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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.
Those who hated the apostles thought that they were dying every day of their lives as the price for their wickedness. But because the apostles were preaching with God’s approval, they kept being rescued from death by the help of Christ.
"As unknown, and yet well known." This is, "by glory and dishonor." For by some they were well known and much sought after, whilst others designed not to know them at all. "As dying, and behold, we live." As under sentence of death and condemned; which was itself also matter of dishonor. But this he said, to show both the unspeakable power of God and their own patience. For so far as those who plotted against us were concerned, we died; and this is what all suppose; but by God's aid we escaped the dangers. Then to manifest also on what account God permits these things, he added, "As chastened, and not killed." Showing that the gain accruing to them from their temptations, even before the rewards, was great, and that their enemies against their will did them service.
Paul and his companions were unknown to the wicked and reprobate but well known to the faithful and just.
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SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 6:9 masterfully encapsulates the paradoxical nature of authentic apostolic ministry, revealing how Paul and his co-workers, though often disregarded by the world, were intimately known by God; though constantly facing death, they supernaturally experienced life; and though subjected to severe discipline and hardship, they were divinely preserved from ultimate destruction. This verse highlights the profound contrast between worldly perception and divine reality, showcasing God's power made perfect in human weakness and suffering.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The dominant literary device in 2 Corinthians 6:9 is Paradox, where seemingly contradictory statements are presented to reveal a deeper truth. Each of the three clauses ("unknown, yet well known"; "dying, yet we live"; "chastened, yet not killed") is a powerful example of this. These paradoxes are further accentuated by Antithesis, the direct juxtaposition of opposing ideas (e.g., "unknown" vs. "well known," "dying" vs. "live," "chastened" vs. "not killed") to highlight the stark contrast and the unexpected divine reality. The repeated use of "as" (Greek hōs) introduces each paradoxical pair, creating a rhythmic Parallelism that emphasizes the consistent nature of these experiences in Paul's ministry. The interjection "behold" (idoú) in the second clause acts as an Exclamation, drawing the reader's attention to the astonishing and miraculous nature of their continued life amidst death.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the upside-down kingdom values that characterize Christian ministry and life. It challenges the world's metrics of success and validation, asserting that true recognition comes from God, not human applause. The apostles' experiences demonstrate that God's power is often most visible and effective through human weakness and suffering, not despite it. This suffering is not arbitrary but often serves as divine discipline (chastening) – a loving, refining process that purifies, strengthens, and prepares believers for greater service, ultimately preserving them for God's purposes. It underscores the reality that the life of Christ is so powerful that it can manifest even in the face of death, offering hope and resilience to all who follow Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The paradoxes of 2 Corinthians 6:9 offer profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. In a world obsessed with visibility, recognition, and outward success, this verse reminds us that our true worth and ultimate validation come from God alone. We may feel "unknown" or overlooked in our daily lives, our efforts unappreciated, or our faith misunderstood. Yet, like Paul, we are "well known" by the One who truly matters – our Heavenly Father, who intricately knows and values us Psalm 139:1-4. Furthermore, this passage teaches us to embrace the reality that spiritual vitality and the life of Christ can powerfully manifest even amidst immense suffering, persecution, or personal difficulty. Our trials, though painful, are often part of God's refining process, His "chastening" hand, designed not to destroy us but to build character, deepen our faith, and conform us more closely to the image of Christ. We can trust God's sovereign hand in our hardships, knowing He has a redemptive purpose and will ultimately preserve us for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "unknown" and "well known" simultaneously?
Answer: Paul is highlighting a profound contrast between worldly perception and divine reality. When he says "unknown," he refers to how he and his fellow ministers were often disregarded, unrecognized, or even despised by the world, and perhaps by some within the Corinthian church who judged by superficial standards. They lacked worldly prestige or rhetorical flair. However, they were "well known" in a deeper, more significant sense: they were intimately known by God, their authenticity was evident to those with spiritual discernment, and their ministry bore undeniable fruit that spoke for itself. This paradox underscores that true validation comes from God, not from human acclaim or status.
How can someone be "dying" and "live" at the same time?
Answer: This paradox speaks to the constant peril and suffering Paul and the apostles faced for the sake of the gospel. "As dying" (Greek: apothnēskō) signifies a continuous state of facing life-threatening situations, persecutions, and physical hardships that brought them to the brink of death. Yet, despite these constant threats, they miraculously continued to "live" (Greek: záō). This "living" is not merely physical survival, but a powerful testament to the spiritual vitality, divine sustenance, and resurrection life of Christ active within them. It demonstrates God's preserving power and the reality that spiritual life transcends even the most dire physical circumstances, as seen in 2 Corinthians 4:10-11.
Does "chastened" imply that God is punishing believers?
Answer: While "chastened" (Greek: paideúō) can sometimes involve corrective punishment, its primary meaning is to train, educate, or discipline, much like a parent disciplines a child. In this context, Paul is asserting that the severe trials and hardships they endured were not random misfortunes or signs of God's abandonment, but rather part of God's purposeful, refining, and formative process. God allowed these difficulties to shape, purify, and strengthen them, much as a loving father disciplines his children for their good Hebrews 12:6-11. The crucial point is that while they were "chastened," they were "not killed," indicating God's preserving hand and His ultimate redemptive purpose in their suffering.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound paradoxes of 2 Corinthians 6:9 find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He was the ultimate "unknown" to the world, "having no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him" (Isaiah 53:2), often unrecognized by His own people (John 1:10-11). Yet, He was intimately "well known" by the Father, declared to be "My beloved Son" (Matthew 3:17). Jesus fully embraced "dying," submitting Himself to the cross, a death that appeared to be the ultimate defeat (Philippians 2:8). Yet, through His resurrection, He powerfully demonstrated that in death, there is ultimate "life," conquering sin and the grave to bring eternal life to all who believe (John 11:25-26). Furthermore, Christ was "chastened" by God's righteous judgment for our sins, bearing the full weight of divine wrath on the cross (Isaiah 53:5). Yet, He was "not killed" in the sense of being permanently overcome by death, for He rose triumphantly, demonstrating God's preserving power and the redemptive purpose of His suffering. Thus, the apostles' experiences are a reflection of their Lord, embodying the truth that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers also find life, power, and ultimate vindication, even amidst the world's misunderstanding and suffering.