2 Corinthians 6:8; By Honour and Dishonour

2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

Hendriksen said well, this “next two clauses delineate contrast: glory and dishonour, bad report and good report, in reverse order. As a soldier stands between weapons on his right and left so Paul and his associates are between glory and dishonour, bad report and good report… Just as Paul moves through spiritual battles with weapons in the left and the right hand, so he moves through circumstances in which he receives honour and good reports on the one hand and slander on the other. The apostle stays unswervingly devoted to the ministry of the Word.”¹

He further analysed well, “Paul was the spiritual father of the Corinthian congregation (1 Cor. 4:15) and the founder of numerous churches throughout the Mediterranean world. These churches were his joy and crown (Phil. 4:1), yet at the same time he had to endure physical and verbal abuse from both Gentiles and Jews (e.g., Acts 16:19–24; 17:5–9). When diligence and faithfulness are recognized and appreciated, honour and a good report result. But undeserved dishonour and slander come from malevolent and uninformed people”²

Thank God for the Apostle Paul’s courage to press on with the gospel work. May the Lord bless the courage of His servants who follow in the steps of their Master Jesus. Amen.

¹Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Vol. 19, p. 218). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

² Ibid.