FocusGrace and ministry under trial
Connection to the wholePaul urges the readers not to receive grace in vain and describes service that remains faithful through hardship and contrasting reputations.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 6:10
KJVAs sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Read it in context
The appeal of faithful servants
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 6:1 (2 Corinthians 6:1 to 2 Corinthians 6:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul urges the readers not to receive grace in vain and describes service that remains faithful through hardship and contrasting reputations.
- 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
- 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
- 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
- 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
- 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
- 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
- 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
- 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
- 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
- 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The appeal of faithful servants. Read 2 Corinthians 6:1 through 2 Corinthians 6:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul urges the readers not to receive grace in vain and describes service that remains faithful through hardship and contrasting reputations. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The appeal of faithful servants (2 Corinthians 6:1 to 2 Corinthians 6:10). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2 Corinthians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- sorrowful 2 Cor 2:4 2 Cor 7:3-10 Matt 5:4,12 Luke 6:21 John 16:22 Acts 5:41 Acts 16:25 Rom 5:2-3
- making 2 Cor 4:7 2 Cor 8:9 Rom 11:12 Eph 3:8,16 Col 3:16 1 Tim 6:18 Jas 2:5 Rev 2:9
- and 2 Cor 4:15 Ps 84:11 Prov 16:16 Matt 6:19-20 Luke 16:11-12 1 Cor 3:21-23 1 Tim 4:8 Rev 21:7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 6
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
An open heart and holy belonging
2 Corinthians 6:11–18FocusAffection and separation
Connection to the wholePaul appeals for reciprocal affection and warns against incompatible yoking, grounding holiness in the community's identity as God's temple.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.