word of God remains a dark enigma to the unregenerate heart.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But if our Gospel be hid - Κεκαλυμμενον· Veiled; he refers to the subject that he had treated so particularly in the conclusion of the preceding chapter. If there be a veil on the Gospel, it is only to the wilfully blind; and if any man's heart be veiled that hears this Gospel, it is a proof that he is among the lost, απολλυμενοι, those who are fully under the power of sin; who have given up themselves to work wickedness; persons who are mere heathens, or live like such, and yet such as Jesus Christ came to seek and save; for the word does not necessarily imply those that will perish eternally, but is a common epithet to point out a man without the Gospel and without God in the world. Christ commands his disciples in preaching the Gospel to go to προβατα τα απολωλοτα, the Lost sheep of the house of Israel; Mat 10:6; for himself says, Mat 18:11, and Luk 19:10 : The Son of man is come ζητησαι και σωσαι το απολωλος, to seek and to Save that which is Lost. And such persons he represents under the parable of the lost sheep; for to find το απολωλος, that which is Lost, the good shepherd leaves the ninety-and-nine in the wilderness, and goes in search of it; Mat 18:12; Luk 15:4. The word more properly signifies, in all those connections, and in the parallel passages, not those who Are Lost, but those who are perishing; and will perish, if not sought and saved.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But if--Yea, even if (as I grant is the case). hid--rather (in reference to Co2 3:13-18), "veiled." "Hid" (Greek, Col 3:3) is said of that withdrawn from view altogether. "Veiled," of a thing within reach of the eye, but covered over so as not to be seen. So it was in the case of Moses' face. to them--in the case only of them: for in itself the Gospel is quite plain. that are lost--rather, "that are perishing" (Co1 1:18). So the same cloud that was "light" to the people of God, was "darkness" to the Egyptian foes of God (Exo 14:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But if our Gospel be hid,.... When the Gospel is called ours, the meaning is, not that ministers are the authors or subject of it; but it is so styled, because they are intrusted with it; it is preached by them; and is in opposition to another Gospel, the Gospel of the false apostles. Here an objection is obviated, which the apostle saw would be made against the clearness and perspicuity of the Gospel, asserted by him in the foregoing chapter; taken from some persons, who though they sat under the ministry of the word, were not enlightened by it, saw no glory nor excellency in it, nor were their minds in the least affected with it: to which he replies, saying, "if our Gospel be hid", it is hid to them that are lost. But why should the apostle put an if upon its being hid? is it not hid? is it not "the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom?" To which may be answered, that it was hid in God from the beginning of the world; and in Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and in the ceremonial law, which contained types and shadows of many things in it; and was hid from whole nations, and for whole ages formerly: but now God has made known the mystery of his will; Christ is manifest in the flesh; the ceremonial law is done away, and the Gospel is preached to Jews and Gentiles; so that it is hid to none, as to the outward ministration of it: and if the internal, spiritual, and saving knowledge and experience of it is hid from any, eventually and finally, it is "to them that are lost": all mankind are in a lost and perishing condition through sin; though some will not be lost eternally, whom God has chosen, Christ has redeemed, and who by the Spirit are brought savingly to believe in Christ; but there are others, that will be lost for ever; and to these the Gospel is hid; and they are such, who are left to the native blindness of their minds, and are given up to a reprobate mind, to judicial darkness, and are suffered to be under the influence of the prince of darkness, as in the following verse; now such instances are no more an objection to the clearness and perspicuity of the Gospel, and the ministration of it, than men born blind, who never could, nor never will see light, are to the bright and clear shining of the sun noon day.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:3-4 The Good News divides people into two categories: those who remain in darkness and those who are enlightened by God (see Acts 26:18, cp. John 3:19-21). God’s action in bringing people to himself is a movement from a realm governed by darkness to the light of God’s presence (Col 1:12-14; 1 Pet 2:9). The god of this world fights against the change that the Good News brings to people’s hearts and minds.