Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; New Living Translation We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. English Standard Version beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; Berean Standard Bible in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; Berean Literal Bible in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleepless nights, in fastings; King James Bible In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; New King James Version in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; New American Standard Bible in beatings, in imprisonments, in mob attacks, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, NASB 1995 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, NASB 1977 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, Legacy Standard Bible in beatings, in imprisonments, in disturbances, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, Amplified Bible in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in sleepless nights, in hunger, Berean Annotated Bible in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; Christian Standard Bible by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger, Holman Christian Standard Bible by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger, American Standard Version in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; Contemporary English Version We have been beaten, put in jail, and hurt in riots. We have worked hard and have gone without sleep or food. English Revised Version in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; GOD'S WORD® Translation beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, and lack of food. Good News Translation We have been beaten, jailed, and mobbed; we have been overworked and have gone without sleep or food. International Standard Version in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger; NET Bible in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in troubles, in sleepless nights, in hunger, New Heart English Bible in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; Webster's Bible Translation In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; Weymouth New Testament by floggings, by imprisonments; by facing riots, by toil, by sleepless watching, by hunger and thirst; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblein beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; World English Bible in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionin stripes, in imprisonments, in insurrections, in labors, in watchings, in fastings, Berean Literal Bible in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleepless nights, in fastings; Young's Literal Translation in stripes, in imprisonments, in insurrections, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, Smith's Literal Translation In blows, in imprisonments, in disorders, in fatigues, in watchings, in fastings; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIn stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, Catholic Public Domain Version despite wounds, imprisonment, and rebellion; with hard work, vigilance, and fasting; New American Bible beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, vigils, fasts; New Revised Standard Version beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIn scourgings, in bonds, in tumults, in toilings, in vigils, in fastings; Aramaic Bible in Plain English In scourgings, in chains, in seditions, in toil, in vigils, in fasts, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentin stripes, in prisons, in commotions, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; Godbey New Testament in stripes, in prisons, in tumults, in labors, in vigils, in fastings; Haweis New Testament in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, Mace New Testament from imprisonments, from tumults, from labours, from watchings, from penury. Weymouth New Testament by floggings, by imprisonments; by facing riots, by toil, by sleepless watching, by hunger and thirst; Worrell New Testament in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in toilings, in watchings, in fastings; Worsley New Testament in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Hardships and God's Grace…4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; 5in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; 6in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;… Cross References beatings 2 Corinthians 11:24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Acts 16:22-23 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. / And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. Acts 5:40 At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. imprisonments 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. Acts 16:23-24 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. Acts 12:4-5 He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover. / So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him. and riots Acts 19:28-29 When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” / Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. Acts 21:30-31 The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. / While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. Acts 17:5-8 The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” … in labor 1 Corinthians 4:12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. Acts 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. sleepless nights 2 Corinthians 11:27 in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure. Acts 20:31 Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith. and hunger 1 Corinthians 4:11 To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. Treasury of Scripture In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; stripes. 2 Corinthians 11:23-25 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft… Deuteronomy 25:3 Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee. Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. imprisonments. 1 Kings 22:27 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. 2 Chronicles 16:10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. Jeremiah 33:1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying, in tumults. