BHT with Abridged Translator’s Notes2 Corinthians 6 =
6
“We Demonstrate Our Credibility...in Indeed Every Way”
1 Now, as God’s fellow workers,+ we likewise appeal to you not to receive the gift of God fruitlessly.+ 2 For he says,
“It is in the appointed time of favor that I will surely answer your prayers;
it is in the day of salvation that I will most assuredly come to your help.”+
Listen! The “appointed time of favor” is now. Take note! The “day of salvation” is now.+3 We try to keep ourselves from becoming a stumbling block of any kind,+ to any person, so that our ministry will not be judged at fault; 4 we demonstrate our credibility, that we are servants of God, in indeed every way: By great endurance, displayed+ amidst trials, and hardships, and pressures, 5 and beatings, and imprisonments, and riots, and hard work, and sleepless nights, and times of hunger; 6 by our purity, by our understanding, by our patience, by our kindness, by the Holy Spirit,+ by our sincere love, 7 by truthful teaching, by the power of God; with the weapons of salvation+ in the right hand and in the left; 8 serving whether praised or blamed, defamed or acclaimed;+ treated as imposters, though genuine; 9 regarded as unknown, and yet known through and through; almost dead, and yet look, here we are still alive; scourged,+ yet not put to death; 10 full of grief and sorrow, yet rejoicing always; poor, yet bringing true riches to so many; having nothing, and yet possessing everything! 11 We have spoken openly to you,+ dear Corinthians! We’ve made it clear how much we care for you!+ 12 It is not we who have closed our hearts to you, but you who have closed yours to us.+ 13 Now the same kind of care that we’ve shown for you—it is as a father to his dear children+ that I am speaking—you, likewise, please show for us.+
“Don’t Become Unevenly Yoked with Unbelievers”
14 Don’t become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. What, after all, do righteousness and lawlessness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between the Messiah and Belial, the devil+? What does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the sanctuary of God and idols? We, you see, constitute the very sanctuary of the living God. Just as God said,
“I will dwell among them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”+
17 That is why,
“Come out from among them and be separate,” says the Lord,
“and touch nothing unclean,”+
and “I will accept you.”+
18 And “I will be your Father,
and you will be my sons and daughters,”+ says the Lord Almighty.
+1:2Lit the saints/holy ones. ME(OTB)/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+1:2“All of” is drawn from the plural “you” here.+1:2Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:3Lit the God of all exhortation/help/encouragement/consolation. ME. Cf TEV.+1:4In Greek, the word παρακαλέω ( parakaleō) and its cognates have a wide range of meaning (console, encourage, exhort, urge, help, strengthen, etc; see, eg, NASB-Dic, 3870; L-N, 12.19), depending on the context. In this section, I have tried to give English readers a more wholistic sense of what Paul has in mind here. Cf 1 Th 3:2 and notes there.+1:4See notes at 1 Th 3:2.+1:5Lit For just as the sufferings of the Messiah abound to us. ME (see BDAG, 805, sv περισσεύω 1.a.β.)+1:5Lit so through the Messiah the strength/help/encouragement of us abounds, too. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 15).+1:6Or for your encouragement and deliverance.+1:6Lit for the of you encouragement/help, which is at work/which is effective/which produces. ME. Cf, eg, Php 1:12-13; 1 Th 1:6-10, 3:7. Paul is referring here to the effect his example (ie, how God has given him strength to endure) has on the other believers.