“by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Corinthians 6:8-10).
Paul the Apostle continued with an assessment of his life and ministry 2 Corinthians 6:8-10 with the following self-description: as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. Although the ancient city of Corinth was known for its leadership position in the areas of culture, athletics, commerce, and education, it was also noted for its idolatry, immorality, and pagan spirituality as well. These kinds of societal and cultural elements distressed Paul, just as similar elements within 21st century society often distress God’s people today.
Yet despite these things, Paul could rejoice over what God had accomplished through the message of the gospel. For instance, lives that were once marked by a sense of futility and insignificance were given new meaning and purpose in Christ. The immoral, unethical, and abusive were empowered to change and lead God-honoring lives. The murderous, hateful, and greedy received the ability to start anew through the power of the Holy Spirit. That was cause for rejoicing, just as is true today.
The next two components are poor, yet making many rich. This built upon a foundation that Paul established in his earlier letter to the Corinthians: “Through Christ Jesus you have become rich in every way—in speech and knowledge of every kind” (1 Corinthians 1:5 GW). It will also reinforce something Paul will say later regarding Jesus: “…although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 NET).
Finally, Paul made reference to having nothing, and yet possessing all things. In a sense, this was reflective of Jesus’ life in certain respects. For instance, Jesus’ birth took place in a rented manger. He later made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on an animal that was borrowed for that purpose. Following His death, He was laid to rest in another man’s burial chamber. In fact, Jesus once offered the following commentary on His life: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:19-20).
Nevertheless as Paul earlier reminded the Corinthians, “all things are yours… the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Corinthians 3:21-23).