"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18
2007-02-15 07:13:35 · 14 answers · asked by Brigid O' Somebody 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
For our light affliction - This verse, with the following, is designed to show further the sources of consolation and support which Paul and his fellow-laborers had in their many trials.
The passage abounds with intensive and emphatic expressions, and manifests that the mind of the writer was laboring to convey ideas which language, even after all the energy of expression which he could command, would very imperfectly communicate. The trials which Paul endured, to many persons would have seemed to be anything else but light. They consisted of want, and danger, and contempt, and stoning, and toil, and weariness, and the scorn of the world, and constant exposure to death by land or by sea.
Yet these trials, though continued through many years, and constituting, as it were, his very life, he speaks of as the lightest conceivable thing when compared with that eternal glory which awaited him. He strives to get an expression as emphatic as possible, to show that in his estimation they were not worthy to be named in comparison with the eternal weight of glory. It is not sufficient to say that the affliction was “light” or was a mere trifle; but he says that it was to endure but for a moment. Though trials had followed him ever since he began to make known the Redeemer, and though he had the firmest expectation that they would follow him to the end of life and everywhere Act_20:23, yet all this was a momentary trifle compared with the eternal glory before him. The word rendered “light” (ἐλαφρὸν elaphron) means that which is easy to bear, and is usually applied to a burden; see Mat_11:30, compare 2Co_1:17.
2007-02-15 07:21:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds very Hindu! The Samsara is merely the Godhead veiling itself. What we see as "reality" is an illusion we must endure as we strive for release from the cycle of reincarnation and achieve Moksha, the realization of our divinity.
Or maybe it refers to the Platonic Ideals. The qualities of any sensible object are merely crude copies of the perfect, intangible Ideal we recognize in them. It is the Ideal which truly, perfectly exists. What we can see and touch is imperfect and transitory.
2007-02-15 07:35:32 · answer #2 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any pain or stress we suffer in our life on Earth will pass, along with all things material. The lasting treasure is not visible on to us on Earth, but it is the only thing that will not pass away.
Be careful where you place your values, because what you value may turn out to be ashes, and what you placed no value on the true gold.
2007-02-15 07:22:28 · answer #3 · answered by cmw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My reaction is that the verses are plain to understand, and are a bit of good old fashioned common sense. That is, if you are looking forward to the eternity. Which I am.
2007-02-15 07:17:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
That let's me know, that the things we think is so hard and that we can't make it through. And though you maybe in all different times taht are not so glamorous and great, it really is because on the other side is the greatness and glamour so...God is good.
2007-02-15 07:18:27 · answer #5 · answered by Nish 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problems we have are tempoary of this world and work toward that which is of the kingdom which is to come which is eternal.
Keep you eye on the prize that which is not physical but that which is spiritual.
2007-02-15 07:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by djmantx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love these verses, they remind me that God never puts more on us than we can handle and that things down here are just temporary. Trials and all the crap down here on earth are just for a little while. Woohoo!
2007-02-15 07:20:27 · answer #7 · answered by Cynical 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What matters most in my life is the eternal things.
2007-02-15 07:18:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
God's Holy Word. That which is here today shall be gone tomorrow, but the Lord Jesus Christ is forever. Therefore, concentrate ion Jesus.
2007-02-15 07:19:55 · answer #9 · answered by Preacher 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Trials and tribulation will come in this life time; but we keep our eyes on Jesus, knowing that with Him our true destiny awaits!
2007-02-15 07:19:06 · answer #10 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