+1:7Lit And our hope is firm concerning you. ME (see BDAG, 172, sv βέβαιος 1; Ibid, 319, ἐλπίς 1.a.; UBSHS [2 Co], 16). The content of the hope (“that the Corinthian Christians will continue in their faith despite the afflictions and suffering that they experience” [ UBSHS (2 Co), 16]; cf Php 1:6,1 Th 3:1-5) is signaled by the demonstrative pronoun in translation here.+1:7Or our, or his. The articles in this clause and the following clause are functioning anaphorically. The Messiah (see v 5a) and Paul and his companions (see vv 5-7) are both good contextual candidates for the anaphoric references here.+1:7Or our, or his. See previous note.+1:8Cf translation and note at 1 Co 10:1; TEV.+1:9Lit we have had the sentence of death in ourselves. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 19). Cf CJB, ISV, NET, NIV.+1:9Or who is going to raise the dead.+1:10Lit who.+1:10Lit so great a death. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 20).+1:10Lit in whom.+1:11Lit so that thanks are (or may be) given by many faces on our behalf for the gracious gift to us through many. ME (see BDAG, 1081, sv χάρισμα a; L-N, 9.9; UBSHS [2 Co], 21). The mismatch in languages here is obvious. Cf CEV, CJB, ISV, NAB, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, REB, TEV.+1:12Lit the testimony/witness of our conscience.+1:12Lit fleshly. ME (see ANLEX, 346, sv σαρκικός 2, 3; BDAG, 914, σαρκικός 2; notes at 1 Co 3:1). Cf NAB.+1:12Cf 1 Th 2:1-8.+1:12The NIV and TEV capture the meaning well here, in my opinion, and have thus been followed in translation.+1:13The presence of γὰρ ( gar) here (which signals that this information is being used to give strength and support to the preceding statements) makes Hughes’ interpretation (that Paul is referring to the Corinthians’ firsthand knowledge of his character; see ESS [2 Co], 44) more likely than that represented in some of the other examples offered in the UBSHS and ESS (see ESS [2 Co], 44; UBSHS [2 Co], 26). Paul isn’t making a random point about how he writes understandable letters. He is saying that when his readers hear the things he has been writing about in reference to his character and integrity, they would acknowledge the truth of what he is saying based on their firsthand experience of his life. This is similar to 1 Th 1:5 and 2:1-10. BSL defines ἐπιγινώσκω ( epiginōskō) in this context as “to discern something clearly and distinctly, or as true or valid; often with a personal acquaintance that necessitates a reaction” ( BSL, 2 Co 1:13, sv).+1:13Cf NCV; TEV.+1:14Cf 1 Co 4:1-5.+1:14Or For. Following CEV, NCV, NLT, TEV in the interpretation of ὅτι ( hoti) in this context (see ESS [2 Co], 45). Paul is referring here to the age to come, when each person’s life and work will be brought into the light (see 1 Co 4:1-5).+1:14Lit for we are your boast, even as we too are yours. ME (see DBL Greek, #3016; L-N, 33.368; cf also the parallel ideas in places like Ps 34:1-6, Ps 44:8). The copula here is functioning futuristically. Cf ESV, NLT, NIV, TEV.+1:14Cf 1 Th 2:19-20.+1:15Lit with this confidence. ME. Cf CJB, NAB, NCV.+1:15Lit a second gift/grace. ME (see ANLEX, 407, sv χάρις 3.b.; BDAG, 1080, sv χάρις 3.a.).+1:16Or through your city. Lit through you (ie, either by way of Corinth, or with the assistance of the Corinthians; see ESS [2 Co], 51).