Apostle Paul speaks of the “power of God” and “weapons of righteousness” (7) as part of his God-given “ministry of reconciliation” (5:18). In verses 8 through 10, Paul continues to unpack this ministry by describing his experiences as God’s soldier, ensuring he puts no stumbling block in anyone’s path (3). To do this, he employs a powerful series of nine contrasting opposites.
- “through glory and dishonor”
- “bad report and good report”
- “genuine, yet regarded as impostors”
- “known, yet regarded as unknown”
- “dying, and yet we live on”
- “beaten, and yet not killed”
- “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”
- A comment on verses 8-10a from the IVP Bible Background Commentary. “Paul relates to issues that other speakers on moral issues faced in Greco-Roman society. Paradox, contrasting apparently irreconcilable opposites, was a standard literary and rhetorical technique. Some philosophers (particularly Cynics) often used paradox and a similar technique of irony, especially for turning the comments of their accusers (insane, foolish, shameful) against them, proclaiming themselves truly wise and rich (1 Cor. 4:8). They proclaimed that the opinions of foolish men (non-philosophers) did not bother them; Stoics often reflected on their lack of worldly honor.
But many philosophers avoided unnecessary criticism when possible, lest their message be dishonored; moralists often even sought to learn some truth from false accusations leveled against them. Both Greek and Jewish traditions stressed being honorable and irreproachable, and most people cared about public opinion. ‘Known’ here presumably means known to the one who counts -God. On ‘dying’ and ‘living’, see 4:10-12 and perhaps Psalm 118:17-18.”
- A comment on verses 8-10a from the IVP Bible Background Commentary. “Paul relates to issues that other speakers on moral issues faced in Greco-Roman society. Paradox, contrasting apparently irreconcilable opposites, was a standard literary and rhetorical technique. Some philosophers (particularly Cynics) often used paradox and a similar technique of irony, especially for turning the comments of their accusers (insane, foolish, shameful) against them, proclaiming themselves truly wise and rich (1 Cor. 4:8). They proclaimed that the opinions of foolish men (non-philosophers) did not bother them; Stoics often reflected on their lack of worldly honor.
- “poor, yet making many rich”
- “having nothing, and yet possessing everything”
- A comment on verse 10b from the IVP Bible Background Commentary. “Although usually better off than peasants, artisans (Paul had earned his living as a leatherworker -Acts 18:3) toiled, remained poor, and had little social status; this was especially true of those who moved around, as Paul did. Cynic philosophers gave up all possessions to pursue their lifestyle but considered themselves spiritually rich. Cynic and Stoic philosophers claimed that, although they owned little or nothing, all the world belonged to them, because they were friends of the gods who owned it; as a servant of the true God, Paul has all the more reason to apply the phrase ‘possessing all things’ to himself.”
So, I examine my life. Jesus commanded, “Carry your cross.” Thus is the mission of his soldiers. How many of these nine apply to my life?
