Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 6:10
As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.
10. as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing ] Or afflicted, see ch. 2Co 2:2. What the afflictions of the Apostle were, is obvious enough. His fount of joy was independent of things external. See Rom 5:3; Rom 5:11; Php 2:16-17; Php 4:4 ; 1Th 5:16, and ch. 2Co 12:10.
making many rich ] With the riches of the Gospel. See Eph 1:7; Eph 1:18; Eph 2:7; Eph 3:8; Eph 3:16, &c.
possessing all things ] The whole passage bears a close similarity to 1Co 7:29-31, where, however, the turn given to the thought assumes a converse form. It was in Christ that His ministers could be said to possess all things. Cf. Rom 8:32; 1Co 3:22-23. Also Php 4:13.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
As sorrowful – ( lupoumenoi). Grieving, afflicted, troubled, sad. Under these sufferings we seem always to be cast down and sad. We endure afflictions that usually lead to the deepest expressions of grief. If the world looks only upon our trials, we must be regarded as always suffering, and always sad. The world will suppose that we have cause for continued lamentation (Doddridge), and they will regard us as among the most unhappy of mortals. Such, perhaps, is the estimate which the world usually affixes to the Christian life. They regard it as a life of sadness and of gloom; of trial and of melancholy. They see little in it that is cheerful, and they suppose that a heavy burden presses constantly on the heart of the Christian. Joy they think pertains to the gaieties and pleasures of this life; sadness to religion. And perhaps a more comprehensive statement of the feelings with which the frivolous people of the world regard Christians cannot be found than in this expression, as sorrowful. True, they are not free from sorrow. They are tried like others. They have special trials arising from persecution, opposition, contempt, and from the conscious and deep-felt depravity of their hearts. They are serious; and their seriousness is often interpreted as gloom. But there is another side to this picture, and there is much in the Christian character and feelings unseen or unappreciated by the world. For they are.
Alway rejoicing – So Paul was, notwithstanding the fact that he always appeared to have occasion for grief. Religion had a power not only to sustain the soul in trial, but to fill it with positive joy. The sources of his joy were doubtless the assurances of the divine favor and the hopes of eternal glory. And the same is true of religion always. There is an internal peace and joy which the world may not see or appreciate, but which is far more than a compensation for all the trials which the Christian endures.
As poor – The idea is, we are poor, yet in our poverty we endeavor to give no offence, and to commend ourselves as the ministers of God. This would be done by their patience and resignation; by their entire freedom from everything dishonest and dishonorable, and by their readiness, when necessary. to labor for their own support. There is no doubt that the apostles were poor; compare Act 3:6. The little property which some of them had, had all been forsaken in order that they might follow the Saviour, and go and preach his gospel. And there is as little doubt that the mass of ministers are still poor, and that, God designs and desires that they should be. It is in such circumstances that he designs they should illustrate the beauty and the sustaining power of religion, and be examples to the world.
Yet making many rich – On the meaning of the word rich see the note, Rom 2:4. Here the apostle means that he and his fellow-laborers, though poor themselves, were the instruments of conferring durable and most valuable possessions on many persons. They had bestowed on them the true riches. They had been the means of investing them with treasures infinitely more valuable than any which kings and princes could bestow. They to whom they ministered were made partakers of the treasure where the moth doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
As having nothing – Being utterly destitute. Having no property. This was true, doubtless, in a literal sense, of most of the apostles. And yet possessing all things. That is:
(1) Possessing a portion of all things that may be necessary for our welfare, as far as our heavenly Father shall deem to be necessary for us.
