2 Corinthians 4

hidden things of shame
The phrase τὰ κρυπτὰ τῆς αἰσχύνης (ta krypta tēs aischynēs) is literally translated here as “the hidden things of shame.” This is better than something like “things hidden because of shame” because it communicates that these things are actually shameful in themselves, not simply hidden because of an idea of shamefulness connected to them. This brings out Paul’s strong argument here that such things as craftiness and adulterating the word of God must be renounced as shameful. That they are “hidden” simply communicates the clandestine nature of such things, as false teachers craftily and secretly advance their own agendas by adulterating the word of God. Paul is emphatic here that he and his ministry companions renounce such hidden things of shame. Rather, they preach the true gospel with full boldness, sincerity, and truth.

age
While some translations have “world” here, “age” is more accurate for αἰών (aiōn), which denotes the operations of this current world in all of its depravity rather than a physical space. Paul here is describing Satan as having authority over the depraved way in which this fallen world operates in every regard, though under the authority of God, who has assigned him that task in this particular age. By describing him this way, what Paul is showing the intensity of spiritual blindness which incapacitates unbelievers so that they cannot comprehend the gospel. However, at the end of this age, when Christ returns to reign, Satan will be divested of his authority. He may be called the god of this age, but certainly not of the age to come, as Christ alone will reign forever.

in every way afflicted
The translation “in every way afflicted” rather than “afflicted in every way” better reflects the word order of the Greek: ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι (en panti thlibomenoi). By placing “in every way” at the beginning of the phrase, Paul emphasizes the extremity and multiplicity of the kinds of suffering they endure. In a sense, their suffering is all the time, everywhere, and of all kinds. Thus, it is extreme and extensive, and this emphasis makes the latter part of the statement, the triumphal “but not crushed,” all the more amazing. Because of God’s sufficiency to care for those who minister for Him, and the final victory and glory He will give to them in the end, the suffering of the present time is endurable, not crippling.