“by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left” (2 Corinthians 6:6-7).
After compiling a list of ministerial challenges, the Apostle Paul followed with several positive characteristics that flowed as a result of God’s work in his life in 2 Corinthians 6:6-7. But unlike the list of external difficulties that Paul mentioned earlier, these positive internal qualities should serve as a source of encouragement for those who take the time to examine them.
First among these qualities is purity, a word that characterizes a person of moral excellence. This is followed by knowledge, an idea that is associated with a good understanding of the Christian faith, insight, and sensitivity to God’s will. (1) Longsuffering or patience (HCSB) is next, a word that describes the qualities of endurance, constancy, perseverance, and slowness in seeking to avenge a wrong. (2)
Kindness is generally associated with the idea of compassion, benevolence, and good will. Paul then continued with a reference to the Holy Spirit. This prompted one commentator to remark, “Perhaps Paul used ‘the Holy Spirit’ here in the same sense that he did in Galatians 5:16. We should walk ‘in the Spirit,’ just as we walk in purity, knowledge, etc. The Spirit as a gift, rather than as a person, may be in view.” (3)
In the original language, the concept of sincere love finds its origin in the word agape’, a word that is associated with a commitment to love someone even if that love is not reciprocated. Here, “love” is coupled with the idea of sincerity. This brings to mind the message of Romans 10:9: “Let love be without hypocrisy…”
Next we have a reference to the word of truth. This phrase would be characteristic of someone who possesses a good working knowledge of the Scriptures (see 2 Timothy 2:15).
Paul’s catalog of virtues also includes the power of God. We can associate Paul’s use of this term with God’s demonstrated ability to change the lives of those who turn to Him in Christ. Finally, one source offers the following observation regarding the armor of righteousness: “The phrase ‘for the right hand and for the left’ possibly refers to a combination of an offensive weapon (a sword for the right hand) and a defensive weapon (a shield for the left).” (4)
(1) Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 2 Corinthians 2017 Edition [6:6-7a]. Copyright © 2017 Thomas L. Constable http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/NT/2%20Corinthians/2Corinthians.htm
(2) G3115 makrothumia https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g3115
(3) Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 2 Corinthians 2017 Edition [6:6-7a]. Copyright © 2017 Thomas L. Constable http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/NT/2%20Corinthians/2Corinthians.htm
(4) NET Bible Notes. Scripture and/or notes quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved. http://classic.net.bible.org/verse.php?book=2Co&chapter=6&verse=7&tab=commentaries