+1:17Lit When planning this, therefore, surely not then did I use the vacillation? ME/IT (see BDAG, 314, sv ἐλαφρία). In Greek, the particle οὖν ( oun) signals an inference from what precedes, as well as a new development, and can operate on various levels and boundaries of discourse (see Runge, Disc Grammar, 43-8). In this case, the inference is drawn partly from the IT (ie, “I made these plans [and as you know, and I didn’t come back to Corinth]. Therefore, was I being fickle?”). The IT has been made explicit in translation for the sake of clarity. Cf REB, UBSHS (2 Co), 29.+1:17Lit according to the flesh. ME. Cf NIV, REB.+1:17Lit Or the things that I plan/decide, do I decide according to the flesh, so that there may be with me the “Yes, yes” and the “No, no”? ME (see BDAG, 665, sv ναί e.; ESS [2 Co], 54-5; UBSHS [2 Co], 30). Cf CEV, ESV, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NRSV, TEV+1:18Lit our word to you. In this context, λόγος ( logos—“word,” “message,” “statement,” “instruction,” etc) encompasses communications concerning plans, as well as the gospel message itself (see ESS [1 Co], 56; UBSHS [2 Co], 30).+1:18Cf NLT.+1:19Lit Silvanus. Silvanus and Silas are the same person (see UBSHS [2 Co], 31). Cf NIV, TEV.+1:19Cf Ac 14:3, 1 Co 1:4-9, 2:1-5; 1 Th 1:5.+1:21Cf 1 Co 1:8.+1:22Cf NIV, REB, TNT, TEV; L-N, 57.170.+1:24Lit not that we lord it over your faith. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 35). Cf CEV, NLT, TEV.+1:24Or in the faith.+2:1Lit I judged for myself this, the to not again come to you in grief. ME (see ESS [2 Co], 70; UBSHS [2 Co], 34). Cf ESV, HCSB, NET, NRSV, RSV.+2:2Lit If I grieve you, then who is the one going to cheer me/make me glad, except the one being grieved by/because of/from me? ME/EFE (see L-N, 25.131; UBSHS [2 Co], 37). Cf CJB, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:3Lit having confidence about you all, that my joy is [the joy] of all of you. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 38). Cf CJB, ESV, HCSB, NASB, NCV, NET, NIV, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+2:5Lit in order not to burden/weigh down. ME (see ANLEX, 162, sv ἐπιβαρέω; BDAG, 368, sv ἐπιβαρέω).+2:7Lit lest he be swallowed up with more abundant grief. ME (see L-N, 25.285).+2:10Cf NCV.+2:10Lit in the face of. ME (I/F) (see L-N, 85.26).+2:12IT. Cf NLT.+2:15Cf Mt 10:40, Lk 9:48, Lk 10:16, Jn 13:20+2:15Translating in the same way as at 1 Co 1:18 (see translation and notes there).+2:16Lit from death to death. ME (cf 2 Co 3:18; Ps 83:8 in the LXX). Contra L-N (see L-N, 78.48) and the UBSHS (see UBSHS [2 Co], 51), other examples of ἐκ ( ek) with εἰς ( eis) in both the OT and NT (see, eg, Ps 84:5 [83:8 in the LXX]; 2 Co 3:18) argue against an exclusively idiomatic usage here; it is likely that degree is meant. Cf NAC (2 Co), 149; CJB, HCSB.+2:16Lit from life to life. ME (see preceding note).+2:16Lit And with respect to these things. ME. Cf REB in ESS (2 Co), 94.+2:16Cf 2 Co 11-12; 1 Th 1-2.+2:17Lit as from God. ME. Cf ISV, NIV, TEV.+2:17Lit before, or in the presence of. ME (see ESS [2 Co], 97; UBSHS [2 Co], 51). Cf ISV.+3:1Lit Do we again ourselves commend? ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 55). Cf TEV.+3:1Lit Or do we need letters of commendation to you or from you? ME(H) (see UBSHS [2 Co], 55). Cf Ac 18:27, Rm 16:1-2. Cf CEV.+3:3Cf HCSB, TEV.+3:3Lit having been ministered by us. ME. Cf NIV (the UBSHS points to the NIV as the best model here [see UBSHS (2 Co), 57]).+3:3Cf Ezk 36:26-27.+3:4Or before, or toward.+3:5Cf NCV, TEV.+3:5Lit Not that we are able/competent/qualified from ourselves to consider anything as if of ourselves. