Paul’S Defense
PAUL’S DEFENSE
2 CORINTHIANS 6:3-10
In spite of his suffering and been misunderstood, Paul has had a proper attitude and has acted from good principles.
These verses are a remarkable defense as Paul lets us see the nature of his service for Christ and his fellows. No accusing finger may be justly pointed at him, charging him with insincerity or wrong motive (6:3-4a).
Nine trials are enumerated in three groups; and they are all hardships to which he has been exposed in fidelity to his calling. The first group are trials of a general character (“afflictions, hardships, calamities”)—how were these borne? Secondly, particular sufferings are described (beatings, imprisonments, tumults, ie results of mob violence). Can you recall some incidents in Acts? Thirdly, self-imposed duties are mentioned, as these were required in the service of the gospel (“labors,”— NEB has “overworked”—a malaise in the church, where too few attempt too much; “watching” is not a reference to religious vigil, but to sleepless nights; “hunger”).
Paul goes on to describe the spirit in which he faced these bitter experiences (6:6-8a). His character was often attacked unmercifully; he was even branded as a “deceiver” (6:8). Yet he insists that all about his character is “above board” in spite of the inevitable “dishonor” and “ill repute” which his opponents raked up as material to discredit him.
We can only guess at what they said, but it must have been something like this: “This Paul,” (as Demetrius, Acts 19:26, scornfully called him) “is really a nobody and may be safely ignored (6:9); he is a foolhardy person who runs unnecessary risks which make him as good as dead already, and so of little value in the eyes and esteem of humanity (6:9b). His sufferings are a mark of God’s displeasure (6:9c). He is of melancholy disposition (6:10), has no influence in the world where money talks and possessions count (6:10).”
In a series of expressive phrases Paul rejects the scurrilous verdicts of his enemies and gives an affirmation to every objection leveled at him. There is a place for a rebuttal of false allegation, we learn; but we must be as prepared as Paul was to face the close scrutiny of our motives and the worth of our Christian service.