(2) Possessing an interest in all things, so that we can enjoy them. We can derive pleasure from the works of God – the heavens, the earth, the hills, the streams, the cattle on the mountains or in the vales, as the works of God. We have a possession in them so that we can enjoy them as his works, and can say, Our Father made them all. They are given to man to enjoy. They are a part of the inheritance of man. And though we cannot call them our own in the legal sense, yet we can call them ours in the sense that we can derive pleasure from their contemplation, and see in them the proofs of the wisdom and the goodness of God. The child of God that looks upon the hills and vales; upon an extensive and beautiful farm or landscape, may derive more pleasure from the contemplation of them as the work of God and his gift to people, than the real owner does, if irreligious, from contemplating all this as his own. And so far as mere happiness is concerned, the friend of God who sees in all this the proofs of Gods beneficence and wisdom, may have a more valuable possession in those things than he who holds the title-deeds.
(3) Heirs of all things. We have a title to immortal life – a promised part in all that the universe can furnish that can make us happy.
(4) In the possession of pardon and peace; of the friendship of God and the knowledge of the Redeemer, we have the possession of all things. This comprises all. He that has this, what need has he of more? This meets all the desires; satisfies the soul; makes the man happy and blessed. He that has God for his portion, may be said to have all things, for he is all in all. He that has the Redeemer for his friend has all things that he needs, for he that spared not his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Rom 8:32.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 10. As sorrowful] Considerate men supposing, from our persecuted state and laborious occupation, (often destitute of the necessaries of life; seldom enjoying its conveniences; and scarcely ever, its comforts,) that we must be the most miserable of all men.
Yet alway rejoicing] Having the consolation of God’s Spirit at all times, and a glorious prospect of a blessed immortality.
As poor] Destitute of all worldly good and secular interest,
Yet making many rich] By dispensing to them the treasures of salvation; making them rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom.
The Gospel, when faithfully preached, and fully received, betters the condition of the poor. It makes them sober; so they save what before they profusely and riotously spent. It makes them diligent; and thus they employ time to useful purposes which they before squandered away. They therefore both save and gain by religion; and these must lead to an increase of property. Therefore they are made rich; at least in comparison with that sinful, profligate state in which they were before they received the truth of the Gospel.
As having nothing] Being the most abject of the poor,
And yet possessing all things.] That are really necessary to the preservation of our lives. For the wants under which we labour for a time are supplied again by a bountiful Providence. The man who possesses a contented spirit possesses all things; for he is satisfied with every dispensation of the providence of God; and “a contented mind is a continual feast.”
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; appearing to others as persons drowned in griefs and sorrows, yet we are always rejoicing in God, {Hab 3:17,18} and in the testimony of a good conscience, 2Co 1:12.
As poor, yet making many rich; in outward appearance poor, having no abundance of the good things of this life; yet making many rich in knowledge and grace, God by us dispensing to them the riches of his grace.
As having nothing, and yet possessing all things as having nothing, no houses, no lands, no silver or gold, Act 3:6; yet being as well satisfied and contented, as if all things were ours; as well satisfied with that little which we have, as the men of the world are with their abundance; possessing all things in Christ, though having little in the creature.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. The “as” no longeris used to express the opinion of his adversaries, but the real stateof him and his fellow laborers.
making many richSpiritually(1Co 1:5), after the example ofour Lord, who “by His poverty made many rich” (2Co8:9).
having nothingWhateverof earthly goods we have, and these are few, we have as though we hadnot; as tenants removable at will, not owners (1Co7:30).
possessing all thingsTheGreek implies firm possession, holding fast in possession(compare 1Co 3:21; 1Co 3:22).The things both of the present and of the future are, in the truestsense, the believer’s in possession, for he possesses them all inChrist, his lasting possession, though the full fruition ofthem is reserved for the future eternity.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing,…. As to their outward appearance they are
sorrowful, and oftentimes really so on account of sin, their own and others, by reason of afflictions, temporal and spiritual; and as to the state and condition of the church of Christ, and the interest of religion: and
yet always rejoicing; not in themselves, or in any creature, but in the Lord, in the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ, and salvation by him. As poor, yet making many rich. It is, generally speaking, the lot of Christ’s ministers to be poor in this world; and there are some reasons for it, why it is, and should be so; as that they might be maintained by the people, which is the ordinance of God; that it might appear that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world; that the faith of men might not stand in the riches of the world, but in the power of God; that ministers might not be above their work, nor neglect it, nor drop it; and that they might not be ensnared and encumbered with the things of life.
