A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Corinthians 6
A.T. Robertson Commentary
2 Corinthians 6
A.T. Robertson Commentary
2 Corinthians 6
"And working together [with him] we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain" — 2 Corinthians 6:1 (ASV)
Working together with him (συνεργουντες). We are co-workers, partners with God (1 Corinthians 3:9), in this work of grace.
In vain (εις κενον). Into emptiness. The plan of God, the work of Christ on the Cross, the pleas of the ambassador may all be nullified by the recipient of the message.
"(for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, And in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation):" — 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ASV)
Behold, now is the acceptable time (ιδου νυν καιρος ευπροσδεκτος). Here is another "Pauline parenthesis" (Plummer) as in 5:7 by the quotation from Isa 49:8. The LXX has δεκτος (δεκτο) verbal of δεχομα, but Paul employs the double compound (ευ, προσ, δεκτος), well-received. It occurs in Aristophanes, Plutarch, inscription, etc.
"giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;" — 2 Corinthians 6:3 (ASV)
Giving no occasion of stumbling in any thing (μηδεμιαν εν μηδεν διδοντες προσκοπην). Προσκοπη, late word (Polybius, LXX), from προσκοπτω, to strike against, to stumble. Only here in N.T. Note double negative in the Greek.
That the ministry be not blamed (ινα μη μωμηθη η διακονια). Negative purpose (ινα μη). First aorist passive subjunctive of old verb μωμαομα from μωμος, blot, blemish. One can read with profit J. A. Hutton's Warrack Lectures, That the Ministry Be Not Blamed.
"but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses," — 2 Corinthians 6:4 (ASV)
But in everything commending ourselves (αλλ' εν παντ συνιστανοντες εαυτους). Paul gives a marvellous summary of his argument about the dignity and glory of ministers of Christ as
ministers of God (ως θεου διακονο) under three aspects, the first with
in (εν) verses 3- , the second with
by (δια) verses 7b,8, the third with
as (ως) verses 9-10. The negative view with εν we have in verse 3, then the positive in verses 4-. Each word carries a story that can be filled in from Paul's own life as a preacher with an echo in that of us all.
In distresses (εν στενοχωριαις). In tight places (12:10). Late word from στενοχωρεω .
"in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;" — 2 Corinthians 6:5 (ASV)
In stripes (εν πληγαις). In blows, wounds (Luke 10:30; Luke 12:48; Acts 16:23,33). Our plague.
In tumults (εν ακαταστασιαις). See on 1 Corinthians 14:33). Instabilities, often from politics.
In watchings (εν αγρυπνιαις). In sleeplessnesses, instances of insomnia. Old word, in N.T. only here and 11:27. Paul knew all about this.
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