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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.
"In knowledge." What is "in knowledge?" In wisdom such as is given from God; that which is truly knowledge; not as those that seem to be wise and boast of their acquaintance with the heathen discipline, but are deficient in this. "In long-suffering, in kindness" For this also is a great note of a noble soul, though exasperated and goaded on every side, to bear all with long-suffering. Then to show whence he became such, he added; "In the Holy Ghost." 'For in Him,' he saith, 'we do all these good works.' But observe when it is that he has mentioned the aid of the Holy Ghost. After he had set forth what was from himself. Moreover, he seems to me to say another thing herein. What then is this? Namely, 'we have both been filled with abundance of the Spirit and hereby also give a proof of our Apostleship in that we have been counted worthy of spiritual gifts.' For if this be grace also, yet still he himself was the cause who by his good works and his toils attracted that grace. "In love unfeigned." This was the cause of all those good things; this made him what he was; this caused the Spirit also to abide with him, by Whose aid also all things were rightly done of him.
Then he adds these words: "By kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God."
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SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 6:6, the Apostle Paul continues his defense of his apostolic ministry, shifting from a catalog of external hardships to an enumeration of the internal, spiritual qualities and divine empowerments that truly authenticate his service and that of his fellow workers. This verse highlights a series of virtues—pureness, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, the Holy Spirit's presence, and unfeigned love—as the genuine marks of a minister of God, demonstrating that true authority and effectiveness in ministry stem from Christ-like character and divine enablement rather than worldly credentials or superficial displays.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended apologia for his ministry, found in 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. Having just urged the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain and to live as "ministers of God" (2 Corinthians 6:1-3), Paul then details the immense suffering and endurance he and his colleagues have faced (2 Corinthians 6:4-5). Verse 6 pivots from these external trials to the internal, moral, and spiritual qualities that sustained them and validated their ministry despite, and even through, the hardships. It sets the stage for further descriptions of their conduct and the paradoxical nature of their strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 6:7-10). This section serves as a powerful testament to the authenticity of their calling, contrasting their genuine character with the superficiality of false apostles.
Historical & Cultural Context: Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges from within the church and from external detractors. False teachers, often referred to as "super-apostles" (2 Corinthians 11:5), had infiltrated the Corinthian church, questioning Paul's authority, rhetorical skill, and even his personal integrity. These opponents likely boasted of their own eloquence, credentials, and perhaps even miraculous signs, fitting more neatly into the Greco-Roman cultural expectations of a persuasive orator or philosopher. In this context, Paul's defense is radical: he does not appeal to worldly status or eloquent speech, but to his suffering, his integrity, and the evident work of the Holy Spirit in his life and ministry. The virtues listed in 2 Corinthians 6:6 were not necessarily esteemed as highly as public acclaim or wealth in the broader culture, but for Paul, they were the true indicators of divine approval and authentic service.
Key Themes: The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. Foremost is the theme of Authenticity and Integrity in Ministry, where Paul redefines what constitutes true apostolic authority. Rather than worldly success or rhetorical prowess, it is defined by a life of moral purity, spiritual wisdom, patient endurance, and genuine love, all empowered by God. This ties into the theme of Suffering and Strength in Weakness, as these internal virtues are demonstrated precisely amidst external afflictions, showcasing God's power made perfect in human frailty (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The explicit mention of "by the Holy Ghost" underscores the theme of Divine Empowerment, emphasizing that these qualities are not merely human achievements but supernatural endowments essential for effective and righteous service. Finally, the inclusion of "love unfeigned" highlights Genuine Love as a Hallmark of Ministry, distinguishing true servants of Christ from those motivated by self-interest or hypocrisy, a theme central to Paul's relationship with the Corinthians throughout the letter (2 Corinthians 2:4).