Reflection
In the previous verses, Paul speaks about preaching the gospel. Those who do not believe are blinded by the god of this age, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. But those who have received this light did not achieve it by their own strength or wisdom. It was God who shone His light into their hearts (v.6).
As the apostle states, we are like jars of clay: weak and fragile vessels carrying the greatest treasure, the knowledge of God’s glory in Jesus Christ. God works through our weakness so that it may be clear that the surpassing power belongs to Him and not to us. He is the author and perfecter of our faith, and salvation belongs entirely to Him.
Application
let us boast not in ourselves, but in God, from whom all power and grace come. Though we may be hard pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down, we are not crushed, driven to despair, abandoned, or destroyed (vv.8–9). We were bought with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19) and strengthened by His Spirit. His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9), and He is always near when we pray—even when we do not know what to say (Romans 8:26).