JMNT(i)
5 For you see, we are not constantly preaching (proclaiming; heralding)
ourselves, but rather, Christ Jesus [
as]
Lord (or: [the] Anointed Jesus, [the] Lord, Master and Owner; or: = [the] Lord Jesus [as the] Messiah),
yet ourselves [
as]
your slaves, because of Jesus,
6 because the God suddenly saying (or: the God Who once was saying),
"Light will shine forth (give light as from a torch; gleam)
from out of the midst of darkness (dimness and shadiness; gloom and the absence of daylight)!
" [
is]
the One who shines forth within the midst of our hearts, with a view to illumination of the intimate and experiential knowledge of God's glory – in a face of Christ (or: [is] He Who gives light in union with our hearts, [while] facing toward an effulgence and a shining forth which is an intimate knowing of the praise-inducing manifestation whose source and origin is God, and which is God, [while] in union with face to face presence of Christ [other MSS: Jesus Christ]).
7 Now we presently and continuously hold (have and possess)
this treasure within containers (jars; pots; vessels; equipment)
made of baked clay [e.g., pottery; bone ware]
so that the transcendence of the power may habitually originate its existence in God – and not from out of us (or: the over-cast of ability can be that which is God – and not of us; or: the overwhelming which comes from the Power would exist with the character and quality of God – and not from what characterizes us)!