4 But in everything making it clear that we are the servants of God, in quiet strength, in troubles, in need, in sorrow, 5 In blows, in prisons, in attacks, in hard work, in watchings, in going without food; 6 In a clean heart, in knowledge, in long waiting, in being kind, in the Holy Spirit, in true love, 7 In the true word, in the power of God; with the arms of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By glory and by shame, by an evil name and a good name; as untrue, and still true; 9 Unnoted, but still kept fully in mind; as near to death, but still living; as undergoing punishment, but not put to death; 10 As full of sorrow, but ever glad; as poor, but giving wealth to others; as having nothing, but still having all things.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:4-10
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
(Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-10)
The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears. The gospel day is a day of salvation, the means of grace the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel the offers of salvation, and the present time the proper time to accept these offers. The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be. We now enjoy a day of grace; then let all be careful not to neglect it. Ministers of the gospel should look upon themselves as God's servants, and act in every thing suitably to that character. The apostle did so, by much patience in afflictions, by acting from good principles, and by due temper and behaviour. Believers, in this world, need the grace of God, to arm them against temptations, so as to bear the good report of men without pride; and so as to bear their reproaches with patience. They have nothing in themselves, but possess all things in Christ. Of such differences is a Christian's life made up, and through such a variety of conditions and reports, is our way to heaven; and we should be careful in all things to approve ourselves to God. The gospel, when faithfully preached, and fully received, betters the condition even of the poorest. They save what before they riotously spent, and diligently employ their time to useful purposes. They save and gain by religion, and thus are made rich, both for the world to come and for this, when compared with their sinful, profligate state, before they received the gospel.