And yet making many rich: are instruments in making many souls rich in things spiritual; by showing them their spiritual poverty, stripping them of what they trusted in, and valued themselves upon; directing them where true riches are, and furnishing them with spiritual knowledge, with the knowledge of things more worth than thousands of gold and silver.
As having nothing, and yet possessing all things; for the apostles left all for Christ, were sent out bare by him; what they had they gave away, and were very destitute of worldly enjoyments: “and possessing all things”; they had food and raiment, with which they were content, what was sufficient for them, and which they had in mercy, and with a blessing; and then they enjoyed all spiritual good things; they had not only a right unto them, but were possessed of them; they had all things pertaining to life and godliness; they had Christ, and all things with him, and therefore could say as Jacob did, that they had enough, yea, that they had all things.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Always rejoicing ( ). Even in sorrow (2Cor 11:9; 1Thess 5:16; Rom 5:3-5; Rom 9:2; Phil 2:18; Phil 2:27; Phil 3:1; Phil 4:4; Phil 4:15).
Yet making many rich ( ). Old word from (wealth), to enrich. Spiritual riches Paul has in mind as in 1Co 1:5 (cf. Mt 5:37).
As having nothing and yet possessing all things ( ). Contrast between (nothing) and (all things, cf. 1Co 3:22) and (to have) and (to hold down, to hold fast). Play on words (simple and compound) as in 2Cor 3:2; 2Cor 4:8. Climax of Paul’s panegyric on the Christian ministry. He now resumes the thread of the story broken off in 2:14.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Having – possessing [ – ] . The contrast is twofold : between having and not having, and between temporary and permanent having, or having and keeping. Compare Luk 8:15; 1Co 14:2; 1Th 5:21; Heb 3:6.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “As sorrowful,” (hos lupoumenoi) “as being grieved,” (yet) commending ourselves, going on in the work of the Lord, in spite of trials of sorrow, Heb 4:15-16.
2) “Yet always rejoicing “ (aei de chairontes) “but always rejoicing,” commending ourselves; as they instructed others in obedience to their Lord, Joh 16:22; 2Co 1:24; 2Co 7:4; Php_4:4.
3) “As poor “ (hos prochoi) “as poor, a pauper or impoverished,” in worldly possessions, yet commending ourselves, as they sought first the kingdom of God, Pro 13:7, Mat 6:33; 1Ti 6:17-19.
4) “Yet making many rich,” (pollous de ploutizontes) “But making many enriched,” in hope, peace, joy etc., enriching many, commending ourselves, heavenly riches mean so much, Mat 5:3; 1Co 1:5; Jas 2:5.
5) “As having nothing “ (hos meden echontes) “as having or holding nothing,” not even one thing, no home, no wealth, (yet) commending ourselves.
6) “And yet possessing all things,” (kai panta katechontes) “And (yet) as possessing all things,” commending ourselves; Having all needful in this life and an inheritance in heaven, 1Co 3:21-22; Php_4:13; Php_4:19; Mat 6:33. Christians should scatter and share, not hoard, either material or spiritual things. He serves God who spends money in employing laborers, as surely as he who gives to charity.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(10) As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.Are we still in the region of the taunts and sneers of which we have found such distinct traces in the previous verses? Did men say of him, as others had said of the saints of God before him, that he was smitten of God, and afflicted? Was it with him, as with David, that when he wept, that was turned to his reproof? that when he made sackcloth his garment he became a proverb unto them? (Psa. 69:10-11.) This seems, on the whole, the most probable explanation of the words. His Jewish rivals, or the jesters of Corinth, taunted him with his want of cheerfulness, He was always in trouble. This, at least, enables us to understand the bitterness of spirit in which St. Paul spoke, and to enter into the full force of his answer: Yea, but with our sorrow there is also the ever-flowing well-spring of joya joy not of the world, but of the Holy Ghost.
