2 Corinthians 6:4
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
συνιστώντες
things approving
G4921
συνιστώντες
things approving
Strong's:
G4921
Word #:
4 of 17
to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 17
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
6 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διάκονοι
the ministers
G1249
διάκονοι
the ministers
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
8 of 17
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
πολλῇ
much
G4183
πολλῇ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
11 of 17
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.2 Corinthians 4:8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;2 Corinthians 11:27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.1 Corinthians 3:5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?2 Corinthians 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.2 Corinthians 3:6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.Joel 2:17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture valued honor, status, and strength. Suffering was viewed as shameful, a sign of divine disfavor or personal weakness. Paul radically inverts these values, showing that apostolic suffering validates rather than invalidates his ministry. The 'hardship catalogue' was a known rhetorical form in Stoic philosophy and Hellenistic Judaism, but Paul fills it with distinctly Christian content.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's commendation through suffering challenge contemporary church culture's emphasis on success, comfort, and celebrity pastors?
- In what specific trials is God calling you to demonstrate 'much patience' and thereby prove the genuineness of your faith?
- How do you respond when God's calling involves distresses and necessities rather than blessing and ease?
Analysis & Commentary
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God (ἀλλ' ἐν παντὶ συνιστάνοντες ἑαυτοὺς ὡς θεοῦ διάκονοι, all' en panti synistanontes heautous hōs theou diakonoi)—The verb synistēmi means to commend, demonstrate, or prove genuine. Paul uses this verb repeatedly in 2 Corinthians (3:1; 4:2; 5:12; 6:4; 7:11; 10:12, 18; 12:11) in his self-defense. Unlike false apostles who commend themselves through self-promotion, Paul's commendation comes through suffering endured with godly virtue.
In much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses (ἐν ὑπομονῇ πολλῇ, ἐν θλίψεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν στενοχωρίαις)—This begins the first triad of hardships (vv.4-5 list nine total). Hypomonē ('patience' or 'steadfast endurance') heads the list as the overarching virtue that characterizes Paul's response to all subsequent trials. Thlipsis (afflictions/tribulations) refers to external pressures and persecutions. Anankē (necessities) indicates compelling hardships or constraints. Stenochōria (distresses) literally means 'narrow space,' conveying the feeling of being hemmed in or under crushing pressure.
These opening terms are general categories that the following verses specify. Paul's catalogue functions apologetically (proving his apostolic authenticity) and pastorally (modeling Christian endurance). The Greek preposition en ('in') repeated throughout vv.4-10 indicates the sphere or circumstance in which apostolic ministry operates—not comfort and ease but suffering and paradox.