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: … Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Acts 17:5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. labours. 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. watchings. 2 Corinthians 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Ezekiel 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. Mark 13:34-37 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch… Jump to Previous Attacks Beatings Blows Facing Fastings Floggings Hard Hunger Imprisonments Insurrections Labors Nights Prisons Riots Sleepless Stripes Thirst Toil Tumults Watching Watchings WorkJump to Next Attacks Beatings Blows Facing Fastings Floggings Hard Hunger Imprisonments Insurrections Labors Nights Prisons Riots Sleepless Stripes Thirst Toil Tumults Watching Watchings Work2 Corinthians 6 1. That he has approved himself a faithful minister of Christ by his exhortations,3. and by integrity of life, 4. and by patiently enduring all kinds of affliction and disgrace for the gospel. 10. Of which he speaks the more boldly amongst them because his heart is open to them, 13. and he expects the like affection from them again; 14. exhorting them to flee the society and pollutions of idolaters, 17. as being themselves temples of the living God. in beatings The Apostle Paul frequently faced physical punishment for his ministry. Beatings were a common form of punishment in the Roman world, often used to maintain order and discipline. Paul endured such beatings as a testament to his commitment to spreading the Gospel, as seen in Acts 16:22-23, where he and Silas were beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. This reflects the suffering of Christ, who was also beaten before His crucifixion (Matthew 27:26). imprisonments and riots in labor sleepless nights and hunger Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, sharing his experiences and hardships as a servant of Christ. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, where Paul established a church and to whom he is addressing this letter. 3. Beatings Refers to the physical punishment Paul endured for preaching the Gospel, a common experience for early Christians. 4. Imprisonments Paul was frequently imprisoned for his faith, highlighting the cost of discipleship. 5. Riots Paul often faced public disorder and opposition, as seen in various accounts in the Acts of the Apostles. Teaching Points Endurance in SufferingPaul’s experiences teach us the importance of enduring hardships for the sake of the Gospel. As believers, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with trials. The Cost of Discipleship Following Christ may lead to persecution and suffering. We should be prepared to face challenges and sacrifices as part of our Christian journey. Reliance on God’s Strength In times of weakness and need, we are reminded to rely on God’s strength. Paul’s perseverance is a testament to the power of God working through human frailty. Empathy and Support for Persecuted Believers Recognizing the struggles faced by Paul and other early Christians should inspire us to support and pray for those who are persecuted for their faith today. Spiritual Growth through Trials Hardships can lead to spiritual growth and maturity. We should view challenges as opportunities to deepen our relationship with Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 6:5?2. How can we endure hardships like Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:5 today? 3. What does "in beatings, imprisonments, and riots" teach about Christian perseverance? 4. How do Paul's experiences in 2 Corinthians 6:5 connect to Jesus' sufferings? 5. How can "in hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger" inspire our daily service? 6. What practical steps can we take to remain faithful amidst trials and challenges? 7. How does 2 Corinthians 6:5 reflect Paul's experiences and challenges in his ministry? 8. What historical context influenced Paul's writing in 2 Corinthians 6:5? 9. How does 2 Corinthians 6:5 relate to the theme of perseverance in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 6? 11. How do faith and perseverance overcome persecution and adversity? 12. Are there any historical documents outside the Bible that corroborate Paul’s account of hardship in 2 Corinthians 6:4–5? 13. In Psalm 37:25 (“I have not seen the righteous forsaken”), why do historical records reveal numerous cases where faithful people faced dire poverty or were seemingly abandoned? 14. (2 Corinthians 7:5) Are there any historical or archaeological records confirming the exact nature of Paul's 'conflicts' in Macedonia? What Does 2 Corinthians 6:5 Mean BeatingsPaul lists “beatings” first, showing how the gospel cost him real flesh-and-blood pain. • Acts 16:22-23 records one such episode: “The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods.” • In 2 Corinthians 11:23-25 he reminds the same church, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods…”. These passages confirm that the apostle’s authority did not rest on comfort or popularity but on faithfulness proven under a whip. For believers today, physical hostility may or may not come, yet the principle holds: the servant is not above the Master (John 15:20). Imprisonments Confinement did not silence Paul; it became another pulpit. • Acts 16:24-25 describes him singing hymns in a Philippian cell. • Later, Acts 28:16 shows him chained in Rome, yet welcoming all who came to hear the word. • From that captivity he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, proving that “the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). Persecution may restrict location, but it cannot hinder proclamation when God opens doors (Revelation 3:8). Riots Public disorder followed Paul city to city. • In Acts 19:28-32 a mob in Ephesus shouts for two hours, yet the gospel still advances. • Acts 14:19 shows Jews from Antioch and Iconium stirring up a crowd that stones Paul. The apostle accepted that truth often provokes turbulence before it brings peace (Luke 12:51). Modern believers may encounter cultural upheaval, yet we keep speaking, trusting God to bring order out of chaos. Labor The phrase “in labor” points to strenuous, sometimes manual work alongside ministry. • Acts 18:3 notes Paul’s tent-making in Corinth. • 1 Thessalonians 2:9 recalls, “For