As poor, yet making many rich.Better, as a beggar. It is not hard to imagine that the outward circumstances of St. Pauls life, his daily toil as a tent-maker, his accepting gifts from the Church of Philippi (2Co. 11:8-9; Php. 4:15), would furnish occasion for some taunting jest. We seem to hear men speaking of him as a beggar, a mendicant. Yes, he answers, but I am able to make many rich. It is a possible, though perhaps not altogether an adequate, explanation of the words to see in them a reference to the fact that out of his poverty he was able to supply the necessities of others (Act. 20:35). We must, at all events, think of his words as including something more than this, and reminding the Corinthians that he had made many rich with the unsearchable riches of Christ.
As having nothing, and yet possessing all things.The series of paradoxes culminates in this. In language which has found echoes in the thoughts of sages, saints, mystics, he utters the truth that in the absolute surrender of the thought of calling anything its own the soul becomes the heir of the universe. All things are his, as with the certainty of an assured inheritance. The beatitude of the meek, of those who claim nothing, is that they shall inherit the earth, and so all things are theirsthe forces of nature, and the changes and chances of lifefor all are working together for their good. (See Note on Mat. 5:5.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. Sorrowful rejoicing An antithesis true on both sides. Poor in pennies; making rich in something better than money. Having nothing for this world; possessing all things for the world to come. As the climax of this description, stroke after stroke, rises, the glow of the apostle’s feeling rises, and his heart, and mouth too, being full to overflowing, he breaks out in the following apostrophe, and that starts an entire new strain of the epistle.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
DISCOURSE: 2026
PARADOXICAL EXPERIENCE
2Co 6:10. As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
THEY who form their opinions on mere outward appearances, will almost invariably err. But in nothing will they be more mistaken, than in their judgment of the Christian state. The experience of one that is converted to God is a perfect paradox: and they who are strangers to it, evince that they yet need to learn the very first principles of true religion.
St. Paul is enumerating a great variety of things whereby he had approved himself a faithful minister of God: and after a multitude of other paradoxes, he comes at last to those in the text. Doubtless, they had a more immediate reference to his own state, and, in some points of view, were applicable to him alone: but in other respects, they are equally true of all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
We shall take occasion from these words to shew,
I.
How poor the Christian is in himself
The bitter persecutions, the painful wants, and the continued load of care, under which the Apostle laboured, might well make him sorrowful. But if we drink not of his cup in these respects, there yet are other grounds on which we may be called, like the Laodiceans, wretched, and miserable, and poor [Note: Rev 3:17.].
1.
We are destitute of all that is truly desirable
[The man who wants all the necessaries of life, does not feel himself more destitute than the Christian.
How poor is he that has no righteousness to justify him before God! Yet the Christian has none in himself; he has nothing whereon he can rely, no, not any more than the fallen angels themselves [Note: Isa 64:6.].
How poor is he that has no strength whereby to serve God! Yet this is the Christians condition. If the thinking of a good thought would save him, he has not of himself a sufficiency to do it [Note: 2Co 3:5.].
How poor is he who has no wisdom to guide him one step of his way towards heaven! Yet thus destitute is the Christian. If he should in any one instance lean to his own understanding, he would as surely err, as if he should attempt blindfold to explore the most intricate path [Note: Jer 10:23. Pro 3:5-6.].
In short if he had attained the eminence of Paul himself, he still must say, In me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing [Note: Rom 7:18.].]
2.
We have continual cause of sorrow
[Numberless are the conflicts which the Christian has to maintain with his indwelling corruptions: and too frequently he receives a wound that fills him with the acutest anguish [Note: Rom 7:23.].
Many are the seasons too when his soul is in heaviness through manifold temptations [Note: 1Pe 1:6.]: and when, through the hidings of Gods face, he walks in darkness and has no light [Note: Psa 88:14-16.].
