2 Corinthians 6:3-13

As Paul continues his defense of his apostolic ministry, he moves from the discussion of the ministry of reconciliation, to which we have all been called, into a discussion of faithfulness through hardships. He begins with a double negative, depending on your point of view, it could even be taken as a triple negative:

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

Strictly speaking, a double negative isn’t the clearest way to communicate one’s thoughts; they lead to confusion. It would have been clearer if Paul had simply said, “We have done nothing to discredit our ministry”. In any case, that is precisely the point he is making in this passage. At first glance we might get the impression that Paul is complaining a bit; there’s a note of unfairness on display here. Yet I don’t think that was his intention; I certainly hope not, for that would surely undo his point. Instead, I see a little shaming here− take a close look at this:

He begins with … Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses then in verse 5 he cites 6 hardships:  in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger. He follows these 6 hardships with his responses to them in 6-7: in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;  in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;” notice the contrast between his hardship and his attitude through the experiences.

Then he continues by citing his experiences in contrast with his condition:

through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;  sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. (6:8-10)

Finally, in 6:11-13 he brings the discussion home to the Corinthians:

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

Looking at this passage in its entirety, it’s fair to conclude that Paul is lodging a complaint. He has served the Corinthians faithfully and lovingly, yet they haven’t always been fair with him in return. They have listened to those who would lie about him, they have been eager to find fault with him and though he has been faithful in his service to them, they have not been faithful in return. Yet there isn’t an accusatory tone in what Paul has presented here, for you see, Paul has given us an example of resolving personal disputes in love.

Yes, he has mentioned the facts of the situation, but in doing so, his tone has been one of conciliation, not condemnation. I think we can learn from this, don’t you?