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2 Corinthians 1:18-20
Butas Godis true, our word toward you was not yea and nay…

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.

2 Corinthians 7:14
For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, whichI made before Titus, is found a truth.

the power.

2 Corinthians 10:4,5
(For the weapons of our warfareare not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) …

2 Corinthians 13:4
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Mark 16:20
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working withthem, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

the armour.

Isaiah 11:5
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

Isaiah 59:17
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeancefor clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Romans 13:12,13
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light…

on the right.

Exodus 14:22
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dryground: and the waterswere a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Proverbs 3:16
Length of daysis in her right hand;and in her left hand riches and honour.

and in the power of God
The power of God is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, highlighting that the effectiveness of his ministry is not due to human ability but divine empowerment (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). This power is often associated with the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to perform acts beyond natural capabilities (Acts 1:8). The power of God is also evident in the resurrection of Christ (Philippians 3:10) and is available to believers for living a victorious Christian life (Ephesians 3:20).

with the weapons of righteousness
Paul frequently uses military metaphors to describe the Christian life, suggesting a spiritual battle against evil forces (Ephesians 6:10-18). The "weapons of righteousness" imply both defensive and offensive tools provided by God to uphold justice and truth. These weapons are not physical but spiritual, such as faith, prayer, and the Word of God, which equip believers to stand firm against deception and sin (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

in the right hand and in the left
This phrase suggests readiness and completeness in spiritual warfare. In ancient times, the right hand was often associated with strength and honor, while the left hand complemented it, indicating full preparedness. The imagery of holding weapons in both hands underscores the need for constant vigilance and balance in the Christian life, ensuring that believers are equipped to face challenges from all directions. This dual readiness reflects the comprehensive nature of God's provision for His people (Psalm 144:1).

“in truthful speech” (2 Corinthians 6:7) reminds us that Paul’s ministry was marked by transparency and integrity.

• He never twisted doctrine for popularity (1 Thessalonians 2:3-5).

• Truth was delivered “in love” (Ephesians 4:15), refusing the flattery or deception common to false teachers.

• Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Paul’s unwavering commitment to Scripture modeled that prayer.

• Genuine, unembellished testimony keeps the focus on Christ rather than the messenger (2 Corinthians 4:5).

Living this way today means letting God’s Word set the agenda for every conversation—whether teaching a class or chatting with a neighbor.

Human eloquence never produced lasting fruit for Paul; the Gospel advanced “in the power of God.”

• When he entered Corinth, his message was “a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5), so faith would rest on God, not charisma.

• The early church prayed and “were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). That same enabling stands ready for us.

• Even Paul’s weaknesses became platforms for divine strength: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

• Relying on God’s power guards us from discouragement; the outcome is His responsibility (Isaiah 55:11).

Practical takeaway: serve with diligence, but lean on God’s strength, expecting Him to do what only He can do.

The picture is of a soldier armed on both sides, always ready.

• “Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17) echoes this dual-handed readiness—defensive armor and the offensive sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

• “Let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). Righteous living is itself a weapon, exposing and overcoming evil.

• Whether facing honor or dishonor (2 Corinthians 6:8), Paul stood firm; righteousness protected his conscience and reputation on every front.

• The imagery recalls warriors trained for both offense and defense (Psalm 144:1), showing that believers are equipped for every circumstance—public or private, celebrated or vilified.

For us, that means cultivating godly character (defense) while actively advancing the Gospel (offense), trusting that righteous conduct in every situation disarms accusations and magnifies Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:7 paints a three-fold portrait of authentic ministry: speak the unvarnished truth of Scripture, rely on God’s power rather than human skill, and stay fully armed with righteous character and action. When these elements converge, the Gospel moves forward, Christ is honored, and believers stand secure no matter the battlefield.

By the power of God.--Here, again, the words hover between a general and a specific sense. As distinguished from the "Holy Ghost" in2Corinthians 6:6, and looking to the general use of the Greek word for "power," it seems natural to refer the word here chiefly, though, perhaps, not exclusively, to the supernatural power given by God for working miracles. (Comp. especially2Corinthians 12:12;1Corinthians 2:5;1Corinthians 12:10;1Corinthians 12:28-29.) . . .