We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
All Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 4:8 Go To 2 Corinthians 4
Tertullian of Carthage
AD 220
Rather, dishonour and weakness will accrue to him, because the earthen vessels with which he had nothing to do have received all the excellency! Well, then, if it be in these very earthen vessels that he tells us we have to endure so great sufferings.
He also says, in verses occurring in a previous part of the epistle: "Our condition is such, that we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; and are in need, but not in utter want; since we are harassed by persecutions, but not forsaken; it is such that we are east down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in our body the dying of Christ."