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in 2 Corinthians 6:6 to emphasize the nature of authentic ministry. The most prominent is Anaphora, the repetition of the preposition "by" (Greek, en) at the beginning of each clause. This creates a rhythmic, insistent cadence that highlights each quality as a distinct means or instrument through which their ministry is authenticated. Closely related is Polysyndeton, the deliberate use of multiple conjunctions (here, the repeated "by") where they might otherwise be omitted. This technique slows the pace, adding weight and emphasis to each item in the list, making each virtue stand out individually while also contributing to a cumulative sense of comprehensive character. The verse also utilizes Enumeration, a detailed listing of qualities, which serves to provide a clear and exhaustive description of the spiritual and moral attributes that define true servants of God. This enumeration implicitly creates a Contrast with the superficial or worldly criteria by which false apostles might have been judged, subtly reinforcing Paul's argument that genuine ministry is evidenced by internal character rather than external show.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The qualities listed in 2 Corinthians 6:6 are deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting the very character of God and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers. These virtues are not merely humanistic ideals but are expressions of sanctification, the process by which believers are conformed to the image of Christ. They demonstrate that true spiritual authority and effectiveness in ministry are not derived from human strength, charisma, or worldly credentials, but from a life progressively purified and empowered by God. The emphasis on "by the Holy Ghost" highlights the divine source of these attributes, affirming that genuine Christian character is a supernatural fruit, not a self-generated achievement. This passage serves as a theological benchmark for authentic spiritual leadership and the ethical demands of gospel ministry, emphasizing that integrity and love are paramount.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For every believer, whether in formal ministry or daily life, 2 Corinthians 6:6 offers a profound mirror for self-examination and a powerful blueprint for authentic Christian living. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances, titles, or perceived successes, and instead focus on the cultivation of internal character. The virtues of pureness, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, and unfeigned love, all empowered by the Holy Spirit, are not optional add-ons but essential marks of those who truly represent Christ. Living "by" these qualities means allowing them to be the guiding principles and active expressions of our lives, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel to a watching world. It calls us to a life of integrity in our motives, patience in our interactions, wisdom in our decisions, and genuine, sacrificial love in all our relationships, recognizing that our witness is most potent when our character aligns with the truth we proclaim.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Paul list these specific qualities after describing hardships?
Answer: Paul lists these qualities in 2 Corinthians 6:6 immediately after detailing the many hardships he and his co-workers endured (2 Corinthians 6:4-5) to demonstrate that their ministry was authenticated not despite their suffering, but through it, and by the internal, spiritual virtues that sustained them. The list serves as a powerful contrast to the superficial criteria by which false apostles might have been judged (e.g., eloquence, wealth, lack of suffering). Paul argues that true ministers are known by their Christ-like character, their patient endurance, and their reliance on the Holy Spirit, which are revealed most clearly under pressure. These qualities prove their integrity and divine commission far more effectively than any outward display.
Are these qualities only for apostles or those in formal ministry?
Answer: While Paul specifically applies these qualities to his apostolic ministry as a defense, the virtues listed in 2 Corinthians 6:6 are foundational for all believers. They are expressions of the transformed life in Christ and are often echoed in other New Testament passages describing the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23) or the characteristics of a mature Christian (Colossians 3:12-14). Every Christian is called to live a life that authentically reflects Christ, whether in their family, workplace, community, or church. These qualities are essential for effective witness, healthy relationships, and spiritual growth for every follower of Jesus, not just those in vocational ministry.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The virtues enumerated in 2 Corinthians 6:6 find their ultimate and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the epitome of "pureness," living a sinless life and being the "Lamb without blemish or spot" (1 Peter 1:19). His "knowledge" was divine wisdom, perfectly discerning the hearts of men and the will of God (John 2:25). Jesus perfectly demonstrated "longsuffering" in His patient endurance of opposition, betrayal, and the agony of the cross, bearing the sins of the world without retaliation (Isaiah 53:7). His "kindness" was evident in His compassion for the sick, the marginalized, and the lost, consistently extending grace and healing (Matthew 9:36). Most profoundly, Jesus was fully "by the Holy Ghost," conceived by the Spirit (Matthew 1:18), empowered by the Spirit for ministry (Luke 4:18), and offering Himself through the eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14). And above all, His life was the ultimate expression of "love unfeigned," a selfless, sacrificial agápē that led Him to lay down His life for His enemies (Romans 5:8). Believers are enabled to manifest these qualities because they are united with Christ, indwelt by the same Holy Spirit who empowered Him, allowing His character to be formed in them as they walk in obedience and faith.