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 58). Cf ESV, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV. ἱκανός ( hikanos) and its cognates touch both on the enabling of God and the sufficiency/adequacy/ability that results from it. In v 2:16 above, the focus seems to be on the standard/quality of life/integrity of witness that results from the (there implied) divine enabling, whereas here the focus is more on the divine enabling itself. Cf the LXX at Ex 4:10: “But Moses said to the Lord, ‘I beseech you, O Lord, I am not adequate...’ ” (LES). Cf 2 Co 11:16-12:10.+3:6Cf REB. The REB captures Paul’s intended meaning best here, in my opinion (cf, eg, Rm 5:12-21, 7:7-25, 8:1-11), and has therefore been followed in translation. Cf Lv 26; Dt 27-28.+3:7Lit sons. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 11.58).+3:7Or unable to continue looking at. Cf HCSB.+3:7Lit the glory of his face. A reference to Ex 34:29-34.+3:7Cf CJB, NLT.+3:8Cf CJB.+3:9Lit If glory was in... ME(OTB)/IT (see, eg, Ex 24:16; cf FSB, sv δόξα, 2 Co 3:7). Cf NLT at v 7.+3:10Lit What has been glorified has not been glorified in this part because of the surpassing glory. ME (see ESS [2 Co], 118; UBSHS [2 Co], 63). The mismatch in languages is obvious here. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT.+3:11Or that which was fading away, or that which fades away. Cf NAB. There is a switch to the neuter gender here. Cf v 13.+3:11Cf translation at v 8.+3:12The participle has been interpreted as an adverbial participle of cause. This is reflected in the translation. Cf ESV, ISV, LEB, NET, NIV, NKJV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV+3:12Lit we proceed/act/behave with great boldness/courage. Looking to the context (vv 2:12-3:10) for Paul’s intent with χράομαι ( chraomai) here. Though speaking is certainly included in Paul’s purview here (see UBSHS [2 Co], 64; cf CEV, NAB, NJB, TNT, REB), the context indicates that the example and conduct of the apostles (cf NET; L-N, 41.14), the power of the Spirit, etc, are also in view. Hence the rendering here.+3:13Lit sons. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 11.58).+3:13Or end, or outcome, or purpose, or significance, or termination.+3:13Or of that which was fading away, or of that which fades away. Cf Mt 13:43; Ga 3:21; Col 1:27, 3:4; Heb 8-9; 1 Jn 3:2; Re 1:16.+3:14See translation and notes at Mt 13:12-15; Mk 3:5.+3:16Lit he. Cf Ex 34:34 (LXX); TEV.+3:16Or Yet when one turns to/returns to the Lord, the veil is removed. A reference/loose quotation of Ex 34:34 (see LXX). Cf TEV. Following Brenton and LES at Ex 34:34 in translation here. In Greek, neuter subjects and objects have the same form, and therefore τὸ κάλυμμα [ to kalumma] could be understood as either. In Ex 34:34, it functions as an object, with the verb functioning as a middle. The same has been followed here, therefore, in keeping with the interpretation adopted in the translation.+3:17Cf Ex 40:34-35; Lv 16:2; Nu 9:15; Is 63:10-12.+3:18Or the glory of the Lord reflecting as in a mirror. Cf Ex 33:11, 34:34-35; Nu 12:8; Dt 34:10.+3:18Lit from glory to glory. Cf translation and notes at 2 Co 2:16. Cf also CJB, ESV, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+3:18Or likeness.+3:18Lit just as from the Lord. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 70). Cf ESV, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, and TEV at Mt 21:42.+4:1IT (see BDAG, 421, sv ἔχω 7.a.δ.; cf the use of δίδωμι [ didōmi] with διακονία [ diakonia] at 2 Co 5:18, used in the sense of “entrust” [cf BDAG, 242, sv δίδωμι 5]). Cf CEV. Paul is referring here to his obligation as a steward entrusted with the ministry of the gospel. Cf Rm 16:25-26; 1 Co 2:1-7, 4:1; Eph 3:5; Col 1:26; 1 Th 2:4.+4:2Lit the secret things of shame. ME. Cf NAB, NET, NIV, NLT. The genitive has been interpreted as functioning attributively. This is reflected in the translation.