2 Corinthians 4:18

μὴ σκοπούντων ἡμῶν. Since we look not, do not fix our eyes upon or pay attention to: Philippians 2:4; Philippians 3:17; Romans 16:17. We might have had μὴ σκοποῦσι. Blass (§ 74. 5) compares φρίκη μοι προσῆλθεν, μόνου μου ὅντος. If ἡμῶν means all Christians, we may, with Chrysostom, interpret, provided we look not; but ‘since’ is probably right. S. Paul sometimes passes rapidly from ‘we’ = Apostles or ministers to ‘we’ = all Christians: comp. Ephesians 1:12-14; Colossians 1:6-7; Colossians 1:9; Colossians 1:13.

τὰ βλεπόμενα. To be understood in its full sense, including the afflictions as well as the pleasant things of this life.

τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα. The things which we cannot see, not the things which cannot be seen, τὰ� (Romans 1:20). Contrast παράγματα οὐ βλεπόμενα (Hebrews 11:1) and comp. Hebrews 11:7.

πρόσκαιρα. Temporary. It is their nature to last only for a season: elsewhere only Matthew 13:21 = Mark 4:17; Hebrews 11:25. Seneca has words similar to these; that the things of this world “are unreal, and only for a time make a kind of show. Not one of them has stability or substance.… Let us direct our minds to the things which are eternal” (Ep. 59). This was a commonplace in Stoicism, which knew nothing of Christian hope, and therefore could inculcate nothing better than philosophic resignation, which may fortify, but does not console. See on 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:7. On αἰώνια see Appendix E in the volume on the Gospel according to S. John. Sic enim visibilia haec sunt ad invisibilia, quomodo figura ad veritatem. Figura deperit, veritas permanet (Herveius Burgidolensis).