What does 2 Corinthians 6:9 mean?

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As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 2 Corinthians 6:9

Explanation

2 Corinthians 6:9 is a verse in which the Apostle Paul, speaking on behalf of himself and his fellow workers, acknowledges the paradoxical nature of their apostolic experiences. This verse forms part of a broader section where Paul outlines the hardships faced by the apostles as they carry out their ministry, as well as the virtues they exhibit in doing so.

The phrase “as unknown, and yet well known” reflects how the apostles were often strangers in new communities, not known personally to those they were ministering to, yet they were also well recognized as ministers of the Gospel and servants of Christ, possibly referring to their reputation or spiritual authority.

The words “as dying, and, behold, we live” undoubtedly refer to the constant threat of death the apostles faced due to persecution, but also to their resilience and the life-giving power of God at work in them, possibly even alluding to their spiritual vitality despite physical danger.

“As chastened, and not killed” can suggest that although they faced strict discipline (possibly from God, human authorities, or life’s circumstances), they did not face the ultimate penalty of death. Chastening here is not to be misunderstood as divine punishment for wrongdoing, but as correction or discipline meant for growth and strengthening.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, likely written in the mid-50s AD. During this time, Paul faced much hardship and adversity, including imprisonment, beatings, and other forms of persecution. The early Christian movement often encountered hostility from both Jewish and Greco-Roman society; the apostles were frequently misunderstood, mistreated, and subjected to severe challenges.

Paul writes to the Corinthian believers to defend his apostleship and encourage them in the face of false teachers and internal conflicts within the church. By sharing his own experiences and how he has persevered through adversity, Paul aims to demonstrate the authenticity of his ministry and to encourage steadfastness in faith.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse and its surrounding context highlight themes of Christian suffering, divine providence, and paradox. Paul presupposes that suffering and difficulty can be integral to the Christian life and ministry, yet they are not without divine purpose or devoid of hope.

Multiple interpretations can arise from this perspective. Some may view the verse as evidence of God’s protection over His followers—surrounded by death yet imbued with life. Other theological interpretations could focus on the concept of “dying to self,” wherein the apostles’ experiences of suffering and hardship are seen as part of the process of sanctification and transformation into the likeness of Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, believers today can glean from this verse the understanding that adversity does not negate one’s identity or efficacy in ministry. It encourages an attitude of resilience and trust in God’s faithfulness and protection, even when external recognition or circumstances are adverse.

In daily life, individuals might apply this scripture by maintaining integrity and faithfulness in the face of misunderstanding, opposition, or danger, and by keeping a perspective of hope amidst trials, remembering that spiritual vitality and growth often occur through challenges.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 4:8-11: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
Romans 8:36-37: “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
1 Corinthians 4:9-13: “For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death…”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as “unknown” (ἀγνοούμενοι – agnooumenoi) can mean to be ignored or not recognized for what one truly is. Conversely, the term for “well known” (ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι – epiginoskomenoi) suggests being acknowledged or recognized.

The phrase “as dying” uses the present participle (ἀποθνήσκοντες – apothneskontes) indicating a continual or repeated experience of facing death. The word for “we live” (ζῶμεν – zomen) is in the present tense as well, signifying ongoing life or vitality.

“Chastened” (παιδευόμενοι – paideuomenoi) could be translated as disciplined or instructed, a process of education or correction that allows improvement or growth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn with other religious traditions where figures often face trials and emerge with a deeper understanding or spiritual enlightenment. For instance, in some Buddhist narratives, the idea of suffering is central to the path towards enlightenment.

In the context of other ancient myths, gods or heroes frequently undergo challenges or a form of ‘death’ only to emerge transformed, such as the myth of the Phoenix, which dies in flames and is reborn from its ashes symbolizing renewal and immortality.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the concepts of facing adversity and flourishing can be linked to psychological theories such as post-traumatic growth, where an individual experiences growth after encountering traumatic events. This parallels the notion of “as dying, and, behold, we live,” where adversity is faced and overcome, potentially leading to personal development.

commentaries

Various Bible commentators have diverse opinions on this verse. Some focus on the endurance of faith through trials, like the John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible which emphasizes the stoic endurance of the apostles despite their adversities. Others, like the Matthew Henry Commentary, discuss the paradox of the Christian life and how outwardly afflictions demonstrate the hidden life and inward power believers possess. Yet others like the Expositor’s Bible Commentary may explore the tension between the present weakness and the ultimate triumph of the Gospel message that Paul and his fellow apostles represented. These commentaries help us appreciate the deep and multifaceted applications of this scriptural passage in the lives of believers, both historically and presently.