What does 2 Corinthians 6:5 mean?

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In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 2 Corinthians 6:5

Explanation

2 Corinthians 6:5 lists various hardships that the Apostle Paul and his companions endured during their ministry. The verse reads as a catalog of the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced while spreading the Christian message. “In stripes” likely refers to the beatings they received, as flogging was a common punishment. “In imprisonments” denotes being jailed, which was also a frequent consequence for preaching the Gospel in places hostile to their message. “In tumults” suggests the chaotic situations, such as riots or disturbances, that arose in response to their ministry. “In labours” indicates the hard work and toil involved in their mission. “In watchings” refers to sleepless nights, either from prayer, worry, or the necessity of being vigilant. “In fastings” implies voluntary periods of going without food for spiritual purposes. These details reveal a literal historical recounting of the suffering they endured; on a deeper level, it illustrates their dedication and the costs associated with being a follower of Jesus Christ during that time.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the second epistle to the Corinthians in the context of defending his apostleship and addressing criticisms from his detractors. During the first century AD, those who preached the Christian message often faced significant opposition, both from Jewish authorities who viewed it as a heretical movement and from Roman authorities who saw it as a potential source of social unrest. The hardships that Paul lists in 2 Corinthians 6:5 serve as evidence of his sincerity, as he wouldn’t have endured such trials if he weren’t genuinely committed to the Gospel.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse speaks to the concept of suffering for the sake of righteousness. Many Christian traditions see Paul’s trials as a model of faithfulness in the face of persecution. The verse also touches on the idea of ascetic practices, such as fasting, which are viewed as a means of spiritual discipline and drawing closer to God. Furthermore, Paul’s experiences can be seen as a form of participation in the sufferings of Christ, which is a theme throughout Pauline theology.

Practical Applications

In modern times, this verse can inspire Christians to endure hardships for their faith with perseverance and hope. While many will not face the extreme challenges that Paul did, the principle of faithfulness under pressure is still relevant. It encourages believers to consider the costs of discipleship and to be steadfast in their convictions. Additionally, it can inform current practices of fasting and other disciplines as ways to cultivate a deeper spiritual life.

Cross-References

Romans 5:3-5: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”
2 Timothy 3:12: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Acts 16:23-24: “And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison…”
1 Corinthians 4:11-13: “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;…”

Language Study

Some key Greek words from this verse include:

“stripes” (πληγαῖς, plēgais): A “plague” or “wound”; a term that can refer to the physical marks from beatings.
“imprisonments” (φυλακαῖς, phylakais): Means “jail” or “prison” and implies being held captive.
“tumults” (ἀκαταστασίαις, akatastasiais): The state of disorder or instability; disturbances.
“labours” (κόποις, kopois): Hard work; toil that involves weariness.
“watchings” (ἀγρυπνίαις, agrypniais): Wakefulness; a lack of sleep or staying alert.
“fastings” (νηστείαις, nesteiais): Fasting; the voluntary abstinence from food.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultural and religious contexts outside of Christianity, suffering and asceticism are often seen as means to spiritual enlightenment or favor with the divine. In some Eastern religions, for example, fasting and physical hardships are commonly practiced for religious purposes. The early Christian perspective of viewing these as participation in Christ’s suffering is somewhat unique, emphasizing a personal connection with the divine through shared experience.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the effects of fasting, sleep deprivation, and stress on the body can be profound. While fasting can have health benefits when practiced in a controlled manner, prolonged or extreme fasting, as might be suggested by “fastings,” can lead to negative health outcomes. Similarly, excessive stress from “tumults” and “labours,” or sleep deprivation from “watchings,” can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Paul’s inclusion of these hardships reflects a real understanding of the tangible costs of his missionary work.

Commentaries

Commentators often see 2 Corinthians 6:5 as exemplifying the Apostolic calling to suffer for the Gospel. John Calvin interprets this passage as proof of Paul’s dedication and the true marks of an apostle. Matthew Henry comments on how these sufferings authenticate Paul’s ministry and challenge believers to be ready for similar trials in their spiritual journey. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary highlights the contrast between the hardships that Paul describes and the comforts that many seek, calling Christians to a deeper form of discipleship that may include such trials.