2 Corinthians 6:4

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

But, as ministers of God, we [try to] commend ourselves [to others] in every way. [We do this] by [our] great steadfastness in troubles, hardships and difficulties.

Cross References

2 Corinthians 12:10

So, I am pleased to [endure] weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, [all] for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak [physically], then I am strong [spiritually].

2 Corinthians 4:8

We are afflicted in every way, but are not crushed; [we are] perplexed, but not to the point of despair;

2 Corinthians 11:27

I have worked and suffered. I have often gone without sleep, been hungry and thirsty, often gone without food [i.e., for spiritual reasons], been cold and had inadequate clothing.

2 Corinthians 12:12

Truly, I endured [opposition] patiently, while showing evidence of being an apostle among you. I performed [supernatural] signs, and wonders and powerful miracles.

2 Corinthians 3:6

He has also made us competent as ministers of a New Agreement [i.e., between Himself and mankind]. It is not [an agreement] based [merely] on a written document [i.e., such as the Law of Moses], but on the Holy Spirit, for the written document brings [spiritual] death [See Rom. 8:2], but the Holy Spirit brings [never ending] life.

1 Corinthians 3:5

After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? They are [only] servants through whom you believed [in Christ], with each one doing what the Lord gave him to do.

Revelation 3:10

Because you have obeyed my command to remain steadfast [in the face of difficult times], I will also keep you from [giving up when] the time of trial comes, which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those living on the earth.

Revelation 1:9

I [am] John, your brother who participates with you in the suffering and kingdom and endurance [which we experience] in [fellowship with] Jesus. I was on the island called Patmos for [preaching] God’s message and for testifying about Jesus. [Note: Patmos was located in the Aegean Sea between present-day Greece and Turkey].

1 Corinthians 4:1

So, a person should look at us as servants of Christ and property managers entrusted with the secret truths of God.

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a large crowd of spectators [Note: Christians are pictured here as being in a crowded arena, performing in the games], we should lay aside every [excessive] weight and sin that so easily entangles us, and with perseverance, we should run the race [of life] that lies before us.

2 Timothy 4:5

But you should be sober-minded about everything, [willing to] endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 2:24

For the Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, capable of teaching, [and] patient [with difficult people and situations].

2 Timothy 1:8

So, do not be ashamed to testify for our Lord, or ashamed of [being associated with] me, His prisoner, but [be willing to] suffer hardship with me for the sake of the Gospel, relying on God’s power [to sustain you].

1 Timothy 6:11

But you, man of God, run from these things [See verses 3-10], and pursue right living and godliness, having faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

1 Timothy 4:6

If you point out these things to the brothers you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, and will be nurtured by the message of the faith and of the good teaching which you have been following.

1 Timothy 2:15

But she [i.e., womankind] will be saved [from condemnation, in spite of the “curse” of suffering pain] through childbearing [See Gen. 3:16], provided they [i.e., all women] continue to have faith and love and holiness, along with discretion.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, to warn those who are idle [Note: The word “idle” originally meant, “insubordinate, or unruly.” See II Thess. 3:6-7, 11], encourage those who are timid, help the [spiritually] weak and be patient with everyone.

1 Thessalonians 3:7

So, brothers, through all of our distress and persecution, we were encouraged over you because of your faith,

Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice in [spite of] my sufferings for your sake, and I am filling up [i.e., completing] in my physical body what was lacking in the afflictions Christ endured for His body’s sake, the church.

Colossians 1:11

[We also pray that you will be] strengthened with great power, according to God’s glorious might, so that you will have great endurance and patience [coupled] with joy.

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they servants of Christ? (I am really talking like a crazy person now). I am more [of a servant, than they are]. I have worked much harder. I have been in prison more often. I have been flogged more severely. I have been in danger of death more frequently.

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was there with you and in need, I was not a [financial] burden to anyone, for when the brothers came from Macedonia they provided me with what I lacked, so I kept myself from being a burden to you in every way and will continue to do so.

2 Corinthians 7:11

See how the very fact that you were made sorry from a godly motive has produced earnestness in you! [It produced] a desire to vindicate yourselves [i.e., by making amends for your wrongdoing]; an attitude of just anger [i.e., toward the wrongdoers]; a sense of fear [i.e., a fear of God for doing wrong]; an eager desire [i.e., to do the right thing]; a zeal [i.e., to correct problems]; and an attitude of avenging [i.e., that punished the wrongdoer]. You demonstrated in everything [you did] that you were pure [i.e., innocent] in this matter. [Note: This whole description of their conduct appears to be a reference to the incident mentioned in 2:1- 11].

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our insignificant troubles [here on earth], which last only a short time, are producing for us an immeasurable, never ending [counter-] weight of splendor [i.e., in heaven. See Rom. 8:18]

2 Corinthians 4:2

Instead, we have renounced [the practice of] secret, disgraceful behavior. We do not practice deception, nor resort to distorting God’s message. But, by making known the truth [i.e., the true message], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the presence of God.

1 Corinthians 9:11

If we have planted spiritual seeds [i.e., the Gospel message] among you, is it too much to expect to reap a material harvest from you?

Romans 16:10

Greetings to Apelles, [who was tested and] approved in [the service of] Christ. Greetings to members of the family of Aristobulus.

Romans 14:18

For the person who serves Christ with these qualities is very pleasing to God and wins the approval of people.

Romans 5:8

Since we are now made right with God by the blood of Christ [i.e., by His dying on the cross], how much more certain it is that we will be saved from God’s wrath [in the future] by Him!

Acts 20:34

You [also] know that I worked with my own hands to provide not only my own needs, but the needs of those who were with me.

Acts 9:16

I will show him how many things he will have to suffer for my name's sake.”

Acts 2:22

“You people of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus from Nazareth was a man whom God [demonstrated] His approval of by powerful deeds, miracles and [supernatural] signs which He accomplished through Jesus in your very presence --- and you all know this!

Luke 21:19

[But], by holding out steadfastly, you will gain your life. [Note: This means either “preserve your earthly life,” or “attain never ending life”].

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we [apostles] are not like so many people, who “peddle” God’s message merely for profit [or, “who corrupt God’s message”], but in Christ’s [service] we proclaim the message from God with sincerity, [realizing we are] in the presence of God.

John 16:33

I have said these things to you so that you can have peace in [fellowship with] me. You will have trouble in the world, but cheer up, for I have conquered the world.”

Romans 3:5

Now if our wrongdoing serves to emphasize more clearly that God does what is right, what should we say about that? Is God being unjust for sending [His] wrath [on the world]? (I am raising a human objection).