6 

6:1 We then not only beseech, but as fellow - labourers with you, who are working out your own salvation, do also exhort you, not to receive the grace of God - Which we have been now describing. In vain - We receive it by faith; and not in vain, if we add to this, persevering holiness.

6:2 For he saith - The sense is, As of old there was a particular time wherein God was pleased to pour out his peculiar blessing, so there is now. And this is the particular time: this is a time of peculiar blessing. Isa 49:8.

6:3 Giving, as far as in us lies, no offence, that the ministry be not blamed on our account.

6:4 But approving ourselves as the ministers of God - Such as his ministers ought to be. In much patience - Shown,

1. In afflictions, necessities, distresses - All which aregeneral terms.
2. In stripes, imprisonments, tumults - Which are particularsorts of affliction, necessity, distress
3. In labours, watchings, fastings - Voluntarily endured.

6:5 In tumults - The Greek word implies such attacks as a man cannot stand against, but which bear him hither and thither by violence.

6:6 By prudence - Spiritual divine; not what the world terms so. Worldly prudence is the practical use of worldly wisdom: divine prudence is the due exercise of grace, making spiritual understanding go as far as possible. By love unfeigned - The chief fruit of the Spirit.

6:7 By the convincing and converting power of God - Accompanying his word; and also attesting it by diversmiracles. By the armour of righteousness on the right hand and the left - That is, on all sides; the panoply or whole armour of God.

6:8 By honour and dishonour - When we are present.By evil report and good report - When we are absent.Who could bear honour and good report, were it not balanced by dishonour? As deceivers - Artful, designing men. So the world represents all true ministers of Christ. Yet true - Upright, sincere, in the sight of God.

6:9 As unknown - For the world knoweth us not, as it knew him not. Yet well known - To God, and to those who are the seals of our ministry. As dying, yet behold - Suddenly, unexpectedly, God interposes, and we live.

6:10 As sorrowing - For our own manifold imperfections, and for the sins and sufferings of our brethren. Yet always rejoicing - In present peace, love, power, and a sure hope of future glory. As having nothing, yet possessing all things - For all things are ours, if we are Christ's. What amagnificence of thought is this!

5 

5:1  Mat 4:18; Mar 1:16.

5:6 Their net brake - Began to tear.

5:8 Depart from me, for I am a sinful man - And therefore not worthy to be in thy presence.

5:11 They forsook all and followed him - They had followed him before, Joh 1:43, but not so as to forsake all. Till now, they wrought at their ordinary calling.