2 Corinthians 6:5

5 We have been beaten, jailed, and mobbed; we have been overworked and have gone without sleep or food. ¹

2 Corinthians 6:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:5

In stripes
As the Apostle Paul particularly was, who was thrice beaten with rods, and five times scourged by the Jews with the scourge of forty stripes save one.

In imprisonments;
under which are included bonds, in which they often were for the Gospel of Christ:

in tumults;
and uproars of the people, when their lives were frequently in imminent danger: or "in tossings to and fro"; being drove from place to place through the fury of their enemies;

in labours;
in a laborious ministry of the word, and administration of ordinances; or by labouring with their own hands to supply their necessities:

in watchings;
being obliged to work night and day at their hand labour, and in preaching, praying, and singing psalms; which exercises they were often employed in at midnight:

in fastings;
by which are meant not voluntary, but involuntary ones, through want of food to eat.

2 Corinthians 6:5 In-Context

3 We do not want anyone to find fault with our work, so we try not to put obstacles in anyone's way.

4 Instead, in everything we do we show that we are God's servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties.

5 We have been beaten, jailed, and mobbed; we have been overworked and have gone without sleep or food.

6 By our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness we have shown ourselves to be God's servants - by the Holy Spirit, by our true love,

7 by our message of truth, and by the power of God. We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves.

Cross References

• 1. 6.5Acts 16.23.