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There are two lights in the soul. There is —

1. The "light of nature." This consists of those moral intuitions which heaven implanted within us at first. These intuitions are good enough for angels, did for Adam before he fell, but now, through sin, they are so blunt and dim that the soul is in moral darkness.

2. The light of the gospel. This comes because the light of nature is all but gone out, and this is the light to which the text refers.

I. IT EMANATES FROM THE HIGHEST SOURCE. "God." The reference is to Genesis 1:3. It reminds us —

1. Of antecedent darkness. The state of the soul before this light enters it is analogous to the state of the earth before God kindled the lights of the firmament.

2. Of almighty sovereignty. "Let light be, and light was." The luminaries of the firmament were kindled by the free, uncontrolled, almighty power of God. So it is with real spiritual light. It comes because God wills it.

II. IT REVEALS THE GRANDEST SUBJECT. "The knowledge of the glory of God." Gospel light entering the soul makes God visible as the eternal reality and the fountain of being, and the source of all blessedness. Where this gospel light is not the soul either ignores or denies Him, or at most speculates about Him, and at best has now and then flitting visions.

III. IT STREAMS THROUGH THE SUBLIMEST MEDIUM. "In the face of Jesus Christ." In the person of Christ the glory of God shone clearly, and the divinity appeared without a veil. This light coming through Christ, who is the image of the invisible God, is —

1. True light. He is the truth.

2. Softened light. The soul could not stand the light coming directly from the infinite source — it is too dazzling.

3. Quickening light. It falls on the soul like the sunbeam on the seed quickening into life.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

WEB: For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake;