2 Corinthians 6:5

KJV

In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} stripes {G4127}, in {G1722} imprisonments {G5438}, in {G1722} tumults {G181}, in {G1722} labours {G2873}, in {G1722} watchings {G70}, in {G1722} fastings {G3521};

Complete Jewish Bible

beatings, imprisonments, riots, overwork, lack of sleep and food.

Berean Standard Bible

in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;

American Standard Version

in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;

Commentary

### 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](/2-corinthians/6-1 "2 Corinthians 6:1 - Do Not Receive Grace in Vain")). 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](/2-corinthians/6-3-4 "2 Corinthians 6:3-4 - Paul's Blameless Conduct")) 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](/2-corinthians/6-10 "2 Corinthians 6:10 - Paul's Paradoxical State"). 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](/acts/16-22-23 "Acts 16:22-23 - Paul and Silas Flogged in Philippi") and [2 Corinthians 11:24-25](/2-corinthians/11-24-25 "2 Corinthians 11:24-25 - Paul's Sufferings"). "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](/acts/19-23-41 "Acts 19:23-41 - The Riot in Ephesus"). 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](/1-corinthians/4-12 "1 Corinthians 4:12 - Paul's Manual Labor")) 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](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ")). 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](/1-corinthians/9-27 "1 Corinthians 9:27 - Paul's Self-Discipline")). 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
* **Stripes (Greek, _plēgḗ'_):** From _plēssō_ (to strike), this word literally means "a stroke" or "a blow," and by implication, a wound. Figuratively, it can refer to a calamity. In this context, it refers specifically to physical beatings or flogging, a common form of punishment and torture endured by Paul for his faith. It signifies the physical suffering inflicted upon him by hostile authorities or mobs.
* **Tumults (Greek, _akatastasía'_):** Derived from _akatastatos_ (unstable), this term denotes instability, disorder, or confusion. It describes civil disturbances, commotions, or public unrest, often violent riots stirred up against Paul and his companions. This highlights the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the opposition he faced.
* **Fastings (Greek, _nēsteía'_):** From _nēsteuō_ (to fast), this refers to abstinence from food. It can encompass both involuntary deprivations due to lack of provisions or dire circumstances, and voluntary spiritual disciplines undertaken for prayer, mourning, or seeking God's will. In Paul's context, it likely includes both, demonstrating a life not driven by bodily appetites but by spiritual devotion and necessity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In stripes":** This phrase immediately brings to mind the physical abuse Paul endured, such as the multiple floggings he recounts ([2 Corinthians 11:24-25](/2-corinthians/11-24-25 "2 Corinthians 11:24-25 - Paul's Sufferings")). It speaks to the brutal and often humiliating physical suffering he willingly underwent for the sake of the Gospel.
* **"in imprisonments":** Paul was frequently incarcerated for his missionary activities, including in Philippi ([Acts 16:23-24](/acts/16-23-24 "Acts 16:23-24 - Paul and Silas in Prison")), Jerusalem ([Acts 21:33](/acts/21-33 "Acts 21:33 - Paul Arrested in Jerusalem")), Caesarea ([Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Paul Imprisoned in Caesarea")), and Rome ([Acts 28:30-31](/acts/28-30-31 "Acts 28:30-31 - Paul's House Arrest in Rome")). These detentions represent the loss of freedom and the constant threat to his life and ministry.
* **"in tumults":** This refers to the public disturbances, riots, and mob violence that frequently erupted against Paul, often incited by those opposed to his message. Examples include the uproar in Iconium ([Acts 14:4-5](/acts/14-4-5 "Acts 14:4-5 - Tumult in Iconium")), Lystra ([Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned in Lystra")), and Ephesus ([Acts 19:29](/acts/19-29 "Acts 19:29 - The Ephesian Riot")). These chaotic situations highlight the intense and often life-threatening opposition he faced.
* **"in labours":** This denotes intense, often exhausting, physical exertion and diligent work undertaken for the sake of the Gospel. It encompasses both the manual labor Paul performed to support himself and his ministry, and the strenuous efforts involved in evangelism, teaching, and church planting. It signifies a life of tireless dedication and self-sacrifice.
* **"in watchings":** This refers to sleepless nights, whether due to intense prayer, vigilant observation, guarding against dangers, or simply the demands of constant travel and ministry. It speaks to a life of perpetual readiness and spiritual alertness, prioritizing God's work over personal rest.
* **"in fastings":** This points to periods of abstinence from food, which could be involuntary (due to deprivation or lack of provisions during arduous journeys) or voluntary (as a spiritual discipline for prayer and seeking God's will). It underscores Paul's detachment from worldly comforts and his deep spiritual commitment, demonstrating a life lived in humble dependence on God.

#### 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.

* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ, Sufferers with Christ")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")
* [Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Paul's Suffering for the Church")

### 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
* **What forms of "stripes" or "imprisonments" might believers face today, and how can we respond with Christ-like endurance?**
* **How do "tumults" (disorder, opposition) in our contemporary society challenge our faith, and what does Paul's example teach us about navigating them?**
* **In what ways can we intentionally embrace "labours, watchings, and fastings" as spiritual disciplines to deepen our commitment to Christ and His mission?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to suffer for the Gospel challenge our own expectations of ease or comfort in our Christian walk?**

### 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](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). 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](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - Jesus Scourged")), the "imprisonment" of His arrest and trials ([Matthew 26:47-56](/matthew/26-47-56 "Matthew 26:47-56 - Jesus Arrested")), and the "tumults" of the crowds who cried for His crucifixion ([Luke 23:18-23](/luke/23-18-23 "Luke 23:18-23 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). His entire earthly life was one of "labour" for the Father's will ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")), marked by "watchings" in prayer ([Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays All Night")) and frequent "fastings" ([Matthew 4:2](/matthew/4-2 "Matthew 4:2 - Jesus' Forty-Day Fast")). 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](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings")). 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](/2-corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")).

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

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

2 Corinthians 11:25

Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

2 Corinthians 11:27

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

Acts 19:23

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

Acts 19:34

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

Acts 26:29

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.