2 Corinthians 6:3

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

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

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

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

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

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:3, emphasizes the critical importance of blameless conduct for those involved in Christian ministry. This verse serves as a foundational principle for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the gospel message, urging ministers and believers alike to live in a way that brings no discredit to the work of God.

Context

This verse is part of a larger appeal by Paul to the Corinthians, following his profound declaration that believers are "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20) and that they should not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1). Paul then begins to describe the manner in which he and his fellow ministers commend themselves to others. Rather than boasting in human achievements, their commendation comes through their suffering, endurance, and blameless character, all for the sake of the gospel. This specific verse sets the stage for the detailed list of trials and virtues that follow in verses 4-10, illustrating how they live out this principle of "giving no offence."

Key Themes

  • Ministerial Integrity and Credibility: The verse highlights that the conduct of those representing Christ directly impacts the credibility of their message. A life free from unnecessary scandal or reproach strengthens the witness of the gospel.
  • Protecting the Gospel's Reputation: Paul's primary concern is that the "ministry be not blamed." This means that personal failings or inappropriate actions could lead to the discredit of the entire Christian faith in the eyes of observers, hindering conversions and undermining the work of God.
  • Holistic Conduct: The phrase "in any thing" (KJV) or "in nothing" (ESV, NIV) emphasizes that this blamelessness should extend to all areas of life and service. It's not just about what is preached, but how one lives, acts, and interacts in every circumstance.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "offence" here is proskopē (προσκοπή), which literally means a "stumbling" or "a cause for stumbling." It refers to an obstacle or a point of reproach that causes someone to trip up, falter in faith, or find fault. It's not about avoiding all criticism, but about avoiding actions that genuinely discredit the gospel or lead others astray. The word "blamed" comes from momao (μωμάω), meaning "to find fault with," "to criticize," or "to censure." Paul seeks to eliminate any legitimate grounds for criticism that might undermine the divine calling and message.

Practical Application

While specifically addressing those in ministry, the principle of giving no offence applies to all believers. As Christians, our lives are a testimony to the God we serve. Our actions, words, and attitudes can either draw people to Christ or push them away. This verse calls us to:

  • Live with Intentional Integrity: Consider how our decisions and behavior might be perceived by both believers and non-believers. Are we living in a way that honors God and reflects well on His character?
  • Prioritize the Gospel's Reputation: Recognize that our individual conduct impacts the broader perception of Christianity. Our goal should be to remove any unnecessary barriers that prevent others from considering the truth of the gospel. This aligns with Paul's instruction to "give no offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God" (1 Corinthians 10:32).
  • Cultivate Humility and Wisdom: It requires discernment to navigate situations without causing legitimate offense. This involves walking in wisdom, as exhorted in Ephesians 5:15, and being mindful of how our freedoms might affect others, as discussed in Romans 14:13.

Ultimately, 2 Corinthians 6:3 serves as a powerful reminder that our lives are a vital part of our witness, and our conduct should consistently commend the truth and beauty of the Christian faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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