Supposing him ever so free from persecution, still he has in these things abundant reason for grief. Well may he on these accounts exclaim, with the Apostle, O wretched man that I am [Note: Rom 7:24.]!]
But the Christians poverty is rather a subordinate point in the text; we therefore pass on to shew more fully,
II.
How rich he is in Christ
With respect to this, every Christian is on the same footing with the Apostle himself
1.
He has an inexhaustible fulness of all good
[Is not he rich, that has reconciliation with God; and that has all his iniquities cast into the depths of the sea?
Is not he rich, that has liberty of access to God at all times, and that can obtain, day and night, the manifestations of his presence, and the testimonies of his love?
Is not he rich, who, besides the present aids and consolations of Gods Spirit, has an assured prospect of eternal happiness and glory?
Yet this, and more than this, does the Christian possess in Christ. All things are his, when he is Christs [Note: 1Co 3:21-23.]. He is complete in Christ [Note: Col 2:10.]; he is enriched with unsearchable riches [Note: Eph 3:8.]; and blessed with all spiritual and eternal blessings [Note: Eph 1:3.].
Compare with these things all the wealth of kingdoms; and say, whether it be not lighter than vanity itself.]
2.
He has an incessant ground of joy and glorying
[Let the Christian he in the most afflictive circumstances with respect to the things of time and sense, and yet may he rejoice in Christ,
What an inexpressible comfort must it be to him to contemplate the virtue of his sacrificethe efficacy of his intercessionthe sufficiency of his gracethe extent of his promisesand lastly, his inviolable truth and faithfulness! May not he well adopt the language of the text, I am sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; having nothing, and yet possessing all things? Yes; it is his privilege to rejoice in the Lord alway [Note: Php 4:4.]; and that too, with joy unspeakable and glorified [Note: 1Pe 1:8.].]
Infer
1.
What an exalted character is the true Christian!
[The men of this world are altogether dependent on outward circumstances for their happiness; and, if their cistern fail, they are bereft of all. But the Christian is independent of every thing here below. He may be deprived of health and liberty, of possessions and friends; but nothing can hinder his communion with Christ. Neither men nor devils can intercept the communications of heaven; which, for the most part, are increased, in proportion as other comforts are withdrawn [Note: 2Co 1:5.].
Let Christians then shew by their contempt of this world, that they are born from above; and prove in the midst of all their tribulations, that they possess indeed the magnanimity imputed to them.]
2.
How pitiable is the state of unconverted men!
[If they be poor and afflicted in a temporal view, they have nothing to sustain their drooping spirits. If, on the contrary, they be rich and gay, still their happiness is but empty, transient, delusive. In a little time they will be poor, and miserable beyond conception. In their very best estate therefore they are objects of pity and compassion: they may possess much, but yet are destitute of all things; they may be often rejoicing, but have continued occasion for grief and sorrow.
O that they were wise, and would consider this! O that they would begin to seek an interest in Christ, that through him their state might be reversed, and that they might participate the Christians lot!]
3.
What a blessed work is that of the ministry!
[The Apostle gloried in this, that though poor, he made many rich. And is not this the one intent of our ministry? Is it not that for which we were consecrated to the service of the sanctuary? Has the Christian preacher no better end in view than to display his talents, and obtain applause? Surely, if we have been anointed with an heavenly unction, and ever learned the true nature of our office, our only desire is to win souls: and, as that is the scope of our labours, so, when we behold one and another coming to the possession of the true riches, we consider our success as the most glorious of all rewards [Note: 1Th 2:19-20.].
O that every minister might view his office in this light; and every faithful preacher be thus recompensed for his labours!]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Ver. 10. As sorrowful, yet, &c. ] God’s works are usually done in oppositis mediis, in opposing means, as Luther said. Out of the eater he brings meat, &c. This riddle the world understands not. The Fathers observe here, that the apostle brings in the saints’ sorrow with a quasi, as if it were a sorrow in show or conceit only; but when he speaks of their joy, there is no such quasi.
