2 Corinthians 6:3

KJV

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

KJV (with Strong's)

Giving {G1325} no {G3367} offence {G4349} in {G1722} any thing {G3367}, that {G3363} the ministry {G1248} be {G3469} not {G3363} blamed {G3469}:

Complete Jewish Bible

We try not to put obstacles in anyone’s path, so that no one can find fault with the work we do.

Berean Standard Bible

We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

American Standard Version

giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:3, lays down a foundational principle for Christian conduct, particularly for those engaged in ministry: to live in such a way as to cause no offense in any area of life. This imperative serves the crucial purpose of safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the gospel message itself, ensuring that the divine work of ministry is never discredited or brought into disrepute by the actions or character of its representatives. It underscores the profound link between personal integrity and the effective proclamation of God's truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a profound section (2 Corinthians 6:3-10) where Paul articulates the authentic marks of a true minister of Christ. It immediately follows his earnest appeal to the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain ([2 Corinthians 6:1](/2_corinthians/6-1 "2 Corinthians 6:1 - Do Not Receive Grace in Vain")) and his declaration that "now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" ([2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Day of Salvation")). Having established the urgency and privilege of their calling as "ambassadors for Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), Paul transitions to *how* they, and by extension all believers, are to live out this ambassadorship. Verse 3 sets the overarching principle—avoiding offense—which then finds its detailed illustration in the subsequent verses that describe Paul's own life of suffering, endurance, and blamelessness in the face of immense challenges, all "commending ourselves as ministers of God" ([2 Corinthians 6:4](/2_corinthians/6-4 "2 Corinthians 6:4 - Paul's Commendation as a Minister")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges, including internal divisions, moral laxity, and the presence of false apostles who sought to undermine his authority and message. These "super-apostles" often boasted in worldly achievements, rhetorical skill, and external appearances, contrasting sharply with Paul's humble demeanor and suffering. In this environment, the reputation of a leader was paramount, and any perceived fault could be exploited to discredit their message. Paul's emphasis on "giving no offence" was not merely a general moral exhortation but a strategic imperative to protect the gospel from the attacks of detractors who would seize upon any misstep to malign the "ministry" itself. The Greco-Roman world valued honor and shame, and a public scandal could severely damage one's standing and influence. Paul, therefore, was keenly aware of how his and his colleagues' conduct would be perceived by both believers and unbelievers in this highly critical and competitive religious landscape.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Ministerial Integrity and Authenticity**, asserting that genuine ministry is validated not by worldly success or outward show, but by blameless conduct and steadfast character, even amidst hardship. Secondly, it highlights the **Supremacy and Vulnerability of the Gospel Message**, recognizing that the divine message, though powerful, can be hindered or discredited by the human instruments through whom it is conveyed. Paul's concern is not primarily for his personal reputation, but for the "ministry" itself, which represents the very work of God. This aligns with his consistent emphasis on the gospel's purity, as seen in his warnings against perverting the gospel in [Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6-9 "Galatians 1:6-9 - No Other Gospel"). Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Living as Christ's Ambassadors**, where the conduct of believers is a direct reflection of the Christ they represent, impacting the world's perception of God and His kingdom. This echoes the call to live "worthy of the gospel of Christ" found in [Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Live Worthy of the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **offence (Greek, _proskopḗ'_):** From _proskóptō_, meaning "to strike against," "to stumble." This word refers to a "stumbling block," an obstacle, or a cause for moral or spiritual failure. In this context, it signifies actions or behaviors that cause others to stumble in their faith, to be led astray, or to find legitimate grounds for criticizing and rejecting the Christian message or its representatives. It implies a deliberate avoidance of anything that might legitimately discredit the gospel or those who proclaim it.
* **ministry (Greek, _diakonía'_):** Derived from _diákonos_ (servant, minister). This term broadly refers to "service" or "ministration." Here, it specifically denotes the sacred work of proclaiming the gospel, caring for the church, and serving God's purposes. It encompasses the office, administration, and overall service rendered by Christian teachers and leaders, signifying the divine calling and work entrusted to them. Paul's concern is for the integrity of this sacred work, not merely the individual's reputation.
* **blamed (Greek, _mōmáomai'_):** From _mōmos_ (blemish, fault). This verb means "to carp at," "to find fault with," "to censure," or "to discredit." Paul's desire is that the ministry should not be subjected to legitimate criticism or reproach, thereby losing its effectiveness and trustworthiness in the eyes of both believers and unbelievers. It's about preventing valid accusations that could undermine the spiritual authority and impact of the gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Giving no offence in any thing,"**: This opening clause establishes a universal and absolute standard for the conduct of ministers and, by extension, all believers. The phrase "no offence" (Greek: _mēdeís proskopḗ_) emphasizes the complete absence of any action or behavior that could cause another person to stumble, be scandalized, or find a legitimate reason to discredit the Christian faith. The addition of "in any thing" (Greek: _en mēdení_) broadens the scope to encompass every aspect of life, every decision, every interaction, and every circumstance. It means that blamelessness is not confined to public preaching but extends to private character, financial dealings, relationships, and all daily activities. The aim is to remove any unnecessary barrier that might prevent someone from receiving the gospel.
* **"that the ministry be not blamed:"**: This clause reveals the profound purpose and motivation behind the command to give no offense. The word "that" (Greek: _hína mḗ_) introduces a negative purpose clause, indicating the desired outcome. Paul's ultimate concern is not merely for personal reputation but for the reputation and effectiveness of "the ministry" itself. "The ministry" here refers to the entire work of proclaiming the gospel and building up the church, which is God's work carried out through human agents. If those who represent this ministry act in ways that are scandalous or reproachful, the entire divine enterprise risks being "blamed," censured, or discredited in the eyes of the world. This would hinder conversions, undermine faith, and bring dishonor to God's name.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his urgent message. The verse functions as an **Apostolic Exhortation**, a direct and authoritative command from Paul to the Corinthians, rooted in his apostolic authority and pastoral concern. The phrase "Giving no offence" is a powerful **Negative Command** or **Prohibition**, emphasizing what *must not* be done, setting a clear boundary for acceptable conduct. The subsequent clause, "that the ministry be not blamed," serves as a **Purpose Clause**, explicitly stating the critical reason and desired outcome for the preceding command. This highlights the teleological nature of Paul's ethics—actions are judged by their purpose and effect on the gospel. Furthermore, the term "ministry" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the abstract concept of the work of God stands for the people engaged in that work and the message they proclaim. The phrase "in any thing" is an **Amplification** device, stressing the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of this ethical imperative, leaving no room for exceptions or areas of life where blamelessness might be optional.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The imperative to give no offense is a profound theological principle rooted in the character of God and the nature of His kingdom. It reflects God's holiness and His desire that His name and work be honored among all peoples. The credibility of the gospel is intrinsically linked to the integrity of its messengers, for their lives serve as living epistles, read by all. This principle extends beyond formal ministry roles to every believer, as each Christian is called to be a light in the world, reflecting Christ's character and truth. Our conduct, therefore, is not merely a private matter but a public testimony that either commends or condemns the very faith we profess, impacting the world's perception of God's grace and power.

