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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6 verses 1–10
In these verses we have an account of the apostle's general errand and exhortation to all to whom he preached in every place where he came, with the several arguments and methods he used. Observe,
I. The errand or exhortation itself, namely, to comply with the gospel offers of reconciliation - that, being favoured with the gospel, they would not receive this grace of God in vain, Co2 6:1. The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears; but it will be in vain for us to hear it, unless we believe it, and comply with the end and design of it. And as it is the duty of the ministers of the gospel to exhort and persuade their hearers to accept of grace and mercy which are offered to them, so they are honoured with this high title of co-workers with God. Note, 1. They must work; and must work for God and his glory, for souls and their good: and they are workers with God, yet under him, as instruments only; however, if they be faithful, they may hope to find God working with them, and their labour will be effectual. 2. Observe the language and way of the spirit of the gospel: it is not with roughness and severity, but with all mildness and gentleness, to beseech and entreat, to use exhortations and arguments, in order to prevail with sinners and overcome their natural unwillingness to be reconciled to God and to be happy for ever.
II. The arguments and method which the apostle used. And here he tells them,
1.The present time is the only proper season to accept of the grace that is offered, and improve that grace which is afforded: NOW is the accepted time, NOW is the day of salvation, Co2 6:2. The gospel day is a day of salvation, the means of grace the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel the offers of salvation, and the present time the only proper time to accept of these offers: Today, while it is called today. The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be; and we should remember that present seasons of grace are short and uncertain, and cannot be recalled when they are past. It is therefore our duty and interest to improve them while we have them, and no less than our salvation depends upon our so doing.
2.What caution they used not to give offence that might hinder the success of their preaching: Giving no offence in any thing, Co2 6:3. The apostle had great difficulty to behave prudently and inoffensively towards the Jews and Gentiles, for many of both sorts watched for his halting, and sought occasion to blame him and his ministry, or his conversation; therefore he was very cautious not to give offence to those who were so apt to take offence, that he might not offend the Jews by unnecessary zeal against the law, nor the Gentiles by unnecessary compliances with such as were zealous for the law. He was careful, in all his words and actions, not to give offence, or occasion of guilt or grief. Note, When others are too apt to take offence, we should be cautious lest we give offence; and ministers especially should be careful lest they do any thing that may bring blame on their ministry or render that unsuccessful.
3.Their constant aim and endeavor in all things to approve themselves faithful, as became the ministers of God, Co2 6:4. We see how much stress the apostle upon all occasions lays on fidelity in our work, because much of our success depends upon that. His eye was single, and his heart upright, in all his ministrations; and his great desire was to be the servant of God, and to approve himself so. Note, Ministers of the gospel should look upon themselves as God's servants or ministers, and act in every thing suitably to that character. So did the apostle, (1.) By much patience in afflictions. He was a great sufferer, and met with many afflictions, was often in necessities, and wanted the conveniences, if not the necessaries, of life; in distresses, being straitened on every side, hardly knowing what to do; in stripes often (Co2 11:24); in imprisonments; in tumults raised by the Jews and Gentiles against him; in labours, not only in preaching the gospel, but in travelling from place to place for that end, and working with his hands to supply his necessities; in watchings and in fastings, either voluntary or upon a religious account, or involuntary for the sake of religion: but he exercised much patience in all, Co2 6:4, Co2 6:5. Note, [1.] It is the lot of faithful ministers often to be reduced to great difficulties, and to stand in need of much patience. [2.] Those who would approve themselves to God must approve themselves faithful in trouble as well as in peace, not only in doing the work of God diligently, but also in bearing the will of God patiently. (2.) By acting from good principles. The apostle went by a good principle in all he did, and tells them what his principles were (Co2 6:6, Co2 6:7); namely, pureness; and there is no piety without purity. A care to keep ourselves unspotted from the world is necessary in order to our acceptance with God. Knowledge was another principle; and zeal without this is but madness. He also acted with long-suffering and kindness, being not easily provoked, but bearing with the hardness of men's hearts, and hard treatment from their hands, to whom he kindly endeavoured to do good. He acted under the influence of the Holy Ghost, from the noble principle of unfeigned love, according to the rule of the word of truth, under the supports and assistances of the power of God, having on the armour of righteousness (a consciousness of universal righteousness and holiness), which is the best defence against