2 Corinthians 6:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 6:5
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 6 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, salvation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 6:5
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
Analysis
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults (ἐν πληγαῖς, ἐν φυλακαῖς, ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις, en plēgais, en phylakais, en akatastasiais)—This second triad specifies concrete forms of persecution Paul endured. Plēgē means a blow or wound, referring to literal beatings (see 2 Cor 11:23-25: five times 39 lashes from Jews, three times beaten with rods by Romans). Phylakē (imprisonments) Paul experienced multiple times (Philippi, Jerusalem, Caesarea, Rome). Akatastasia (tumults/riots) refers to violent public disturbances, like those at Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41) or Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36).
In labours, in watchings, in fastings (ἐν κόποις, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις, ἐν νηστείαις, en kopois, en agrypniais, en nēsteiais)—The third triad emphasizes voluntary hardships Paul embraced for the gospel. Kopos denotes exhausting toil or hard labor—Paul supported himself through tentmaking while planting churches (Acts 18:3; 1 Thess 2:9). Agrypnia literally means 'sleeplessness' or 'watchings'—Paul sacrificed rest for prayer and ministry (cf. 2 Cor 11:27). Nēsteia (fastings) likely refers both to involuntary hunger due to poverty and voluntary fasting for spiritual purposes.
Verses 4-5 complete three triads (nine hardships total), moving from general to specific, from imposed suffering to voluntary sacrifice. Paul doesn't merely endure these trials passively but actively embraces hardship as the arena where apostolic ministry proves genuine. This contradicts both the Corinthians' triumphalism and modern prosperity theology.
Historical Context
Acts records multiple instances of Paul's sufferings: beaten and imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:22-24), riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41), multiple assassination plots (Acts 23:12-15). Paul's own summary in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 provides even more detail: shipwrecks, rivers, robbers, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, cold. These were not theoretical afflictions but the daily reality of apostolic ministry in the first century.
Reflection
- What voluntary hardships is God calling you to embrace for the sake of the gospel—whether 'labours,' 'watchings,' or 'fastings'?
- How does Paul's willingness to suffer for Christ challenge your own comfort-seeking and risk-avoidance?
- In what ways might the modern church need to recover Paul's model of ministerial credibility through suffering rather than worldly success?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 11:27, Acts 17:5