---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  2 Corinthians 6"
description: "CHAPTER 6   :-. HIS APOSTOLIC
MINISTRY IS
APPROVED BY FAITHFULNESS
IN EXHORTATION, IN
SUFFERINGS, IN EXHIBITION
OF THE FRUITS OF THE
HOLY GHOST: HIS
LARGE"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/2-corinthians/6"
---

CHAPTER 6

. HIS APOSTOLIC
MINISTRY IS
APPROVED BY FAITHFULNESS
IN EXHORTATION, IN
SUFFERINGS, IN EXHIBITION
OF THE FRUITS OF THE
HOLY GHOST: HIS
LARGENESS OF HEART
TO THEM CALLS
FOR ENLARGEMENT OF
THEIR HEART
TO HIM.
EXHORTATIONS TO SEPARATION
FROM POLLUTION.

**1. workers together**—with God
([Acts 15:4](../../../kjv/acts/15/4); [1 Corinthians 3:9](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/3/9)).
Not only as "ambassadors."
**beseech**—entreat ([1 Corinthians 3:9](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/3/9)). He is describing his ministry, not exhorting directly.
**you also**—rather, "WE
ALSO (as well as God, [1 Corinthians 3:9](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/3/9)) beseech" or "entreat you": [2 Corinthians 6:14](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/14);
[2 Corinthians 6:15](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/15), on to [2 Corinthians 6:15](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/15), is part of this entreaty or exhortation.
**in vain**—by making the
grace of God a ground for continuance in sin ([2 Corinthians 6:15](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/15)). By a life of sin, showing that the word of reconciliation
has been *in vain,* so far as you are concerned ([Hebrews 12:15](../../../kjv/hebrews/12/15);
[Judges 1:4](../../../kjv/judges/1/4)). "The grace of God"
here, is "the reconciliation" provided by God's love
([2 Corinthians 5:18](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/5/18); [2 Corinthians 5:19](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/5/19);
compare [Galatians 2:2](../../../kjv/galatians/2/2)).

**2. For**—God's own promise is
the ground of our exhortation.
**he saith**—*God the
Father* saith to God the Son, and so to all believers who are
regarded as one with Him.
**heard thee**—In the
eternal purposes of my love I have hearkened to thy prayer for the
salvation of thy people (compare [John 17:9](../../../kjv/john/17/9);
[John 17:15](../../../kjv/john/17/15); [John 17:20](../../../kjv/john/17/20);
[John 17:24](../../../kjv/john/17/24)).
**accepted . . . accepted**—The
*Greek* of the latter is more emphatic, "well-accepted."
What was "*an accepted* time" in the prophecy ([John 17:24](../../../kjv/john/17/24), *Hebrew,* "in the season of grace") becomes
"*the well-accepted* time" in the fulfilment (compare
[Psalms 69:13](../../../kjv/psalms/69/13)). As it is *God's*
time of *receiving* sinners, *receive ye* His grace: *accept*
([2 Corinthians 6:1](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/1)) the word of
reconciliation in His *accepted* time.
**in the day of salvation**—"in
*a* day of salvation" ([Luke 4:18](../../../kjv/luke/4/18);
[Luke 4:19](../../../kjv/luke/4/19); [Luke 4:21](../../../kjv/luke/4/21);
[Luke 19:42](../../../kjv/luke/19/42); [Hebrews 3:7](../../../kjv/hebrews/3/7)).

**3.** Resuming the connection with
[2 Corinthians 6:1](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/1), interrupted by the
parenthetical [2 Corinthians 6:2](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/2). "Giving
no offense" (compare [2 Corinthians 6:2](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/2)), "approving ourselves," and all the other
participles down to [2 Corinthians 6:10](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/10),
are nominatives to "we also entreat you" ([2 Corinthians 6:10](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/10)), 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 [2 Corinthians 6:10](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/10)).

**4.** Translate, to mark the true
order of the *Greek* words, "in everything, as God's
ministers recommending ourselves," that is, that our hearers may
give our *message* a favorable hearing, through our consistency
in every respect, not that they may glorify us. Alluding to , he implies, *We commend ourselves,* not like them by
word, but by deed.
**patience**— (). Put first. "Pure-minded" follows (). Three triplets of trials exercising the "patience"
(patient endurance) follow: Afflictions (or "tribulations"),
necessities, distresses (or "straits"); stripes,
imprisonments, tumults; labors, watchings, fastings. The first
triplet expresses afflictions generally; the second, those in
particular arising from the violence of men; the third, those *which*
he brought on himself directly or indirectly.

