Apostolic Suffering and the Language of Processions in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

In 2 Cor 2:14-6:13; 7:2-4 Paul illuminates his apostolic mission with allusions to contemporary Greco-Roman epiphany processions. The central symbols of this independent letter fragment are found in 2 Cor 4:7 where Paul refers to himself as an "earthen vessel" and in 4:10 where he likens his ministry to "carrying around the dying of Jesus." In each instance, Paul evokes in his readers images drawn from contemporary pagan processions. These metaphorical expressions provide a striking insight into Paul's understanding of himself as an apostle of God.