Yet possessing all things ] Godliness hath an , a self-sufficiency,1Ti 6:61Ti 6:6 . Cui cum paupertate bene convenit, pauper non est, saith Seneca. A contented man cannot be a poor man especially if a godly man; for what reason? the Father (that Ancient of days) filleth his memory; the Son (the wisdom of the Father) filleth his understanding; the Holy Ghost the Comforter filleth his will; and so he must needs have all that thus hath the haver of all.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
10. ] Here even more clearly than before, the first member of the clause . . cannot express the opinion of his adversaries. For however might be wrested to signify ‘a man under the chastisement of God’ as a ground of reproach, will surely not bear the meaning solcher der nach gemohnlicher menschlicher Unsicht traurig sehn mute ,’ ‘one in such a situation, that according to ordinary human estimation he must be wretched,’ as De Wette, but must point to the matter of fact, that he is really ‘ afflicted .’ See reff.
again can hardly have been a reproach , but sets forth the fact as poor men, but enriching (not by distribution of alms, as Chrys., Theodoret, Estius, but by imparting spiritual riches, see 1Co 1:5 ) many: as having nothing (in the sense in which are , 1Co 7:29 , in the improper sense of ‘to possess ’ in which we here use the word thus , we have nothing, are destitute), but possessing (finally and as our own, our inheritance never to be taken away; in that sense of the word ‘ to possess ’ which this world’s buyers are not to use , , 1Co 7:30 ) all things . See a similar ‘possession of all things,’ 1Co 3:22 ; though this reaches further than even that, to the boundless riches of the heavenly inheritance.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Co 6:10 . , : as sorrowful (this charge in one sense was no doubt quite true), yet alway rejoicing . This, which is frequently spoken of by the Apostle as a Christian duty (see reff.), is specially prominent in this Epistle; cf. chap. 2Co 1:24 , 2Co 7:4 , and the note on 2Co 2:2-3 . St. Paul’s words are an echo of the farewell words of Christ (Joh 16:22 ), . , : as poor, sc. , as a pauper the word is stronger than (the taunt seems to have been thrown at him; cf. Phi 4:12 and chap. 2Co 11:7 ), and yet making many rich, sc. , in the heavenly riches; cf. 1Co 1:5 , Mat 5:3 , and esp. Pro 13:7 (a passage which seems to have been in the Apostle’s mind), , . : as having nothing and yet possessing all things; cf. 1Co 3:22 , “all things are yours”. (see reff.) is a stronger word than ; it is “to hold fast” or “to possess,” as, e.g. , the land of promise (Jos 1:11 ).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
sorrowful = grieved. Greek. lupeo. See 2Co 2:2.
alway. App-151.
poGreek. Greek. ptochos. App-127.
making. rich. Greek. ploutizo. See 1Co 1:5.
nothing. Greek. medeis.
possessing. Greek. katecho. See 1Co 7:30. From “deceivers, “2Co 6:8, to end of 2Co 6:10 is an example of Oxymoron (App-6).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
10.] Here even more clearly than before, the first member of the clause . . cannot express the opinion of his adversaries. For however might be wrested to signify a man under the chastisement of God as a ground of reproach, will surely not bear the meaning solcher der nach gemohnlicher menschlicher Unsicht traurig sehn mute, one in such a situation, that according to ordinary human estimation he must be wretched, as De Wette,-but must point to the matter of fact, that he is really afflicted. See reff.
