2 Corinthians 6:4 - Exposition

Approving ourselves; rather, commending ourselves, He is again referring to the insinuation, which had evidently caused him deep pain, that he was not authorized to preach, as his Judaic opponents were, by "letters of commendation" ( 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 ) from James or from the ciders at Jerusalem. His credentials came from God, who had enabled him to be so faithful. As the ministers of God ( 1 Corinthians 4:1 ). The article should be omitted. In much patience. Christ had forewarned his apostles that they would have much to endure, and had strengthened them by the promise that "he that endureth to the end shall be saved" ( Matthew 10:22 ). In afflictions. This word, as we have seen, is one of the haunting words in 2 Corinthians 1:4-11 . In necessities. St, Paul was poor, and was often in want ( Acts 20:34 ). In distresses. The same word which occurs in 2 Corinthians 4:8 . It means "extreme pressure" (literally, narrowness of space ) , and is a climax of the other words.