2Cor 6:6-11 | JFB | STEP | 6. By ... by, &c.-- rather, as Greek, "In ... in," implying not the instrument, but the sphere or element in which his ministry moved. knowledge-- spiritual: in Gospel mysteries, unattainable by mere reason ( ; , 17, 18). long-suffering ... kindness-- associated with "charity" or "love" ( ), as here. by the Holy Ghost-- in virtue of His influences which produce these graces, and other gifts, "love unfeigned" being the foremost of them.

‏ 2 Corinthians 6:6-11

6. By ... by, &c.--rather, as Greek, "In ... in," implying not the instrument, but the sphere or element in which his ministry moved.

knowledge--spiritual: in Gospel mysteries, unattainable by mere reason (1Co 2:6-16; 2Co 3:6, 17, 18).

long-suffering ... kindness--associated with "charity" or "love" (1Co 13:4), as here.

by the Holy Ghost--in virtue of His influences which produce these graces, and other gifts, "love unfeigned" being the foremost of them.

7. By the word of truth, by the power of God--rather, "In ... in," &c. As to "the word of truth" (compare 2Co 4:2; Col 1:5), and "the (miraculous) power of God" (2Co 4:7); 1Co 2:4, "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."

by the armour--Greek, "through" or "by means of the armor." "Righteousness," which is the breastplate alone in Ep 6:13-17, here is made the whole Christian panoply (compare 2Co 10:4).

on ... right ... and ... left--that is, guarding on every side.

8. Translate, "Through glory and dishonor (disgrace)," namely, from those in authority, and accruing to us present. "By," or "through evil report and good report," from the multitude, and affecting us absent [Bengel]. Regarded "as deceivers" by those who, not knowing (2Co 6:9), dishonor and give us an evil report; "as true," by those who "know" (2Co 6:9) us in the real "glory" of our ministry. In proportion as one has more or less of glory and good report, in that degree has he more or less of dishonor and evil report.

9. unknown ... yet well known--"unknown" in our true character to those who "evil report" of us, "well known" to those who hold us in "good report" (2Co 6:8). Conybeare explains, "Unknown by men, yet acknowledged by God" (1Co 13:12). Perhaps both God and men (believers) are intended as knowing him (2Co 5:11; 11:6).

dying ... live--(2Co 1:9; 4:10, 11; 11:23). Compare Gaussen's remark, see on 2Co 6:5. "Behold" calls attention to the fact as something beyond all expectation.

chastened ... not killed--realizing Psa 118:18.

10. The "as" no longer is used to express the opinion of his adversaries, but the real state of him and his fellow laborers.

making many rich--Spiritually (1Co 1:5), after the example of our Lord, who "by His poverty made many rich" (2Co 8:9).

having nothing--Whatever of earthly goods we have, and these are few, we have as though we had not; as tenants removable at will, not owners (1Co 7:30).

possessing all things--The Greek implies firm possession, holding fast in possession (compare 1Co 3:21, 22). The things both of the present and of the future are, in the truest sense, the believer's in possession, for he possesses them all in Christ, his lasting possession, though the full fruition of them is reserved for the future eternity.

11. mouth ... open unto you--I use no concealment, such as some at Corinth have insinuated (2Co 4:2). I use all freedom and openness of speech to you as to beloved friends. Hence he introduces here, "O Corinthians" (compare Php 4:15). The enlargement of his heart towards them (2Co 7:3) produced his openness of mouth, that is, his unreserved expression of his inmost feelings. As an unloving man is narrow in heart, so the apostle's heart is enlarged by love, so as to take in his converts at Corinth, not only with their graces, but with their many shortcomings (compare 1Ki 4:29; Psa 119:32; Is 60:5).