2 Corinthians 6:3-10
Giving no occasion of stumbling in any thing ( μηδεμιαν εν μηδεν διδοντες προσκοπην ). Προσκοπη, late word (Polybius, LXX), from προσκοπτω, to strike against, to stumble. Only here in N.T. Note double negative in the Greek.That the ministry be not blamed ( ινα μη μωμηθη η διακονια ). Negative purpose ( ινα μη ). First aorist passive subjunctive of old verb μωμαομα from μωμος, blot, blemish. One can read with profit J. A. Hutton's Warrack Lectures, That the Ministry Be Not Blamed.
But in everything commending ourselves ( αλλ' εν παντ συνιστανοντες εαυτους ). Paul gives a marvellous summary of his argument about the dignity and glory of ministers of Christ as
ministers of God ( ως θεου διακονο ) under three aspects, the first with
in ( εν ) verses 3-7a, the second with
by ( δια ) verses 7b,8, the third with
as ( ως ) verses 9-10. The negative view with εν we have in verse 3, then the positive in verses 4-7a. Each word carries a story that can be filled in from Paul's own life as a preacher with an echo in that of us all.
In distresses ( εν στενοχωριαις ). In tight places (12:10). Late word from στενοχωρεω (see on 4:8).
In stripes ( εν πληγαις ). In blows, wounds (Lu 10:30; 12:48; Ac 16:23, 33). Our plague.
In tumults ( εν ακαταστασιαις ). See on 1Co 14:33). Instabilities, often from politics.
In watchings ( εν αγρυπνιαις ). In sleeplessnesses, instances of insomnia. Old word, in N.T. only here and 11:27. Paul knew all about this.
In love unfeigned ( εν αγαπη ανυποκριτω ). Late and rare word ( α privative and υποκριτος, from υποκρινομα ) This is the only love that is worth while (Ro 12:9).
On the right hand and on the left ( των δεξιων κα αριστερων ). Offensive weapons ( οπλων ) on the right, defensive on the left. See 1Th 5:8; Eph 6:11 for Paul's description of the panoply of God and Ro 6:13 for the phrase "weapons of righteousness," the only kind that will stand the strain. See also Book of Wisdom 5:18ff.
By glory and dishonour ( δια δοξης κα ατιμιας ). Here δια is no longer instrument, but state or condition. Δοξα here is glory. See Ro 9:21; 2Ti 2:20 for contrast between honour and dishonour ( τιμη, ατιμια ).
By evil report and good report ( δια δυσφημιας κα ευφημιας ). Play on the words with prefixes δυσ- and ευ- and φημη. Δυσφημια is a late word, only here in N.T. Ευφημια, old and common word, only here in N.T.
As deceivers and yet true ( ως πλανο κα αληθεις ). Paul takes up ως now in place of δια which succeeded εν. Note use of κα in sense of "and yet" (adversative). Πλανος is late word (Diodorus, Josephus) for wandering, vagabond, impostor (cf. πλαναω, to lead astray, used of Christ, Joh 7:12). In N.T. only here; Mt 27:63 (of Christ by Pharisees); 2Jo 1:7. "In the Clementines St. Paul is expressly described by his adversaries as πλανος and as disseminating deceit ( πλανην )" (Bernard). Such slander from one's enemies is praise.
As unknown and yet well known ( ως αγνοουμενο κα επιγινοσκομενο ). "As ignored (as nonentities, obscure, without proper credentials 3:2) and yet fully recognized (by all who really matter as in 11:6)."
And behold, we live ( κα ιδου ζωμεν ). Cf. the hazards of his life (1:8; 4:10; 11:23). His whole career is full of paradox).
Always rejoicing ( αε χαιροντες ). Even in sorrow (11:9; 1Th 5:16; Ro 5:3-5; 9:2; Php 2:18, 27; 3:1; 4:4, 15).
Yet making many rich ( πολλους δε πλουτιζοντες ). Old word from πλουτος (wealth), to enrich. Spiritual riches Paul has in mind as in 1Co 1:5 (cf. Mt 5:37).
As having nothing and yet possessing all things ( ως μηδεν εχοντες κα παντα κατεχοντες ). Contrast between μηδεν (nothing) and παντα (all things, cf. 1Co 3:22) and εχω (to have) and κατεχω (to hold down, to hold fast). Play on words (simple and compound) as in 3:2; 4:8. Climax of Paul's panegyric on the Christian ministry. He now resumes the thread of the story broken off in 2:14.
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