John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. But in all things approving ourselves , etc..] It is not sufficient for a minister of the Gospel to avoid everything that might bring any blot or scandal on his ministry; but he should in all things, and by all ways and means, proper, lawful, and laudable, approve, prove, and show himself to be a true and faithful dispenser of the word. All in such an office ought to make it appear, that they are such by behaving and conducting as the ministers of God ; as becomes such, whom he has chosen, called, and fitted for that service; and particularly in, or by much patience ; by a large, constant, and continued exercise of that grace; and by bearing patiently many things for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel, without murmuring at the hand of God, or being angry with men, and without fainting and sinking in their own spirits: in afflictions ; that is, in patiently bearing, them. This word may be considered as a general word, including all sorts of afflictions whatever, of which the following are particular species: in necessities ; want of food, drink, and raiment, being hungry, thirsty, and naked, as the apostles sometimes were: in distresses; both of bad mind; being in such straits and difficulties they know not where to look, what course to steer, or which way to turn themselves.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-10 - The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears. The gospel day is day of salvation, the means of grace the means of salvation, the offer of the gospel the offers of salvation, and the present time the prope time to accept these offers. The morrow is none of ours: we know no what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be. We now enjoy a da of grace; then let all be careful not to neglect it. Ministers of the gospel should look upon themselves as God's servants, and act in ever thing suitably to that character. The apostle did so, by much patienc in afflictions, by acting from good principles, and by due temper an behaviour. Believers, in this world, need the grace of God, to arm the against temptations, so as to bear the good report of men withou pride; and so as to bear their reproaches with patience. They have nothing in themselves, but possess all things in Christ. Of suc differences is a Christian's life made up, and through such a variet of conditions and reports, is our way to heaven; and we should be careful in all things to approve ourselves to God. The gospel, when faithfully preached, and fully received, betters the condition even of the poorest. They save what before they riotously spent, and diligentl employ their time to useful purposes. They save and gain by religion and thus are made rich, both for the world to come and for this, when compared with their sinful, profligate state, before they received the gospel.
Greek Textus Receptus
αλλ 235 CONJ εν 1722 PREP παντι 3956 A-DSN συνιστωντες 4921 5723 V-PAP-NPM εαυτους 1438 F-3APM ως 5613 ADV θεου 2316 N-GSM διακονοι 1249 N-NPM εν 1722 PREP υπομονη 5281 N-DSF πολλη 4183 A-DSF εν 1722 PREP θλιψεσιν 2347 N-DPF εν 1722 PREP αναγκαις 318 N-DPF εν 1722 PREP στενοχωριαις 4730 N-DPF
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. Necessities (anagkaiv). See on 1 Cor. vii. 26.Distresses (stenocwriaiv). See on Rom. ii. 9.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
6:4 {But in everything commending ourselves} (all' en panti sunistanontes heautous). Paul gives a marvellous summary of his argument about the dignity and glory of ministers of Christ as {ministers of God} (hws qeou diakonoi) under three aspects, the first with {in} (en) verses #3-7a, the second with {by} (dia) verses #7b,8, the third with {as} (hws) verses #9-10. The negative view with en we have in verse #3, qen the positive in verses #4-7a. Each word carries a story that can be filled in from Paul's own life as a preacher with an echo in that of us all. {In distresses} (en stenocwriais). In tight places (#12:10). Late word from stenocwrew (see on #4:8).