+4:2Lit commending ourselves. ME (see translation and notes at 2 Co 3:1-2).+4:2Lit before God. ME. Maintaining consistency in translation with 2 Co 2:17 (see translation and notes there; cf ISV at 2:17). Cf, eg, 1 Th 1:5-6, 2:1-12.+4:3Maintaining consistency in translation with 1 Co 1:18 and 2 Co 2:15 (see translation and notes there).+4:4Lit the god. ME(OTB)/IT (see notes at 1 Co 8:5). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+4:5Lit We don’t preach/proclaim ourselves. ME. “Ourselves” doesn’t transfer very naturally into English as the direct object of a verbal lexeme like “preaching” (cf UBSHS [2 Co], 75), and therefore an ME (based on the noun cognate of κηρύσσω; see L-N, 33.258) has been used in translation.+4:5Or because of Jesus. Cf Mt 20:25-27.+4:6A reference to Gn 1:3.+4:6Lit our hearts. ME(H/OTB) (see translation and notes at v 3:15 above). Cf Eph 1:16-18; Col 1:9-13.+4:6Cf Dn 2:20-23; Eph 1:7-10, 3:1-11.+4:7See note at v 4:1 above. Maintaining consistency in translation here.+4:7Lit Yet we have this treasure in earthen vessels. ME/IT (see UBSHS [2 Co], 77). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+4:7Cf Ac 9:15-16.+4:7Cf, eg, Ac 19:11-20.+4:11Lit in our mortal flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C, G (see FBT Chart). Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT.+4:12Lit death is constantly being put to work in us, but life in you, or death is constantly at work in us, but life in you. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 82). Cf NLT.+4:13Lit having the same spirit of faith according to what is written. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 82; ESS [2 Co], 166). Cf CEV, NET, NLT, TEV.+4:13Ps 116:10+4:14Or in union with Jesus. Following the interpretation of Harris et al, Barrett, and Bratcher in translation here (see ESS [2 Co], 167-8).+4:14Cf 1 Th 2:19-20, 3:11-13, 4:13-18.+4:15Lit so that grace, as it increases. ME. In this context, “grace” is referring to the “outworking” of God’s kindness and benevolence (see BSL, Ac 11:23, sv χάρις). Though this certainly seems to include people’s initial turning to the Lord (cf BDAG, 1080, sv 3.b.), it is not necessarily limited to that (cf, eg, Rm 1:13; Php 1:6-11).+4:15Lit through/throughout/among the many (people/things). Here Paul is most likely thinking in terms of his calling with respect to Gentile nations (cf, eg, Is 49:6, 52:15, 53:12; Rm 1:13, 4:17-18, 5:15-21, 15:8-12; Ga 1:16, 2:8; Eph 3:1; 1 Th 2:16; 1 Ti 2:7).+4:15Cf Is 49:6, 52:15, 53:12; Rm 1:13, 4:17-18, 5:15-21, 15:8-12; Ga 1:16, 2:8; Eph 3:1; 1 Th 2:16; 1 Ti 2:7.+4:16The following verse indicates that Paul doesn’t just have “decaying” as a natural process in mind when he uses διαφθείρω ( diaphtheirō) here, but also the wear and tear (the “destruction”; cf, eg, διαφθείρω at Lk 12:33) that his body is experiencing through his sufferings and trials. This is reflected in the translation here.+4:16Cf Pr 20:30.+4:17αἰώνιος ( aiōnios) (typically rendered “eternal”) is built on its cognate αἰών ( aiōn), “age” (see, eg, NASB-Dic, #166). Cf, eg, Ga 1:5.+4:17Lit according to an extraordinary degree to an extraordinary degree. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 87). Cf most English translations.+4:18Lit keeping our eyes not on the things being seen, but the things not being seen. ME(OTB) (see UBSHS [2 Co], 88; cf BDAG, 280, sv εἶδον 3; Harris and Barrett in ESS [2 Co], 175). Cf, eg, Mt 19:27-30; Mk 10:29-31; Ga 1:3; Eph 1:21. When Paul uses the language of “seen” in contrast to the “unseen,” he is thinking temporally in terms of ages within the framework of time and history (Biblical worldview; cf, eg, Heb 11), not in terms of a metaphysical dualism (Platonism). For many resources and teachings on Christo-Platonism (ie, the Platonic worldview expressed in terms of redefined biblical terms and ideas), see www.danieltrainingnetwork.org.