you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship: We worked night and day so as not to burden any of you.” Serving Christ is not an excuse for laziness. Whether a sermon, a study, or a paycheck, every task done unto the Lord carries dignity (Colossians 3:23). Sleepless nights Journeying, praying, and caring for the churches often robbed Paul of rest. • Acts 20:11 reports him talking until daybreak after restoring Eutychus. • 2 Corinthians 11:27 adds, “in frequent sleepless nights”. Kingdom work can press us beyond our normal comfort cycles, yet God sustains the weary (Isaiah 40:29-31). Hunger Finally, Paul mentions going without food. • Philippians 4:12 shows his contentment “whether well fed or hungry.” • 2 Corinthians 11:27 again: “in hunger and thirst, often without food.” Fasting by force rather than choice underscores reliance on God, echoing Jesus’ words: “Man shall not live on bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). summary 2 Corinthians 6:5 is Paul’s six-fold snapshot of authentic ministry: beaten bodies, barred doors, angry crowds, back-breaking work, exhausted nights, and empty stomachs—all endured so others could hear the gospel. The verse reassures us that hardship is not failure but a hallmark of faithful service, and that God’s power shines brightest through surrendered, persevering lives. (5) In stripes . . .--The list becomes more specific. "Stripes" we have seen at Philippi (Acts 16:23), and 2Corinthians 11:23-24 show that there were other instances. Of "imprisonment?," that at Philippi is, so far, the only recorded instance (Acts 16:24); but there may well have been others, as in 2Corinthians 11:23. "Tumults" (the same word as in Luke 21:9) at Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:50), Lystra (Acts 14:5-19), Thessalonica (Acts 17:5), Corinth itself (Acts 18:12), and Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41). "Labours" describe the usual tenor of his life, the daily work of his calling as a tent-maker, as well as that connected with his ministry. "Watchings" and "fastings" are, probably, both of them (comp. 2Corinthians 11:27) to be referred to voluntary acts--nights of vigil and self-imposed abstinence--rather than to privations incidental to his work. . . . Verse 5. - In stripes (comp. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). The stripes were of two kinds - from Jewish whips and Roman rods. But of the five scourgings with Jewish whips not one is mentioned in the Acts, and only one of the three scourgings with Roman rods (Acts 16:23). Nothing, therefore, is more clear than that the Acts only furnishes us with a fragmentary and incomplete record, in which, as we gather from the Epistles, either the agonies of St. Paul's lifelong martyrdom are for some reason intentionally minimized, or else (which is, perhaps, mere probable) St. Paul was, as his rule and habit, so reticent about his own sufferings in the cause of Christ that St. Luke was only vaguely, if at all, aware of many scenes of trial through which he had passed. In imprisonments. St. Paul was frequently in prison, but St. Luke only tells us of one of these occasions (Acts 16:24) - at Philippi; the Roman imprisonment and that at Caesarea were subsequent to this Epistle. In tumults. These were a normal incident of St. Paul's life, both up to this time and for years afterwards (Acts 13:50; Acts 14:19; Acts 16:22; Acts 17:4, 5; Acts 18:12; Acts 19:28, 29; Acts 21:27-39; Acts 22:22, 23; Acts 23:9, 10; Acts 27:42, etc.) The word akatastasiai might also mean "insecurities," i.e. homelessness, wanderings, uncertainties (comp. 1 Corinthians 4:11); but New Testament usage seems decisive in favour of the frowner meaning (2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:15). In labours (2 Corinthians 11:28; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). In watchings. "Spells of sleeplessness" were a necessary incident of such a life; and an eminently nervous nature like that of St. Paul is rarely capable of the habitual relief of sound steep. Hence he again refers to this in 2 Corinthians 11:27. His "sleeplessness" was sometimes the necessary result of labours "night and day" (Acts 20:31; 1 Thessalonians 2:9, etc.). In fastings. St. Paul never inculcates the practice of voluntary fasting as a duty (for the reading in 1 Corinthians 7:5 is more than dubious); but it is probable that he found it personally useful at times (Acts 13:2, 3; Acts 14:23; Acts 9:9). The nine forms of suffering hitherto mentioned - three general, three specific, and three voluntary - are all physical sufferings borne with "much endurance."Parallel Commentaries ... Greek inἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. beatings, πληγαῖς (plēgais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 4127: A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity. imprisonments, φυλακαῖς (phylakais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 5438: From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. [and] riots; ἀκαταστασίαις (akatastasiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 181: From akatastatos; instability, i.e. Disorder. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. labor, κόποις (kopois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 2873: From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains. sleepless nights, ἀγρυπνίαις (agrypniais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 70: The state of being awake (at night), sleeplessness, watching. From agrupneo; sleeplessness, i.e. A keeping awake. [and] hunger; νηστείαις (nēsteiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 3521: Fasting, the day of atonement. From nesteuo; abstinence; specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement. Links 2 Corinthians 6:5 NIV2 Corinthians 6:5 NLT 2 Corinthians 6:5 ESV 2 Corinthians 6:5 NASB 2 Corinthians 6:5 KJV 2 Corinthians 6:5 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 6:5 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 6:5 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 6:5 French Bible 2 Corinthians 6:5 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 6:5 In beatings in imprisonments in riots (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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