again can hardly have been a reproach, but sets forth the fact-as poor men, but enriching (not by distribution of alms, as Chrys., Theodoret, Estius, but by imparting spiritual riches, see 1Co 1:5) many:-as having nothing (in the sense in which are , 1Co 7:29,-in the improper sense of to possess in which we here use the word-thus, we have nothing, are destitute), but possessing (finally and as our own, our inheritance never to be taken away; in that sense of the word to possess which this worlds buyers are not to use- , , 1Co 7:30) all things. See a similar possession of all things, 1Co 3:22; though this reaches further than even that,-to the boundless riches of the heavenly inheritance.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Co 6:10. ) alway, at every time. As often as we had been made sorrowful.-, making rich) spiritually.- [Engl. V. not so well, possessing], holding fast all things) lest they should be lost to others.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Co 6:10
2Co 6:10
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;-He was sorrowful under his own sufferings and the wickedness of others, but in it all found joy in suffering for Christ and man. Every Christian finds joy and peace in all the sorrows of life endured for Christ. [Sorrow was a real note in Pauls life, but it was interwoven with: Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. (Php 4:4). To him the sense of the love of God, assurance of his support, confidence in future blessedness, and the persuasion that his present light afflictions would work out for him a far more exceeding and an eternal weight of glory, mingled with his sorrows, gave him a peace which passed all understanding.]
as poor, yet making many rich;-While poor and suffering the want of all things, he brought the riches of life eternal to many. [He worked with his own hands as a tent-maker to support himself and fellow workers so that he could preach the gospel to a world that did not want to hear and that was doing its utmost to defeat him in the effort to do it. But he was of the spirit of the ancient worthies of whom it is said: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; they were destitute, afflicted, ill- treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. (Heb 11:37-38). Paul manifested this spirit to make many rich in Christ. Those who accepted the offer of salvation had everything, for they had Christ and God. (1Co 3:22). This is the spirit of the faithful preachers of the gospel who have carried the message of love all over the world. Paul did not wait for a place to be made ready for him. He spurned the thought, declaring that he made it his aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another mans foundation. (Rom 15:20).]
as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.-While he had nothing of earthly good, the riches of the eternal world were his possession.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
sorrowful: 2Co 2:4, 2Co 7:3-10, Mat 5:4, Mat 5:12, Luk 6:21, Joh 16:22, Act 5:41, Act 16:25, Rom 5:2, Rom 5:3, Rom 9:2, Rom 12:15, Rom 15:13, Phi 4:4, 1Th 3:7-10, 1Th 5:16, Heb 10:34, Jam 1:2-4, 1Pe 1:6-8, 1Pe 4:13
poor: 2Co 6:4
making: 2Co 4:7, 2Co 8:9, Rom 11:12, Eph 3:8, Eph 3:16, Col 3:16, 1Ti 6:18, Jam 2:5, Rev 2:9
and: 2Co 4:15, Psa 84:11, Pro 16:16, Mat 6:19, Mat 6:20, Luk 16:11, Luk 16:12, 1Co 3:21-23, 1Ti 4:8, Rev 21:7
Reciprocal: Gen 33:11 – enough 2Ki 4:2 – What shall I Job 22:25 – defence Psa 112:3 – Wealth Pro 3:16 – and Pro 8:10 – General Pro 8:18 – durable Pro 15:15 – but Isa 33:6 – fear Mat 13:52 – which Mar 10:30 – an hundredfold Luk 6:20 – Blessed Luk 12:21 – rich Joh 16:20 – your Act 3:6 – Silver Rom 5:4 – patience 2Co 7:4 – I am filled 2Co 8:2 – the riches Phi 4:11 – in respect Heb 11:26 – greater Jam 1:9 – in
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
GODS INSTRUMENTS
Poor, yet making many rich.
2Co 6:10
An instrument is valued for what it accomplishes, and not for its accidental richness in material. A steel pen or quill that will write well is better than a gold one which will not write at all; a poor reed or pipe that gives music than a stately and costly structure that only looks like an organ. We are meant to be instruments in Gods hand, and our worth is measured by the work we do.
