New International VersionRather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;
New Living TranslationIn everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.
English Standard Versionbut as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,
Berean Standard BibleRather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
Berean Literal Biblein everything, rather, we are commending ourselves as God's servants: in great endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses;
King James BibleBut in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
New King James VersionBut in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,
New American Standard Biblebut in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in difficulties,
NASB 1995but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
NASB 1977but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
Legacy Standard Biblebut in everything commending ourselves as ministers of God, in much perseverance, in afflictions, in distresses, in hardships,
Amplified Biblebut we commend ourselves in every way as servants of God: in great endurance, in sufferings, in hardships, in distresses,
Christian Standard BibleInstead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties,
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardship, by difficulties,
American Standard Versionbut in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
Contemporary English VersionBut in everything and in every way we show we truly are God's servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times.
English Revised Versionbut in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationInstead, our lives demonstrate that we are God's servants. We have endured many things: suffering, distress, anxiety,
Good News TranslationInstead, in everything we do we show that we are God's servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties.
International Standard VersionInstead, in every way we demonstrate that we are God's servants by tremendous endurance in the midst of difficulties, hardships, and calamities;
NET BibleBut as God's servants, we have commended ourselves in every way, with great endurance, in persecutions, in difficulties, in distresses,
New Heart English Biblebut in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
Webster's Bible TranslationBut in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
Weymouth New TestamentOn the contrary, as God's servants, we seek their full approval--by unwearied endurance, by afflictions, by distress, by helplessness; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleRather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
World English Biblebut in everything commending ourselves as servants of God: in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut in everything recommending ourselves as God’s servants; in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses,
Berean Literal Biblein everything, rather, we are commending ourselves as God's servants: in great endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses;
Young's Literal Translation but in everything recommending ourselves as God's ministrants; in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses,
Smith's Literal TranslationBut in every thing recommending ourselves as servants of God, in much patience, in pressures, in necessities, in extremities, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses,
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut in all things, let us exhibit ourselves as ministers of God with great patience: through tribulation, difficulties, and distress;
New American Bibleon the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves as ministers of God, through much endurance, in afflictions, hardships, constraints,
New Revised Standard Versionbut as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut in all things let us show ourselves, to be the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in imprisonment,
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut in everything we shall show ourselves to be Ministers of God: by much patience, by sufferings, by distresses, by imprisonments, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentbut in all things we commend ourselves as the ministers of God, in much suffering, in afflictions, in distresses, in straits,
Godbey New Testamentbut in everything commending ourselves, as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulations, in straits, in difficulties,
Haweis New Testamentbut in every thing approving ourselves as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,
Mace New Testamentbut in all things I approve myself as the minister of God, by great constancy in afflictions, in torments, in distresses, from stripes,
Weymouth New TestamentOn the contrary, as God's servants, we seek their full approval--by unwearied endurance, by afflictions, by distress, by helplessness;
Worrell New Testamentbut in everything commending ourselves as God's ministers, in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in distresses,
Worsley New Testamentbut in every thing approving ourselves as the ministers of God; by much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul's Hardships and God's Grace… 3We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. 4Rather,asservantsof Godwe commendourselvesinevery way:ingreatendurance;introubles,hardships,andcalamities;5in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;…
Cross References 2 Corinthians 11:23-28Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ...
1 Corinthians 4:9-13For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. / We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. / To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. ...
Acts 20:19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.
Romans 8:35-39Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ...
Philippians 1:29-30For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
1 Thessalonians 2:9Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
2 Timothy 2:3-10Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. / Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. ...
1 Peter 4:12-16Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ...
James 1:2-4Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Hebrews 10:32-34Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering. / Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated. / You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.
Isaiah 53:3-5He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Jeremiah 20:2he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.
Psalm 34:19Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
Psalm 44:22Yet for Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.
Job 13:15Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.
Treasury of Scripture But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in all. 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea,what clearing of yourselves, yea,what indignation, yea,what fear, yea,what vehement desire, yea,what zeal, yea,what revenge! In allthings ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: approving. 2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. as. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) Iam more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Isaiah 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD:men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. in much. 2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. Romans 5:3,4 And not onlyso, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; … afflictions. 