The Link Between God's Power and Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:7)

2 Corinthians 4:7 (WH): Ἔχομεν δὲ τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν, ἵνα ἡ ὑπερβολὴ τῆς δυνάμεως ᾖ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ μὴ ἐξ ἡμῶν·

Paul wields the expression:

"the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us" (ESV).

"the extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us" (NET).

Many of us know that the NWT 2013 prefers the translation, "the power beyond what is normal may be God's and not from us."

Just what is the "power beyond what is normal" or the extraordinary power which comes from God? The second question is how do we get this power since it's certainly not from our own resources.

2 Corinthians 4:7 speaks of the treasure that Christians have in "earthen vessels" (clay jars). The "treasure" apparently is the Christian ministry which God has entrusted to his people through Christ (2 Corinthians 4:1, 6): the treasure is contained in clay jars to show the weakness and fragility of the humans who bear such a treasure. James M. Scott invokes Genesis 2:7, 3:19 and Lamentations 4:2 when explaining this verse (among others).

Even in the face of multitudinous hardships, we earthenware vessels are never crushed or broken: no matter what weapon Satan uses on Jesus' followers, none can or will succeed as Paul demonstrates in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (cf. Isaiah 54:17). God exemplifies his power through human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-12). If he could create the universe, empower prophets, guide and strengthen his Son and the whole angelic army, then Jehovah is able to support us by means of his extraordinary power. God's power also enabled humans to pen inspired words and Paul fully accomplished his ministry by God's power (2 Timothy 4:5, 17-18)--surely it can help us to endure hardships.

Think of the power that issues from the sun or the power latent within the billions of stars that illuminate the night. What about the ceaseless energy of a child, and the power of soil as it produces food for humans and animals? Moreover, the very food that we consume is filled with energy. And let us not forget that God's power and spirit raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 13:4).

God imparts his surpassing power through holy spirit: Scripture often links God's power with his spirit although they're not the same thing. See Luke 1:35; 24:49; Acts 1:5-8; 10:38; Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Ephesians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:5.

From where does God's power emanate? The Bible's answer is through the holy spirit of God (2 Corinthians 3:18; 6:6).