2 Corinthians 4:11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
The life and death comparison continues in these verses. Paul connects his own experiences of suffering as part of the “we” to the power of Jesus’ resurrection. To “always be given over to death” expresses the extent of Paul’s suffering. Death was a possibility in many situations he faced. He did not take lightly his calling to preach the gospel but was willing to put himself at risk before unbelieving Jews and Gentiles in order to get this message out to all people. That shows a great degree of faith in the message he preached. It was not mere lip service for him but was life consuming.
The reason Paul did not back down or compromise his message was “for Jesus’ sake,” “on account of Jesus.” This was a direction Paul felt compelled to go so that Jesus would be glorified. Paul consistently uses the name “Jesus” here in reflection of the earthly life of Jesus. This connects his own life and experiences with the historical person Jesus who faced similar threats of death.
The outcome for Paul and his whole motivation (Greek hina) was as a testimony of the resurrection of Jesus. The true power of the gospel becomes more evident through suffering. The life of Jesus and the life Jesus gives can be seen in the lives of those who have faith to the point of being willing to suffer for the gospel. Configuring our lives for comfort may actually distract and discount the message we profess. But this suffering must be for Jesus and not ourselves. “Mortal flesh” refers to our earthly existence, the period of time given to us on this earth. How will we live this time? It is the crucial time of bearing witness to the faith we profess.
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