* [1 Corinthians 10:32](/1_corinthians/10-32 "1 Corinthians 10:32 - Give No Offence")
* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Put a Stumbling Block")
* [Philippians 1:10](/philippians/1-10 "Philippians 1:10 - Pure and Blameless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 6:3 challenges every believer to a profound level of self-awareness and intentionality in their daily walk. It moves beyond mere rule-following to a deep concern for the reputation of Christ and His gospel. We are called to consider not only the moral rectitude of our actions but also their potential impact on others, particularly those who are observing our lives as a testimony to our faith. This requires a humble and discerning spirit, willing to forgo personal liberties or preferences if they might cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble, or if they might create a legitimate reason for unbelievers to mock or dismiss the gospel. Our lives are a continuous sermon, and this verse reminds us that the integrity of that sermon is paramount. It compels us to live with a constant awareness that our conduct can either open doors for the gospel or close them, making us stewards not just of truth, but of its reception.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might my actions, words, or attitudes inadvertently cause "offence" or discredit the "ministry" of Christ in the eyes of others?**
* **How does my daily conduct reflect the holiness and truth of the gospel I profess, especially in challenging or ambiguous situations?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to live with greater intentionality, ensuring my life consistently commends the Christian faith to those around me?**

### FAQ

**What does "giving no offence in any thing" truly mean for a modern Christian?**

Answer: For a modern Christian, "giving no offence in any thing" means living with such integrity and wisdom that your actions, words, and character never provide a legitimate reason for others (both believers and non-believers) to criticize, discredit, or stumble over the Christian faith itself. It's not about avoiding all criticism, as genuine faith will always be opposed by the world, but about avoiding *unnecessary* or *legitimate* grounds for reproach. This applies to all areas of life: financial dealings, relationships, social media presence, work ethic, and even how we exercise our Christian freedoms (as discussed in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Conscience and Christian Liberty") and [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Offered to Idols")). The goal is to remove barriers to the gospel, ensuring that people reject Christ because of His truth, not because of our failings.

**Why is it so important that "the ministry be not blamed"?**

Answer: It is crucial that "the ministry be not blamed" because the effectiveness and reputation of God's work on earth are at stake. "The ministry" refers to the entire enterprise of proclaiming the gospel, discipling believers, and demonstrating God's kingdom. If those who represent this ministry—whether formally ordained or simply as individual believers living out their faith—live in a way that is scandalous, hypocritical, or morally compromised, it brings dishonor to God's name and undermines the credibility of the gospel message. People will then associate the message with the messenger's flaws, leading them to reject Christianity not based on its inherent truth, but on the perceived failures of its adherents. Paul's concern is for the unhindered advance of the gospel, echoing his desire that nothing should "hinder the gospel of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 9:12](/1_corinthians/9-12 "1 Corinthians 9:12 - Do Not Hinder the Gospel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 6:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse calls believers to live blamelessly, Christ Himself is the quintessential example of one who "gave no offence in any thing." He lived a life utterly without sin, a perfect Lamb "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Lamb Without Blemish")). Though He was reviled and accused, His enemies could find no legitimate fault in Him; even Pilate declared, "I find no fault in this man" ([Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Luke 23:4 - Pilate Finds No Fault")). Jesus' life was the perfect commendation of God's "ministry" of salvation, ensuring that the Father's name was glorified and His redemptive work was never legitimately blamed or discredited. His blameless life was not merely an ethical example but a necessary prerequisite for His atoning sacrifice, for only a sinless Savior could take away the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Therefore, when Paul calls believers to live without offense for the sake of the ministry, he is implicitly calling them to reflect the very character of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled this imperative, making the gospel's power undeniable and its truth unimpeachable. Our ability to live this way is only through the transforming power of the Spirit, conforming us to the image of the One who was truly blameless ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 14:13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

1 Corinthians 9:12

If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

Matthew 17:27

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

1 Corinthians 9:22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.

2 Corinthians 1:12

¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.