the temptations of prosperity on the right hand, and of adversity on the left. (3.) By a due temper and behaviour under all the variety of conditions in this world, Co2 6:8-10. We must expect to meet with many alterations of our circumstances and conditions in this world; and it will be a great evidence of our integrity if we preserve a right temper of mind, and duly behave ourselves, under them all. The apostles met with honour and dishonour, good report and evil report: good men in this world must expect to meet with some dishonour and reproaches, to balance their honour and esteem; and we stand in need of the grace of God to arm us against the temptations of honour on the one hand, so as to bear good report without pride, and of dishonour on the other hand, so as to bear reproaches without impatience or recrimination. It should seem that persons differently represented the apostles in their reports; that some represented them as the best, and others as the worst, of men: by some they were counted deceivers, and run down as such; by others as true, preaching the gospel of truth, and men who were true to the trust reposed in them. They were slighted by the men of the world as unknown, men of no figure or account, not worth taking notice of; yet in all the churches of Christ they were well known, and of great account: they were looked upon as dying, being killed all the day long, and their interest was thought to be a dying interest; "and yet behold," says the apostle, "we live, and live comfortably, and bear up cheerfully under all our hardships, and go on conquering and to conquer." They were chastened, and often fell under the lash of the law, yet not killed: and though it was thought that they were sorrowful, a company of mopish and melancholy men, always sighing and mourning, yet they were always rejoicing in God, and had the greatest reason to rejoice always. They were despised as poor, upon the account of their poverty in this world; and yet they made many rich, by preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. They were thought to have nothing, and silver and gold they had none, houses and lands they had none; yet they possessed all things: they had nothing in this world, but they had a treasure in heaven. Their effects lay in another country, in another world. They had nothing in themselves, but possessed all things in Christ. Such a paradox is a Christian's life, and through such a variety of conditions and reports lies our way to heaven; and we should be careful in all these things to approve ourselves to God.
Be on your guard against every evil word, and every evil desire, and purify your heart from all the vanities of this world. If you guard against these things, your fasting will be perfect. And you will do also as follows. Having fulfilled what is written, on that day on which you fast you will taste nothing but bread and water; and from your meats, which you would have eaten, you will calculate the amount of that day's expenditure, which you would have incurred, and will give it to a widow, or an orphan, or to one in want, and thus you will exhibit humility of mind, so that he who has received benefit from your humility may fill his own soul, and pray for you to the Lord.
We command that a bishop, or presbyter, or deacon who receives the baptism, or the sacrifice of heretics, be deprived: "For what agreement is there between Christ and Belial? or what part hath a believer with an infidel? "
"In stripes, in imprisonments, in tossings to and fro." Yet every one of these by itself was intolerable, the being scourged only, and being bound only, and being unable through persecution to remain fixed any where, (for this is "in tossings to and fro,") but when both all, and all at once, assail, consider what a soul they need. Then along with the things from without, he mentions those imposed by himself. "In labors, in watchings, in fastings; in pureness." But by "pureness" here, he means either chasteness again, or general purity, or incorruptness, or even his preaching the Gospel freely.
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SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 6:5, the Apostle Paul continues his robust defense of his apostolic ministry by cataloging a series of intense physical hardships and self-imposed disciplines. This verse, part of a longer list of afflictions, serves as irrefutable evidence of his authentic commitment to the Gospel, contrasting his sacrificial service with the superficiality of false teachers. It highlights the profound cost of true discipleship and ministry, demonstrating that Paul's credentials were not found in worldly comfort or acclaim, but in his unwavering endurance through suffering for Christ's sake.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral part of Paul's impassioned appeal to the Corinthian believers, urging them not to "receive the grace of God in vain" (2 Corinthians 6:1). Following his assertion that he and his co-workers are "working together with him," Paul immediately pivots to validating his ministry through a comprehensive list of his sufferings and exemplary conduct. The preceding verses (2 Corinthians 6:3-4) establish the principle of giving no offense, and then introduce the idea of commending themselves "in every way" as servants of God. Verse 5 then dives into the specific, tangible examples of hardship, initiating a detailed enumeration that continues through 2 Corinthians 6:10. This catalog functions as a powerful rhetorical device, demonstrating the authenticity and integrity of Paul's ministry against the backdrop of challenges posed by those who questioned his authority and methods.
