{This treasure} ( on th(8873)auron touton). On h(8873)auron see
Mt 6:19-21 . It is the power of giving the illumination of the
knowledge of the glory of God (verse 6 ). "The power is
limitless, but it is stored in very unlikely receptacles"
(Plummer). This warning Paul gives in contrast (de) with the
exultation of verse 6 (Bernard). {In earthen vessels} (en
ostrakinois skeuesin). This adjective is common in the LXX with
skeuos, aggos and aggeion. It occurs again in 2Ti 2:20 with
skeu(885c). It is found also in the papyri with skeuos as here. It
is from ostrakon, baked clay (same root as osteon, bone), so
many fragments of which are found in Egypt with writing on them.
We are but earthen jars used of God for his purposes ( Ro
9:20ff. ) and so fragile. {The exceeding greatness} (h(880a)huperbol(885c)). See on 气Co 12:31| for this word, "the preeminence
of the power." This is God's purpose (hina--(8869)). God, not man,
is the {dynamo} (dunamis). It comes from God ( ou theou,
ablative) and does not originate with us (m(8820)ex h(886d)(936e)).
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