2 Corinthians 6:3
Verse
Context
Sermons



Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Giving no offense - The word προσκοπη, read προσκομμα, Rom 14:13, signifies a stumbling block in general, or any thing over which a man stumbles or falls; and here means any transgression or scandal that might take place among the ministers, or the Christians themselves, whereby either Jews or Gentiles might take occasion of offense, and vilify the Gospel of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Resuming the connection with Co2 6:1, interrupted by the parenthetical Co2 6:2. "Giving no offense" (compare Co1 10:33), "approving ourselves," and all the other participles down to Co2 6:10, are nominatives to "we also entreat you" (Co2 6:1), to show the pains he took to enforce his exhortation by example, as well as precept [ALFORD]. "Offense" would be given, if we were without "patience" and the other qualifications which he therefore subjoins (compare Rom 14:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Giving no offence in anything,.... These words are in connection with Co2 6:1 and to be considered either as a continuation of the exhortation to others, that they would take care to give no offence to any; or rather as an account the apostle gives of himself, and other ministers, by way of example; and is as if he had said, I Paul, Timotheus, Silvanus, and other ministers of the word, take all possible care to lay no stumblingblock in the way of the hearers of the Gospel; to give no offence to them that are without, or to them that are within, to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God, neither by word nor writing, by doctrine or conversation, or in any way whatever: that the ministry be not blamed; the ministry of the word of reconciliation, which they had received of the Lord Jesus. The apostle knew there were persons enow who were waiting all opportunities, and taking all advantages to vilify and reproach the ministry of the Gospel, and so hinder its progress and spread; and that if that was once brought into contempt by the disagreeable conduct of the preachers of it, there would be but little hope of success from it. Some copies read, "our ministry"; and so the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions; the Ethiopic version reads, "your ministry". and to be considered either as a continuation of the exhortation to others, that they would take care to give no offence to any; or rather as an account the apostle gives of himself, and other ministers, by way of example; and is as if he had said, I Paul, Timotheus, Silvanus, and other ministers of the word, take all possible care to lay no stumblingblock in the way of the hearers of the Gospel; to give no offence to them that are without, or to them that are within, to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God, neither by word nor writing, by doctrine or conversation, or in any way whatever: that the ministry be not blamed; the ministry of the word of reconciliation, which they had received of the Lord Jesus. The apostle knew there were persons enow who were waiting all opportunities, and taking all advantages to vilify and reproach the ministry of the Gospel, and so hinder its progress and spread; and that if that was once brought into contempt by the disagreeable conduct of the preachers of it, there would be but little hope of success from it. Some copies read, "our ministry"; and so the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions; the Ethiopic version reads, "your ministry". 2 Corinthians 6:4 co2 6:4 co2 6:4 co2 6:4But in all things approving ourselves,.... It is not sufficient for a minister of the Gospel to avoid everything that might bring any blot or scandal on his ministry; but he should in all things, and by all ways and means, proper, lawful, and laudable, approve, prove, and show himself to be a true and faithful dispenser of the word. All in such an office ought to make it appear, that they are such by behaving and conducting as the ministers of God; as becomes such, whom he has chosen, called, and fitted for that service; and particularly in, or by much patience; by a large, constant, and continued exercise of that grace; and by bearing patiently many things for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel, without murmuring at the hand of God, or being angry with men, and without fainting and sinking in their own spirits: in afflictions; that is, in patiently bearing, them. This word may be considered as a general word, including all sorts of afflictions whatever, of which the following are particular species: in necessities; want of food, drink, and raiment, being hungry, thirsty, and naked, as the apostles sometimes were: in distresses; both of bad mind; being in such straits and difficulties they know not where to look, what course to steer, or which way to turn themselves.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:3-10 Paul gives a revealing picture of the hardships of his ministry (cp. 4:7-18). Nine trials are listed; many of these experiences from Paul’s life are recorded in Acts (e.g., Acts 14:5-6, 19-20; 16:19-24; 21:30-36). Through their steadfast suffering for the Good News, Paul and Timothy (2 Cor 1:1) showed that they were true ministers of God.
2 Corinthians 6:3
Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace
2For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!3We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(2 Corinthians) ch.5:10-6:2
By Zac Poonen2.0K44:332CO 5:102CO 5:172CO 6:12CO 6:32CO 6:14In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ and being rewarded for our deeds. He emphasizes the importance of realizing this truth and living in the fear of the Lord. The speaker uses the example of the apostle Paul to illustrate the qualities of a true servant of God, such as patience and endurance in difficult circumstances. The sermon also highlights the possibility of experiencing personal revival in our lives right now, through faith and confession of our beliefs.
Homiletics: The Preacher's Holiness - Part 3
By Tim Conway49452:45MAT 7:211CO 9:271CO 13:12CO 6:31TI 4:162TI 2:20TIT 2:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness and piety in the life of a preacher, highlighting the direct connection between personal purity and the power of God in preaching. It stresses the need for clear consciences, good works, and training in godliness to be effective vessels for God's use in teaching and preaching.