+5:1Cf Jb 4:21; Ps 52:5, 91:10; Is 38:12; 2 Pt 1:13-14.+5:1Lit if our earthly house of the tent. ME (see NET Bible Notes, 2 Co 5:1). Cf ESV, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV. “Earthly/of the earth/characteristic of the earth” should not be interpreted Platonically here (see note at “of earth” below).+5:1Cf 1 Co 15:51; 1 Th 4:13-18; 2 Pt 1:13-14.+5:1Cf Mt 5:12, 6:19; 1 Ti 6:19; 2 Ti 4:1-8; 1 Pt 1:3-9.+5:2Lit in this. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 90).+5:2Cf Rm 8:18-30.+5:2Cf 1 Co 15:42-49.+5:4An allusion to Is 25:8. Cf 1 Co 15:54.+5:5Or has prepared. The aorist participle here is most likely functioning gnomically (cf, eg, v 4:17 above; Php 2:13; 1 Th 2:13, 5:23-24; 2 Th 1:5, 2:11).+5:5Cf 2 Co 4:17; Php 2:13; 1 Th 2:13, 5:23-24; 2 Th 1:5, 2:11.+5:8Lit be away from one’s country in the body. ME (see BDAG, 300, sv ἐκδημέω 1; L-N, 23.111; UBSHS [2 Co], 94; 2 Cor 4:16-5:5 above). Devastation/ruin/brokenness/weakness/dying is implied from the context (see 4:16-5:7).+5:8Cf Php 1:20-24. Cf also Is 57:1-2; Re 6:11,14:14. Paul is essentially saying the same here as he does in Php 1:20-24. He is not saying that the disembodied state constitutes the hope of the gospel (which is bodily resurrection, granted at the Second Coming), but that the disembodied state, incomplete and lacking as it is, would still be a form of rest (cf, eg, Is 57:1-2; Re 6:11,14:14) and thus preferable to the constant battering his mortal body receives as he continues proclaiming the gospel courageously. After reading 2 Co 11-12, we can definitely see why he would say this!+5:9Lit whether being at home or whether being away on a journey/away from home. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 94; notes in vv 5:1-9). The meaning is essentially the same as Php 1:20.+5:10Cf REB (see ESS [2 Co], 191).+5:10Cf 1 Co 4:5.+5:10Cf Jb 34:11; Ps 62:12; Pr 24:12; Jr 17:10; Mt 16:27; Rm 2:6-10; 1 Th 4:1-8; 2 Ti 4:14; 1 Pt 1:17; Re 2:23.+5:11Lit we. ME. Cf ESV, NIV, NCV; NJB; NRSV; RSV; REB at 2 Co 5:10 (see ESS [2 Co], 191).+5:12Maintaining consistency in translation with 2 Co 3:1 here (see translation and notes there).+5:12Lit but giving you an opportunity/reason of boasting on our behalf. ME (see translation and notes at 2 Co 1:14).+5:12Lit face. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 24.24; UBSHS [2 Co], 99).+5:13Paul’s statement here likely reflects a criticism leveled at him by his opponents (see UBSHS [2 Co], 99). Hence the use of quotation marks here.+5:13Cf 2 Co 11:16-12:10.+5:14Or directs us.+5:14Or on behalf of, or in place of. See note at Ga 1:7.+5:14Cf Ro 5:6-21.+5:15Lit he. Cf NCV.+5:16Possibly an allusion to Is 48:6 (see LXX). Cf v 17.+5:16Lit we know no one according to the flesh. ME (see ESS [2 Co], 204; UBSHS [2 Co], 102). Cf NLT, TEV.+5:16Cf Ps 118:22-23; Is 52:13-53:9; Mt 21:42; Eph 2:20; 1 Pt 2:6.+5:17Cf CJB, TEV.+5:17An allusion to Is 42:9 and 48:6-7 (cf LXX). Paul is thinking here in terms of the “greater Exodus” in the Messiah (cf Ga 4:5-6).+5:18Lit are from God, or are by God. ME. Cf TEV; UBSHS [2 Co], 104. Cf 1 Co 1:31.+5:18Or assigned to us. See notes at 4:1 above.+5:19Cf NET.+5:19Cf Mt 28:16-20; Lk 24:44-49; Ac 13:47.