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceedingand eternal weight of glory; Acts 20:23,24 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me… Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: necessities. Jump to Previous AfflictionsApprovalApprovingCalamitiesClearCommendCommendingContraryDistressDistressesEnduranceFullGod'sGreatHardshipsMakingMinistersNecessitiesNeedOurselvesPatienceQuietRatherSeekServantsSorrowStraitsStrengthTroublesUnweariedWayJump to Next AfflictionsApprovalApprovingCalamitiesClearCommendCommendingContraryDistressDistressesEnduranceFullGod'sGreatHardshipsMakingMinistersNecessitiesNeedOurselvesPatienceQuietRatherSeekServantsSorrowStraitsStrengthTroublesUnweariedWay2 Corinthians 6 1.That he has approved himself a faithful minister of Christ by his exhortations,3.and by integrity of life,4.and by patiently enduring all kinds of affliction and disgrace for the gospel.10.Of which he speaks the more boldly amongst them because his heart is open to them,13.and he expects the like affection from them again;14.exhorting them to flee the society and pollutions of idolaters,17.as being themselves temples of the living God.Rather, as servants of GodThis phrase emphasizes the identity and role of believers as servants, or ministers, of God. The term "servants" reflects a position of humility and dedication, echoing the biblical theme of servanthood seen in figures like Moses ( Deuteronomy 34:5) and Jesus Christ ( Philippians 2:7). The concept of servanthood is central to Christian life, where believers are called to serve God and others, following the example of Christ who came not to be served, but to serve ( Mark 10:45). we commend ourselves in every way Paul speaks of commending oneself, which means to present oneself as worthy of respect or approval. This is not about boasting but demonstrating integrity and faithfulness in ministry. The apostle Paul often defended his ministry against accusations and misunderstandings (2 Corinthians 3:1-3). The phrase suggests a life that reflects the values and teachings of Christ, serving as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. in great endurance Endurance is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, highlighting the need for perseverance in the face of trials. This endurance is not merely human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). The early church faced persecution and hardship, and endurance was essential for maintaining faith and witness. This endurance is also a reflection of Christ's own perseverance through suffering (Hebrews 12:2-3). in troubles, hardships, and calamities These terms describe the various forms of suffering and challenges faced by Paul and early Christians. "Troubles" can refer to general afflictions, "hardships" to more specific difficulties, and "calamities" to severe trials. The early church often faced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities, as well as internal conflicts (Acts 14:22). These experiences are part of the Christian journey, where believers are called to share in Christ's sufferings (Philippians 3:10) and rely on God's strength to overcome them. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing issues of ministry, suffering, and the Christian life. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, both internally and externally. 3. Servants of GodRefers to Paul and his companions, but by extension, all believers who are called to serve God faithfully. 4. EnduranceA key theme in Paul's ministry, highlighting the perseverance required in the face of trials. 5. Troubles, Hardships, and CalamitiesThese terms describe the various forms of suffering and challenges faced by Paul and his companions in their ministry. Teaching Points Endurance as a Mark of True ServanthoodTrue servants of God are identified by their ability to endure through trials. This endurance is not passive but active, relying on God's strength. The Role of Suffering in the Christian LifeSuffering is not meaningless; it serves a purpose in refining our faith and drawing us closer to God. It is a tool for spiritual growth. Commending Ourselves through ActionsOur actions, especially in difficult times, serve as a testimony to our faith and commitment to God. We commend ourselves by how we handle adversity. Reliance on God's StrengthIn facing troubles, hardships, and calamities, believers are called to rely on God's strength rather than their own. This reliance is a testament to our faith. The Witness of EnduranceOur endurance in trials serves as a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the reality of our faith and the power of God at work in us. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 6
Are there any historical documents outside the Bible that corroborate Paul’s account of hardship in 2 Corinthians 6:4–5?
Will any weapon formed against you prosper?
Is this more than we can handle?
In Psalm 37:25 ('I have not seen the righteous forsaken'), why do historical records reveal numerous cases where faithful people faced dire poverty or were seemingly abandoned?(4) But in all things approving ourselves as theministers of God.--Better, as keeping up the connection with 2Corinthians 3:1; 2Corinthians 5:12, as ministers of God commending ourselves. He harps, as it were, upon that phrase. Yes, he does commend himself; but how? He looks back on his life of labour and sufferings and challenges comparison. Can others, with their letters of commendation, point to anything like this? The word "ministers" in the Greek is in the nominative case, while the English at least suggests that it is in the objective after the verb. What he means is that he, as the minister of God should do, commends himself by acts and not by words. It is obvious that what follows was likely to expose him to a repetition of the cynical sneer, but of this his generous indignation makes him nobly regardless. In much patience . . .--Better, as elsewhere,endurance. The word has a much stronger meaning than our English "patience." (See Notes onLuke 8:15;Luke 21:19.) The general term is naturally followed by a specification of details. It is not, perhaps, easy to specify what he refers to under each head. Possibly he used such words, as we habitually use them, without a formal classification. The root-idea of the first word of the triad is that of being pressed upon; of the second, that of a constraint that leaves no choice of action; of the third, that of being so hemmed in that there is no room to move. Verse 4. - Approving ourselves; rather, commending ourselves, He is again referring to the insinuation, which had evidently caused him deep pain, that he was not authorized to preach, as his Judaic opponents were, by "letters of commendation" ( 2 Corinthians 3:1-3) from James or from the ciders at Jerusalem. His credentials came from God, who had enabled him to be so faithful. As the ministers of God ( 1 Corinthians 4:1). The article should be omitted. In much patience. Christ had forewarned his apostles that they would have much to endure, and had strengthened them by the promise that "he that endureth to the end shall be saved" ( Matthew 10:22). In afflictions. This word, as we have seen, is one of the haunting words in 2 Corinthians 1:4-11. In necessities. St, Paul was poor, and was often in want ( Acts 20:34). In distresses. The same word which occurs in 2 Corinthians 4:8. It means "extreme pressure" (literally, narrowness of space), and is a climax of the other words.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Rather,ἀλλ’(all’)Conjunction Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.asὡς(hōs)Adverb Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.servantsδιάκονοι(diakonoi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1249:Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.we commendσυνιστάνοντες(synistanontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4921:To place together, commend, prove, exhibit; instrans: I stand with; To be composed of, cohere.ourselvesἑαυτοὺς(heautous)Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.inἐν(en)Preposition Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.every way:παντὶ(panti)Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.inἐν(en)Preposition Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.greatπολλῇ(pollē)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.endurance;ὑπομονῇ(hypomonē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 5281:Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.inἐν(en)Preposition Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.troubles,θλίψεσιν(thlipsesin)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 2347:Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.hardships,ἀνάγκαις(anankais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 318:From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.[and]ἐν(en)Preposition Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.calamities;στενοχωρίαις(stenochōriais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 4730:A narrow space, great distress, anguish. From a compound of stenos and chora; narrowness of room, i.e. calamity.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 6:4 But in everything commending ourselves as servants (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |