John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 6:8

"by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and [yet] true;" — 2 Corinthians 6:8 (ASV)

By honor and dishonor. This is no small test for trying a person, for to a person of a noble spirit, nothing is more unpleasant than to suffer disgrace. Therefore, we can observe in all histories that few heroic individuals have not faltered when provoked by insults.

Therefore, it is a sign of a mind firmly rooted in virtue not to be swayed from one's course by any disgrace suffered—a rare virtue, but one without which you cannot prove yourself to be a servant of God.

It is true that we must be concerned about a good reputation, but only to the extent that the edification of our fellow believers requires it, and in such a way as not to be dependent on reports—indeed, so as to maintain the same steady course in honor and in dishonor. For God allows us to be tested even by the slander of wicked people, with the purpose of trying us, to see if we act uprightly from selfless motives. If someone is led away from duty by the ingratitude of others, that person shows that their focus was not on God alone.

Therefore, as we see that Paul was exposed to infamy and insults, and yet did not stop because of it, but pressed on with undaunted courage and broke through every obstacle to reach the goal, let us not yield if the same thing should happen to us.

As deceivers. Here he relates not only how he was regarded by the wicked and those who were without (1 Corinthians 5:12), but also what views were held about him by those who were within. Now let everyone consider for themselves how shameful the ingratitude of the Corinthians was, and how great was Paul's magnanimity in struggling forward despite such formidable obstacles.

Through indirect statements, however, he sharply rebukes their perverse judgment when he says that he lives and is joyful, while they despised him as one who was dead and overwhelmed with grief. He also reproaches them with ingratitude when he says that he made many rich, while he was despised on account of his poverty.

For they were among those whom he enriched with his wealth; indeed, every single one of them was indebted to him in many ways. Thus, he said previously, by way of irony, that he was unknown, while at the same time the fruit of his labor was everywhere known and celebrated. But how cruel it is to despise the poverty of the man who provides for you from his abundance! He means spiritual riches, which ought to be much more esteemed than earthly ones.