+5:20Drawing from BSL (see BSL, 2 Co 5:20, sv πρεσβεύω) and L-N (see L-N, 37.88) in translation. Again, when Paul is “functioning as a representative” ( L-N, 37.88), it not only includes speaking, but the other aspects of Paul’s ministry as well (see notes at v 3:12 above)+5:21Lit the one who did not know sin. ME. “The words who knew no sin are a Hebraic expression which means ‘to have no personal experience with sin’” ( UBSHS [2 Co], 107, italics original). Cf CJB, CEV, NJB, NLT, REB.+5:21Lit he.+5:21Or to be the guilty one. Lit to be sin. ME(OTB). Cf, eg, Lv 4:25-29; Is 53. This is almost certainly an allusion to Is 53:10. Following the CJB and NLT in translation here. Cf BDAG, 51, sv ἁμαρτία 3.a.; ESS (2 Co), 220.+5:21The sending of the apostles was in keeping with Israel’s national calling (see notes at Mt 28:18-20; Ac 13:47).+5:21Cf BDAG, 982, σῴζω 2.a.β.; Ac 9:15]; cf also UBSHS [Ac], 514). See also BDAG, 247, sv δικαιοσύνη 2. Cf “ministry of righteousness/salvation” at Ga 3:9, “ministry of reconciliation” here, and “day of salvation” in v 6:2 below. Here there is a close overlap between “righteousness” and “salvation.” This corresponds with OT usage, and also provides a broader category that (1) allows for sanctification and glorification to be included within the purview of the gospel along with justification (which they obviously are!); (2) preserves the Protestant (and Biblical) emphasis on salvation by grace and not by works, with God’s covenant faithfulness always assumed in the equation (cf, eg, 2 Co 1:20); and (3) fits the context, which focuses on Paul and the other apostles going out to the nations to proclaim the “day of salvation” and God’s offer of reconciliation (in context to a defense of Paul’s apostolic ministry). God has provided a means of forgiveness through the cross that is available to all humanity, and that He sent out the believing Jewish remnant to proclaim the gospel to all humanity, in keeping with Israel’s national calling (cf Lk 24:46-47; see notes at Mt 28:18-20; Ac 13:47). Human beings are going to the Lake of Fire apart from the mercy of the cross.+5:21Lit him. Cf NCV.+6:1Cf CJB, NIV, NLT.+6:1Cf Jn 15:2; Ac 20:32; Rm 5:20-21, 6:14, 8:13; 1 Th 4:3-8; Tit 2:11-12, Heb 4:16, 12:15, 13:9; Jm 4:6; 2 Pt 3:18.+6:2Is 49:8. Cf Lk 4:18.+6:2Cf 1 Co 10:13; Heb 4:16.+6:3Lit giving nothing as a cause for stumbling in regards to anyone/anything. ME. Translating in a manner similar to the translation at 1 Co 9:12.+6:4Following the interpretation of the CEV, REB, and TEV in translation here (see UBSHS [2 Co], 111).+6:6Or by holiness of spirit. Cf Rm 15:19; 1 Co 1:4-9; 2 Co 12:12; Ga 5:22-23.+6:7Lit righteousness. ME (OTB) (see notes at Rm 1:17).+6:8Paul uses a device called a chiasmus here (see UBSHS [2 Co], 104). I have thus tried give this statement a bit of a poetic flavor, even though it does not tenchnically rhyme in Greek.+6:9Or disciplined. Cf NET. Cf 2 Co 11:24.+6:11Lit Our mouth we have opened to you. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 33.252; UBSHS [2 Co], 116). Cf most English translations.+6:11Lit Our heart is broadened. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 25.53; UBSHS [2 Co], 117).+6:12Lit You are not being restricted by us, but you are restricted in your affections/bowels. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 25.54; UBSHS [2 Co], 117). Cf TEV.+6:13Lit as to (dear) children. ME (see UBSHS [2 Co], 118). Cf NAB, TNT in ESS (2 Co), 238+6:13Lit In the same exchange, as to children I speak, you also be broadened. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 25.53; UBSHS [2 Co], 118). Cf TEV.+6:15ME(H)/IT (see UBSHS [2 Co], 121). Cf TEV.+6:16Lv 26:12, Ezk 37:27+6:17Is 52:11+6:17Ezk 20:41+6:182 Sa 7:14, Is 43:6
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