**5. stripes**— ([2 Corinthians 11:23](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/23);
[2 Corinthians 11:24](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/24); [Acts 16:23](../../../kjv/acts/16/23)).
**imprisonments**— ([Acts 16:23](../../../kjv/acts/16/23)). He had been, doubtless, elsewhere imprisoned besides at
Philippi when he wrote this Epistle.
**tumults**— ([Acts 13:50](../../../kjv/acts/13/50);
[Acts 14:5](../../../kjv/acts/14/5); [Acts 14:19](../../../kjv/acts/14/19);
[Acts 16:22](../../../kjv/acts/16/22); and recently [Acts 16:22](../../../kjv/acts/16/22)).
**labours**—in the cause of
Christ ([2 Corinthians 11:23](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/23); [Romans 16:12](../../../kjv/romans/16/12)).
**watchings**— ([Romans 16:12](../../../kjv/romans/16/12)). Sleepless nights.
**fastings**—The context
here refers to his *trials,* rather than *devotional exercises*
(compare [2 Corinthians 11:27](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/27)). Thus
"foodlessness" would seem to be the sense (compare [1 Corinthians 4:11](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/4/11);
[Philippians 4:12](../../../kjv/philippians/4/12)). But the usual sense of
the *Greek* is *fasts,* in the strict sense; and in [Philippians 4:12](../../../kjv/philippians/4/12) it is spoken of independently of "hunger and thirst."
(Compare [Luke 2:37](../../../kjv/luke/2/37); [Acts 10:30](../../../kjv/acts/10/30);
[Acts 14:23](../../../kjv/acts/14/23)). However, [Matthew 15:32](../../../kjv/matthew/15/32);
[Mark 8:3](../../../kjv/mark/8/3), justify the sense, more
favored by the context, *foodlessness,* though a rare use of the
word. GAUSSEN remarks "The
apostles combine the highest offices with the humblest exterior: as
everything in the Church was to be cast in the mould of death and
resurrection, the cardinal principle throughout Christianity."

**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 ([1 Corinthians 2:6-16](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/2/6-16)
[2 Corinthians 3:6](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/3/6); [2 Corinthians 3:17](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/3/17);
[2 Corinthians 3:18](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/3/18)).
**long-suffering . . .
kindness**—associated with "charity" or "*love*"
([1 Corinthians 13:4](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/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
[2 Corinthians 4:2](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/4/2) [Colossians 1:5](../../../kjv/colossians/1/5)),
and "the (miraculous) power of God" ([Colossians 1:5](../../../kjv/colossians/1/5)); [1 Corinthians 2:4](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/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
[Ephesians 6:13-17](../../../kjv/ephesians/6/13-17), here is
made the *whole* Christian panoply (compare [Ephesians 6:13-49](../../../kjv/ephesians/6/13-49)).
**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*
([2 Corinthians 6:9](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/9)), *dishonor* and
give us an *evil report;* "as true," by those who
"know" ([2 Corinthians 6:9](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/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" (). CONYBEARE
explains, "Unknown by men, yet *acknowledged by God*"
([1 Corinthians 13:12](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/13/12)). Perhaps *both
God and men* (believers) are intended as knowing him ([2 Corinthians 5:11](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/5/11);
[2 Corinthians 11:6](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/6)).
**dying . . . live**—
([2 Corinthians 1:9](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/1/9); [2 Corinthians 4:10](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/4/10);
[2 Corinthians 4:11](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/4/11); [2 Corinthians 11:23](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/23)).
Compare GAUSSEN'S remark,
see on [2 Corinthians 6:5](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/5). "Behold"
calls attention to the fact as something beyond all expectation.
**chastened . . . not
killed**—realizing [Psalms 118:18](../../../kjv/psalms/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
([1 Corinthians 1:5](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/1/5)), after the example of
our Lord, who "by His poverty made many rich" ([1 Corinthians 1:5](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/1/5)).
**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 ([1 Corinthians 1:5](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/1/5)).
**possessing all things**—The
*Greek* implies *firm possession, holding fast in possession*
(compare [1 Corinthians 3:21](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/3/21); [1 Corinthians 3:22](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/3/22)).
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 (). I use all freedom and openness of speech to you as to
beloved friends. Hence he introduces here, "O Corinthians"
(compare [Philippians 4:15](../../../kjv/philippians/4/15)). The
*enlargement* of his *heart* towards them ([Philippians 4:15](../../../kjv/philippians/4/15)) 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 [1 Kings 4:29](../../../kjv/1-kings/4/29);
[Psalms 119:32](../../../kjv/psalms/119/32); [Isaiah 60:5](../../../kjv/isaiah/60/5)).

**12.** Any constraint ye feel
towards me, or narrowness of heart, is not from want of largeness of
heart on my part towards you, but from want of it on your part
towards me.
**bowels**—that is,
affections (compare [2 Corinthians 12:15](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/12/15)).
**not straitened in us**—that
is, for want of room in our hearts to take you in.

**13.** Translate, "As a
recompense in the same kind . . . be enlarged also yourselves"
[ELLICOTT]. "In the
same way" as my heart is enlarged towards you (), and "as a recompense" for it ().
**I speak as unto*****my*****children**—as children would naturally be expected to *recompense*
their parents' love with similar love.

