Note 12 at 2 Cor. 4:6: This verse begins with a reference to God's original creation in Genesis 1:3, "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." Paul is now contrasting the light that was commanded to come forth in the old creation to the light that God Himself is now in the hearts of those who have become the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). This light begins with the knowledge that the glory and power of God's saving presence has appeared in the face of Jesus Christ (this verse). Paul's commission, then, is to call all men to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

Note 13 at 2 Cor. 4:6: Light is an interesting subject in scripture. It was created by God (Gen. 1:3; Isa. 45:7), has no fellowship with darkness (2 Cor. 6:14), God dwells in it (1 Tim. 6:16), and calls men into it (1 Pet. 2:9). It is used figuratively in scripture of the purity of God (1 Jn. 1:5), the glory of God (Ps. 104:2; 1 Tim. 6:16), the Word of God (Ps. 119:105; 2 Pet. 1:19), the gospel of Christ (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Pet. 2:9), the wisdom of God (Dan. 2:22), the favor of God (Ps. 4:6; Isa. 2:5), the guidance of God (Ps. 27:1; 36:9), the path of the just (Prov. 4:18), the glory of the church (Isa. 60:1-3), and whatever makes manifest and reveals (Jn. 3:21; Eph. 5:13). God is also portrayed as light (Ps. 27:1; 1 Jn. 1:5; Rev. 22:5), and the entrance of His words gives light (Ps. 119:130).

Note 14 at 2 Cor. 4:6: God has revealed Himself to mankind in times past through various ways (Heb. 1:1) But the awesome glory of God is only truly revealed to us through Christ Jesus. Jesus is the exact likeness of the Father (see note 8 at v. 4). When a person sees Jesus, he has seen the Father (Jn. 12:45; 14:9).