2 Corinthians 6:1-13 - Afflictions Of God's Servants

¹ As workers together with God we urge you also, who have received God's unearned favor, do not allow it to be for nothing, ² for God said [Isa. 49:8], "I listened to you at the right time [i.e., when you needed my favor], and I helped you on the day of your salvation." Look, now is the right time [to accept God's favor]; now is the day of salvation.

³ [We try] not to place an obstacle in anyone's way [i.e., to keep them from accepting the Gospel message], so that our ministry would not be blamed. ⁴ But, as ministers of God, we [try to] commend ourselves [to others] in every way. [We do this] by [our] great steadfastness in troubles, hardships and difficulties. ⁵ [We have been] beaten, jailed, and mobbed. [We have] worked hard, missed sleep and gone without food. ⁶ [We have ministered] with purity, knowledge, patience and kindness. [We have done this] by [the power of] the Holy Spirit; out of genuine love; ⁷ by preaching the truth; through the power of God [i.e., possibly including miracles]; and by [using] weapons of righteousness in [our] right and left hands. [Note: This could allude to offensive and defensive weapons and means that Paul was fully equipped to do whatever was right]. ⁸ [We have experienced] honor and dishonor; a bad reputation and a good one. [We have been viewed] as deceivers and yet are genuine; ⁹ as [both] unknown [to people] and yet well-known; [we have almost] died, and yet as you see, we are still alive; [we have been] punished and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sad and yet always joyous; poor and yet making many people [spiritually] rich; destitute and yet possessing everything.

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, and our hearts have been wide open to you. ¹² We are not holding back [our affections] from you, but you are holding back your affections [from us]. ¹³ I am speaking to you as my [spiritual] children; open up [your hearts] to me in return.