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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.
If we have lived a life deserving “good repute” and have been spoken well of, now let us also bear up under “ill repute” from the ungodly. Still more, if we have been admired as “true” by those who love truth, now let us laugh at being called “imposters.” During the many dangers from which we have been delivered many said that we were “well known” by God; now let the one who wishes call us “unknown,” when we are probably better known. Thus, in bearing what has happened to us we are “punished” and yet “not killed,” and though “rejoicing,” we resemble those who are “sorrowful.”
Paul is saying that he was recognized as a sincere and faithful preacher by those who believed that the gospel was the glory of God. Even to those who thought that the gospel was vile, he presented himself as a faithful servant of God and was not afraid to say things which they would have been scandalized to hear.
"As deceivers, and yet true." This is, "by evil report and good report."
"By glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report." What sayest thou? That thou enjoyest honor, and setting down this as a great thing? 'Yes,' he saith. Why, forsooth? For to bear dishonor indeed is a great thing, but to partake of honor requires not a vigorous soul. Nay, it needs a vigorous and exceeding great soul, that he who enjoys it may not be thrown and break his neck. Wherefore he glories in this as well as in that, for he shone equally in both. But how is it a weapon of righteousness? Because that the teachers are held in honor induceth many unto godliness. And besides, this is a proof of good works, and this glorifieth God. And this is, further, an instance of the wise contrivance of God, that by things which are opposite He brings in the Preaching.
"By evil report and good report." For not only did he bear those things nobly which happen to the body, the 'afflictions, and whatever he enumerated, but those also which touch the soul; for neither are these wont to disturb slightly. Jeremiah at least having borne many temptations, gave in upon these, and when he was reproached, said, "I will not prophesy, neither will I name the Name of the Lord." And David too in many places complains of reproach. Isaiah also, after many things, exhorteth concerning this, saying, "Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye overcome by their reviling." And again, Christ also to His disciples; "When they shall speak all manner of evil against you falsely, rejoice and be exceeding glad," He saith, "for great is your reward in heaven." Elsewhere too He says, "And leap for joy." But He would not have made the reward so great, had not the pain been great. Many at any rate have fallen by these alone, and have lost their own souls. And to Job also the reproaches of his friends appeared more grievous than the worms and the sores. For there is nothing, there is nothing more intolerable to those in affliction than a word capable of stinging the soul.
Do not angle for compliments, lest while you win the popular applause, you dishonor God. “If I yet pleased men,” says the apostle, “I should not be the servant of Christ.” He ceased to please men when he became Christ’s servant. Christ’s soldier marches on through good report and evil report, the one on the right hand and the other on the left. No praise elates him, no reproaches crush him. He is not puffed up by riches nor depressed by poverty. Joy and sorrow he alike despises. The sun will not burn him by day nor the moon by night.
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SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 6:8 encapsulates the profound paradoxes inherent in authentic Christian ministry, where the apostles' true identity and divine calling were often obscured by worldly perceptions. Paul asserts that genuine servants of God are characterized not by human accolades but by their unwavering faithfulness amidst contradictory experiences—being esteemed by God while simultaneously facing societal scorn, slander, and false accusations, yet remaining steadfastly true to their mission and message.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse is a masterclass in the use of Antithesis, employing three distinct pairs of contrasting concepts: "honour and dishonour," "evil report and good report," and "deceivers and true." This repeated use of opposites serves to highlight the extreme and paradoxical nature of apostolic ministry. Each pair presents a tension between how the world perceives God's servants and how they truly are in God's eyes. This creates a powerful sense of Paradox, where seemingly contradictory realities coexist and define the authentic Christian life and ministry. The very structure of the verse, moving from external perceptions to internal reality, also demonstrates a subtle form of Irony, as those who were truly genuine were labeled as false, and those who sought to discredit them often revealed their own lack of truth.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates that God's methods and measures often run contrary to human expectations and worldly wisdom. True spiritual authority and effectiveness are not found in the absence of suffering or in the pursuit of human approval, but in steadfast faithfulness amidst opposition and misunderstanding. Paul's experience demonstrates that God's power is perfected in weakness, and His truth shines brightest when His servants are most maligned. This paradoxical reality calls believers to re-evaluate their own standards of success and to find their validation solely in Christ, understanding that suffering for the Gospel is a mark of genuine discipleship, not a sign of failure.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, 2 Corinthians 6:8 offers a vital lens through which to view their own walk of faith and service. In a world increasingly driven by public perception, social media validation, and the pursuit of positive "optics," this verse challenges us to prioritize divine approval over human applause. It reminds us that faithfully proclaiming and living out the Gospel may not always earn us accolades; instead, it might invite misunderstanding, criticism, or even outright slander. The call is to cultivate an unwavering integrity and authenticity in Christ, allowing our lives to be a testament to the truth, even when we are falsely accused or maligned. Our ultimate vindication and "good report" come from God, who sees beyond the superficial and knows the true heart of His servants. This verse encourages resilience, reminding us that perseverance through adversity, maintaining truthfulness when labeled a "deceiver," is a hallmark of genuine faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse suggest that Christians should seek out dishonor or evil reports?
Answer: No, the verse does not suggest that Christians should actively seek out dishonor or evil reports. Rather, it describes the reality that such experiences are often an unavoidable consequence of faithfully living out the Gospel in a fallen world. Paul is not advocating for a masochistic pursuit of suffering, but rather acknowledging that true ministry, which prioritizes God's truth over human approval, will inevitably encounter opposition and misrepresentation. The emphasis is on remaining "true" and faithful despite these negative experiences, not on generating them. The goal is to glorify God, even if it means enduring hardship, as Christ Himself endured shame for the joy set before Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 6:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who, though perfectly "true" and without sin, was consistently perceived "as a deceiver" by the religious and political authorities of His day (Matthew 27:63). Jesus endured profound "dishonour" and "evil report," being mocked, scourged, and crucified outside the city gate, a place of public shame (Hebrews 13:12-13). Yet, in His suffering, He brought about the ultimate "good report"—the Gospel of salvation—and was ultimately given "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18), receiving the highest "honour" from God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). Paul's own experience, and that of all true ministers, is a participation in the pattern of Christ's life, demonstrating that faithfulness to God's truth often involves embracing the world's scorn, knowing that divine vindication and eternal glory await those who remain "true" to Him.