approving = commending See 2 Corinthians 3:1 , ministers . Greek. diakonos. App-190 . afflictions = tribulations. Greek thlipsis. See 2 Corinthians 1:4 . distresses . Greek. stenochoria. See Romans 2:9 . Compare 2 Corinthians 6:12 . read more
But in everything commending ourselves as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses.Commending ourselves ... refers to the exhibition and demonstration in Paul's life of the utmost integrity of character which was daily exemplified in all of the patterns of his total behavior.Ministers of God ... Paul included other apostles with himself in this, as "ministers of God"; but he also called himself the "servant of Christ" (Romans 1:1). In this, of course, he... read more
2 Corinthians 6:4. In affliction, &c.— Dr. Whitby thinks that the first word Θλιψις, signifies affliction in general; the second, 'Αναγκη, more grievous and unavoidable troubles; and the third, στενοχωρια, such pressures as reduce us to the greatest straits. See on ch. 2 Corinthians 4:8. The compound sense, therefore, on the whole, is, "We are, as it were, hemmed in with inevitable, and, humanly speaking, inextricable calamities on every side." Beza interprets the word ακαταστασιαις,... read more
4. Translate, to mark the true order of the Greek words, "in everything, as God's ministers recommending ourselves," that is, that our hearers may give our message a favorable hearing, through our consistency in every respect, not that they may glorify us. Alluding to :-, he implies, We commend ourselves, not like them by word, but by deed. patience— ( :-). Put first. "Pure-minded" follows ( :-). Three triplets of trials exercising the "patience" (patient endurance) follow: Afflictions (or... read more
Paul’s example as an ambassador of Christ 6:1-10 read more
Paul proceeded to describe positively how he had conducted himself to prove that his own reception of God’s grace had not been in vain. He commended and defended his ministry to provide the faithful Corinthians with more ammunition to rebut his critics. Note that he referred to his actions rather than his words. He cited three groups of trials, and there are three kinds of trials in each group. These he prefaced with a claim to patience (steadfast endurance), an extremely important quality in... read more
6:4 endurance, (k-11) Or 'patience.' read more
I, 2. Paraphrase. ’Now it is as coöperators with God in this work that we exhort you not to make the grace of God fruitless in your life by continuing in sin. (2) For God has told us in Scripture of a time of grace and of a day of salvation; and this is that blessed time of grace and that day of salvation.’1. Workers together with him] For the idea cp. 1 Corinthians 3:9. In vain] i.e. by an unholy life.2. He (i.e. God) saith] The v. is a parenthesis. The reference is to Isaiah 49:8, God’s words... read more
(4) But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God.—Better, as keeping up the connection with 2 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 5:12, as ministers of God commending ourselves. He harps, as it were, upon that phrase. Yes, he does commend himself; but how? He looks back on his life of labour and sufferings and challenges comparison. Can others, with their letters of commendation, point to anything like this? The word “ministers” in the Greek is in the nominative case, while the... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 6:1-13
The power of love (5:11-6:13)Because Paul knows that he is accountable to Christ, he knows what it means to fear the Lord, and this makes him more diligent in his service. God knows that his motives are pure and he trusts that the Corinthians know also (11).In making these statements, Paul is not trying to write a recommendation for himself. He is trying to give his supporters reason to be bold in defending him against those who criticize him (12). They may have seen him display his feelings in... read more