**14. Be not**—*Greek,*
"*Become* not."
**unequally yoked**—"yoked
with one alien in spirit." The image is from the symbolical
precept of the law ([Leviticus 19:19](../../../kjv/leviticus/19/19)),
"Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind";
or the precept ([Deuteronomy 22:10](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/22/10)),
"Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together."
Compare [Deuteronomy 7:3](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/7/3), forbidding
marriages with the heathen; also [Deuteronomy 7:3](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/7/3). The believer and unbeliever are utterly *heterogeneous.*
Too close intercourse with unbelievers in other relations also is
included ([2 Corinthians 6:16](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/16); [1 Corinthians 8:10](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/8/10);
[1 Corinthians 10:14](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/10/14)).
**fellowship**—literally,
"share," or "participation."
**righteousness**—the state
of the believer, justified by faith.
**unrighteousness**—rather,
as always translated elsewhere, "iniquity"; the state of
the unbeliever, the fruit of unbelief.
**light**—of which
believers are the children ([1 Corinthians 10:14](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/10/14)).

**15. Belial**—*Hebrew,*
"worthlessness, unprofitableness, wickedness." As Satan is
opposed to God, and Antichrist to Christ; Belial being here opposed
to Christ, must denounce all manner of Antichristian uncleanness
[BENGEL].
**he that believeth with an
infidel**—Translate, "a believer with an unbeliever."

**16. agreement**—accordance of
sentiments (compare [1 Kings 18:21](../../../kjv/1-kings/18/21);
[Ephesians 5:7](../../../kjv/ephesians/5/7); [Ephesians 5:11](../../../kjv/ephesians/5/11)).
**the temple of God**—that
is, you believers ([1 Corinthians 3:16](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/3/16);
[1 Corinthians 6:19](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/6/19)).
**with idols**—Compare
Dagon before the ark ([1 Corinthians 6:19](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/6/19)).
**as**—"*even as*
God said." Quotation from [Leviticus 26:12](../../../kjv/leviticus/26/12);
[Jeremiah 31:33](../../../kjv/jeremiah/31/33); [Jeremiah 32:38](../../../kjv/jeremiah/32/38);
[Ezekiel 37:26](../../../kjv/ezekiel/37/26); [Ezekiel 37:27](../../../kjv/ezekiel/37/27);
compare [Matthew 28:20](../../../kjv/matthew/28/20); [John 14:23](../../../kjv/john/14/23).
**walk in them**—rather,
"*among* them." As "dwell" implies the
divine *presence,* so "walk," the divine *operation.*
God's dwelling in the body and soul of saints may be illustrated by
its opposite, demoniacal possession of body and soul.
**my people**—rather, "they
shall be *to me* a people."

**17.** Quoted from , with the freedom of one inspired, who gives variations
sanctioned by the Holy Spirit.
**be ye separate**—"be
separated" ([Hosea 4:17](../../../kjv/hosea/4/17)).
**touch not the unclean
thing**—rather, "*anything* unclean" ([2 Corinthians 7:1](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/1);
[Micah 2:10](../../../kjv/micah/2/10)). *Touching* is
more polluting, as implying participation, than seeing.
**receive you**—The *Greek*
implies, "to myself"; as persons heretofore out of doors,
but now admitted *within* ([Micah 2:10](../../../kjv/micah/2/10)). With this accords the clause, "Come *out from
among* them," namely, so as to be received to me. So [Micah 2:10](../../../kjv/micah/2/10), "I will accept you"; and [Micah 2:10](../../../kjv/micah/2/10), "gather her that was driven out." "The
intercourse of believers with the world should resemble that of
angels, who, when they have been sent a message from heaven,
discharge their office with the utmost promptness, and joyfully fly
back home to the presence of God" ([1 Corinthians 7:31](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/7/31);
[1 Corinthians 5:9](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/9); [1 Corinthians 5:10](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/10)).

**18.** Translate, "I will be
to you *in the relation of* a Father, and ye shall be *to me
in the relation of* sons and daughters." This is a still more
endearing relation than ([2 Corinthians 6:16](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/16)),
"I will be their *God,* and they . . . My *people.*"
Compare the promise to Solomon ([1 Chronicles 28:6](../../../kjv/1-chronicles/28/6);
[Isaiah 43:6](../../../kjv/isaiah/43/6); [Revelation 21:3](../../../kjv/revelation/21/3);
[Revelation 21:7](../../../kjv/revelation/21/7); [Jeremiah 31:1](../../../kjv/jeremiah/31/1);
[Jeremiah 31:9](../../../kjv/jeremiah/31/9)).
**Lord Almighty**—*The
Lord the Universal Ruler:* nowhere else found but in Revelation.
The greatness of the Promiser enhances the greatness of the promises.

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