Historical & Cultural Context: Paul's ministry took place in a Greco-Roman world often hostile to new religious movements, especially those that challenged established social and religious norms. Early Christian missionaries frequently faced persecution, mob violence, and legal repercussions. "Stripes" (flogging) were a common form of punishment, often inflicted by both Jewish and Roman authorities, as evidenced by Paul's own accounts in Acts 16:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 11:24-25. "Imprisonments" were a constant threat for those deemed disturbers of the peace, and "tumults" (riots, civil unrest) were a frequent occurrence, often incited by those whose economic or religious interests were threatened by the spread of the Gospel, such as the riot in Ephesus described in Acts 19:23-41. The mention of "labours, watchings, and fastings" also reflects the demanding, often itinerant, lifestyle of an apostle, who frequently worked to support himself while ministering (1 Corinthians 4:12) and engaged in intense spiritual disciplines.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Authenticity and Apostolic Vindication. Paul's suffering is presented not as a sign of weakness, but as irrefutable proof of his genuine dedication and reliance on God, distinguishing his true ministry from that of false apostles who might have presented an easier or more self-serving path. Secondly, it highlights Endurance in Adversity. The catalog of hardships vividly portrays Paul's unwavering perseverance through various forms of affliction, emphasizing that suffering is an expected part of Christian ministry, as he teaches elsewhere (e.g., Philippians 1:29). Thirdly, it speaks to Self-Denial and Discipline. "Labours, watchings, and fastings" demonstrate a life not focused on bodily comfort or worldly gain, but wholly dedicated to God's will, echoing Paul's commitment to discipline his body for the sake of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:27). These themes collectively portray a ministry empowered by God's grace, made perfect in weakness, and validated by sacrificial love.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Corinthians 6:5 is Anaphora, the repetition of the word "in" (Greek: en) at the beginning of successive clauses. This creates a powerful rhythmic effect, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the hardships Paul endured and building a cumulative sense of his suffering. Each repeated "in" serves as a stark reminder of the various difficult circumstances Paul found himself immersed within. The verse also functions as part of an extended Catalog of Sufferings, a rhetorical strategy Paul uses throughout 2 Corinthians to establish his apostolic credentials not through worldly power or eloquence, but through his shared experience of Christ's suffering. This catalog is a form of Apologia, a defense of his ministry, where his vulnerability becomes his strength and proof of divine empowerment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's enumeration of sufferings in 2 Corinthians 6:5 is not a mere recitation of personal woes, but a profound theological statement. It articulates the paradox of Christian ministry: that God's power is most visibly demonstrated not in human strength or comfort, but in weakness and affliction. By enduring "stripes, imprisonments, and tumults," Paul embodies the suffering Christ, showing that true identification with the Lord involves sharing in His passion. The "labours, watchings, and fastings" further reveal a life utterly consecrated to God's service, prioritizing the Gospel above all personal ease. This self-sacrificial endurance serves as a powerful testament to the authenticity of his message and the divine grace that sustained him, inviting believers to embrace a similar posture of commitment and reliance on God in their own walk of faith.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 6:5 presents a challenging yet deeply inspiring picture of authentic Christian service. In a world that often measures success by comfort, recognition, and ease, Paul's catalog of hardships reminds us that true faithfulness to Christ often involves sacrifice, endurance, and a willingness to embrace difficulty for the sake of the Gospel. This verse calls us to examine the depth of our own commitment. Are we willing to endure "stripes" (criticism, rejection, physical hardship) for our faith? Can we find strength "in imprisonments" (spiritual confinement, isolation, or restrictions on our freedom to serve)? Do we remain steadfast "in tumults" (when chaos or opposition rises against us)? Furthermore, the "labours, watchings, and fastings" highlight the importance of disciplined, self-sacrificial effort in our spiritual lives and ministries. It's a call to prioritize God's kingdom above personal convenience, to be vigilant in prayer, and to be willing to deny ourselves for a greater purpose. Paul's example encourages us that it is precisely in our weakness and through our endurance that God's power is most profoundly displayed, validating our witness and empowering us to serve effectively.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Paul listing these specific hardships?
Answer: Paul's listing of "stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labours, watchings, and fastings" is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as an apologia, a defense of his apostolic authority and the authenticity of his ministry. Unlike false teachers who might have sought personal gain or comfort, Paul's life was marked by profound suffering, demonstrating his genuine, selfless dedication to Christ and the Gospel. Secondly, it illustrates the paradox of Christian strength, where God's power is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). His endurance through these trials was not by his own might but by divine grace. Thirdly, it provides a model for believers, showing that suffering is often an inevitable part of following Christ and serving His kingdom, and that perseverance through such trials validates one's faith and commitment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 6:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Paul's catalog of suffering — "in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings" — is a profound echo of the path Christ walked. Jesus endured the ultimate "stripes" through His scourging (Matthew 27:26), the "imprisonment" of His arrest and trials (Matthew 26:47-56), and the "tumults" of the crowds who cried for His crucifixion (Luke 23:18-23). His entire earthly life was one of "labour" for the Father's will (John 4:34), marked by "watchings" in prayer (Luke 6:12) and frequent "fastings" (Matthew 4:2). Paul's willingness to embrace these hardships is a direct imitation of Christ's self-sacrificial love and obedience, demonstrating that true discipleship involves sharing in the "fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). Thus, Paul's suffering is not merely a personal credential, but a living testament to the suffering servant, Jesus, whose path of humility and sacrifice ultimately led to glorification and the reconciliation of the world to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).