I. The casket may be poor, and yet contain the costly jewel; the cart may be rude, and yet bear a valuable burden; the paper may be coarse, and yet have written on it great news. And so we may in spite of poverty be of signal use in the world. Socrates dressed in the plainest garb and lived on the poorest fare, and yet taught philosophers and kings; the Apostles were poor fishermen, and yet turned the world upside down; Christ Himself was a humble carpenter, and yet has enriched the world with wisdom and purity and love and immortal hope. Poverty leaves you, at least, with a heart that can pity, a tongue that can instruct and comfort and bless, a hand that can be gentle and helpful, whole treasures of spiritual wealth which can make many rich.
II. Our poverty may be necessary to our enriching of our fellow-men.Our poverty may be like the lowly craft that are used for running up shallow rivers and creeks. We can have access to people and places which rich men cannot reach. Our contentment, sweetness of spirit, etc., will shine all the more brightly as a jewel, having poverty for its foil. Christ became poor that we through His poverty might be rich. So, in some sense, we must all do, whether we are poor or rich, if we are truly to serve and enrich our fellow-men. If the foundation-stones are to bear up the tower, they must not insist on being seen themselves; if the tree is to be laden with heavy fruit, it must bend its head; if the tongue is to bless, it must speak low and sweet; if the heart is to comfort by true sympathy, it must stoop and share others burdens.
Be content to be nothing that Christ may be all; to be a lowly instrument in His hand for serving and enriching your fellow-men.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
2Co 6:10. As sorrowful. The conduct of wicked people and the prospect of their terrible future, caused Paul to be affected with sorrow for them; yet he rejoiced over the reward that he believed was awaiting himself and all other faithful disciples of Christ. He was poor in this world’s goods, yet in giving the Gospel to mankind he bestowed upon them the spiritual riches that cannot be valued in gold (1 Pete 1.:7). The last clause is virtually the same in meaning as the preceding one, except Paul applies the possession of the spiritual riches to himself and his co-workers.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Co 6:10. as sorrowful, yet always rejoicingsowing in tears, yet reaping in joy; a paradox to which no true servant of Christ, who watches for souls as one that shall give account, is quite a stranger;as poorin this worlds goods,yet making many richputting them in possession of the true riches (Luk 16:1), a treasure in the heavens that faileth not (Luk 12:33). See chap. 2Co 8:9; Jas 2:5; Heb 10:34; Heb 11:26;as having nothing (earthly), and yet possessing all thingsfor all things are ours (1Co 3:21). Perhaps, however, all needful temporal supplies may also be in view; for, writing to the Philippians, when depending from day to day on what his converts might thoughtfully send him, he expatiates with a touching gratitude on their considerate attention to his wants, and ends with these words, But I have all, and abound (Php 4:10-19).
Thus ends this noble strain! But it is only to pass into an equally impassioned strain of entreaty, to those who were the fruits of so self-consuming a ministry of reconciliation, to manifest the grand design of itthe calling out of an unbelieving and unholy world a people who should shine, by their Christian example, as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 10 This life was sorrowful, but he would rejoice in the next. He had no money, but he gave others God’s Word. He gave up all here, yet expected rich reward in the hereafter. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian brethren, the troubles at Corinth had caused him to have a heart narrowed with concern for them. He also had been careful to keep his lips close together because of his determination to say the right things. As he wrote the second letter, the apostle found his heart expanded and his lips freed by the basically good response to his earlier appeals. If there was any guarded approach to their relationship at the time of this writing, it was on their part, not his. He longed for them to open up to his love ( 2Co 6:11-13 ).
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing [having abundant sorrow as to this present life, yet boundless rejoicing in contemplation of the life to come]; as poor, yet making many rich [being penniless indeed in worldly goods, yet able to enrich all men with the knowledge of the grace of God, and the heavenly blessings and benefits resulting and to result from that grace]; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. [As having sacrificed all things for Christ and his gospel (Phi 3:7-8), and yet sensible of having lost nothing by the exchange, but of having made infinite gain thereby (Mat 16:25; 1Co 3:21-22). Such had been the ministry of the apostle on behalf of the Corinthians, and therefore in the next three verses the apostle appeals to them to show to him an affection like that which he has bestowed upon them.]