2 Corinthians 6:4; Approving Ourselves as the Ministers of God

2 Corinthians 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

In all things let us behave ourselves as the ministers of God – The idea is, that Paul and his fellow-labourers endeavoured to live as became the ministers of God, and so as to commend the ministry to the confidence and affection of men. They endeavoured to live as was appropriate to those who were the ministers of God, and so that the world would be disposed to do honour to the ministry. [Tindal]

The work of the ministry in the life of the Apostle Paul entails much suffering. He has to be in much patience, a spiritual fruit, borne out of the trials of the ministry that was a visible manifestation of God’s work in his life. His walk with God enabled him to fulfil the call of God to the ministry.

He testified at the close of his life of God’s grace sustaining him throughout his ministry in 2 Timothy 3:10-14 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.

He testified of the opposition to the work and the need to be steadfast as he encouraged Timothy, to persevere in the work of the ministry, despite suffering. The same God who protected him as he testified will also safeguard Timothy. Let us take encouragement that the God of Paul and Timothy is with us today to fulfil His purpose for the redemption of men for His glory. Amen.