Light shining in darkness

Key question: What must God do to save a man?

Paul knew first hand what it was like to experience God's mercy in Christ (v. 1).

Paul defended the integrity of his ministry (v. 2). His ministry and evangelism technique was simple: In the sight of God, place before men the truth of what God has done in Jesus Christ.

As in 2 Cor 3:14-15, Paul reflects on those whose minds are blinded to the truth (vv. 3-4).

The content of Paul's preaching is Jesus Christ and not the personality of the messenger(v. 5).

Finally, in v. 6 Paul parallels God's work of creation ex nihilo and God's work in salvation ex nihilo.