Homily 43 on the Acts of the Apostles
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 78:50EZK 9:8EZK 16:2MIC 1:11MAT 10:40MAT 25:21ACT 20:1ACT 20:71CO 9:222CO 6:3John Chrysostom preaches on the events in Acts 20:1-16, focusing on Paul's journey through Macedonia and Greece, emphasizing the importance of preaching and comforting believers amidst persecution. Chrysostom highlights Paul's dedication to teaching and the miraculous event of Eutychus being raised from the dead after falling asleep during Paul's midnight sermon. He encourages the congregation to imitate Paul's sacrificial love for Christ and willingness to endure hardships for the sake of others, urging them to have a compassionate heart and to weep for those who suffer unjustly, following the example of the prophets.
What Is Your Vision?
By Leonard Ravenhill0Eternity ConsciousnessThe Role of the Church2CO 6:3Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for ministers to have a vision rooted in eternity rather than the immediate, urging them to reflect on their responsibilities and the weight of their words before God. He draws parallels between the struggles of biblical figures like Paul, Moses, and Elijah, highlighting their endurance and focus on the unseen eternal truths amidst worldly distractions. Ravenhill calls for a revival of prayer and a deeper understanding of the church's role as the bride of Christ, stressing the urgency of living with eternity's values in view. He challenges the complacency of modern believers, reminding them of the suffering of Christians worldwide and the need for genuine repentance and spiritual awakening. Ultimately, he implores ministers to seek a closer relationship with God and to be examples of faithfulness in a world that desperately needs hope.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Giving no offense - The word προσκοπη, read προσκομμα, Rom 14:13, signifies a stumbling block in general, or any thing over which a man stumbles or falls; and here means any transgression or scandal that might take place among the ministers, or the Christians themselves, whereby either Jews or Gentiles might take occasion of offense, and vilify the Gospel of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Resuming the connection with Co2 6:1, interrupted by the parenthetical Co2 6:2. "Giving no offense" (compare Co1 10:33), "approving ourselves," and all the other participles down to Co2 6:10, are nominatives to "we also entreat you" (Co2 6:1), to show the pains he took to enforce his exhortation by example, as well as precept [ALFORD]. "Offense" would be given, if we were without "patience" and the other qualifications which he therefore subjoins (compare Rom 14:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Giving no offence in anything,.... These words are in connection with Co2 6:1 and to be considered either as a continuation of the exhortation to others, that they would take care to give no offence to any; or rather as an account the apostle gives of himself, and other ministers, by way of example; and is as if he had said, I Paul, Timotheus, Silvanus, and other ministers of the word, take all possible care to lay no stumblingblock in the way of the hearers of the Gospel; to give no offence to them that are without, or to them that are within, to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God, neither by word nor writing, by doctrine or conversation, or in any way whatever: that the ministry be not blamed; the ministry of the word of reconciliation, which they had received of the Lord Jesus. The apostle knew there were persons enow who were waiting all opportunities, and taking all advantages to vilify and reproach the ministry of the Gospel, and so hinder its progress and spread; and that if that was once brought into contempt by the disagreeable conduct of the preachers of it, there would be but little hope of success from it. Some copies read, "our ministry"; and so the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions; the Ethiopic version reads, "your ministry". and to be considered either as a continuation of the exhortation to others, that they would take care to give no offence to any; or rather as an account the apostle gives of himself, and other ministers, by way of example; and is as if he had said, I Paul, Timotheus, Silvanus, and other ministers of the word, take all possible care to lay no stumblingblock in the way of the hearers of the Gospel; to give no offence to them that are without, or to them that are within, to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God, neither by word nor writing, by doctrine or conversation, or in any way whatever: that the ministry be not blamed; the ministry of the word of reconciliation, which they had received of the Lord Jesus. The apostle knew there were persons enow who were waiting all opportunities, and taking all advantages to vilify and reproach the ministry of the Gospel, and so hinder its progress and spread; and that if that was once brought into contempt by the disagreeable conduct of the preachers of it, there would be but little hope of success from it. Some copies read, "our ministry"; and so the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions; the Ethiopic version reads, "your ministry". 2 Corinthians 6:4 co2 6:4 co2 6:4 co2 6:4But in all things approving ourselves,.... It is not sufficient for a minister of the Gospel to avoid everything that might bring any blot or scandal on his ministry; but he should in all things, and by all ways and means, proper, lawful, and laudable, approve, prove, and show himself to be a true and faithful dispenser of the word. All in such an office ought to make it appear, that they are such by behaving and conducting as the ministers of God; as becomes such, whom he has chosen, called, and fitted for that service; and particularly in, or by much patience; by a large, constant, and continued exercise of that grace; and by bearing patiently many things for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel, without murmuring at the hand of God, or being angry with men, and without fainting and sinking in their own spirits: in afflictions; that is, in patiently bearing, them. This word may be considered as a general word, including all sorts of afflictions whatever, of which the following are particular species: in necessities; want of food, drink, and raiment, being hungry, thirsty, and naked, as the apostles sometimes were: in distresses; both of bad mind; being in such straits and difficulties they know not where to look, what course to steer, or which way to turn themselves.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:3-10 Paul gives a revealing picture of the hardships of his ministry (cp. 4:7-18). Nine trials are listed; many of these experiences from Paul’s life are recorded in Acts (e.g., Acts 14:5-6, 19-20; 16:19-24; 21:30-36). Through their steadfast suffering for the Good News, Paul and Timothy (2 Cor 1:1) showed that they were true ministers of God.