2 Corinthians 6:3

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 6:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;
2 Corinthians 6:3 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Giving no offence in anything, etc..] These words are in connection with (<470601>2 Corinthians 6:1) and to be considered either as a continuation of the exhortation to others, that they would take care to give no offence to any; or rather as an account the apostle gives of himself, and other ministers, by way of example; and is as if he had said, I Paul, Timotheus, Silvanus, and other ministers of the word, take all possible care to lay no stumblingblock in the way of the hearers of the Gospel; to give no offence to them that are without, or to them that are within, to Jew or Gentile, or to the church of God, neither by word nor writing, by doctrine or conversation, or in any way whatever:…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Resuming the connection with Co2 6:1, interrupted by the parenthetical Co2 6:2. "Giving no offense" (compare Co1 10:33), "approving ourselves," and all the other participles down to Co2 6:10, are nominatives to "we also entreat you" (Co2 6:1), to show the pains he took to enforce his exhortation by example, as well as precept [ALFORD]. "Offense" would be given, if we were without "patience" and the other qualifications which he therefore subjoins (compare Rom 14:13).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Giving no offence in anything - We the ministers of God, 2 Corinthians 6:1. The word rendered “offence” means, properly, stumbling; then offence, or cause of offence, a falling into sin. The meaning here is, “giving no occasion for contemning or rejecting the gospel;” and the idea of Paul is, that he and his fellow-apostles so labored as that no one who saw or knew them, should have occasion to reproach the ministry, or the religion which they preached; but so that in their pure and self-denying lives, the strongest argument should be seen for embracing it; compare Matthew 10:16; 1Co 8:13; 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. See the Philippians 2:15 note; 1 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:22…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Giving, as far as in us lies, no offence, that the ministry be not blamed on our account. 2 Corinthians 6:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:3-10 Paul gives a revealing picture of the hardships of his ministry (cp. 4:7-18). Nine trials are listed; many of these experiences from Paul’s life are recorded in Acts (e.g., Acts 14:5-6, 19-20; 16:19-24; 21:30-36). Through their steadfast suffering for the Good News, Paul and Timothy (2 Cor 1:1) showed that they were true ministers of God.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Co2 1:12, Co2 8:20; Mat 17:27, Mat 18:6; Rom 14:13; Co1 8:9-13, Co1 9:12, Co1 9:22; Co1 10:23, Co1 10:24, Co1 10:32, Co1 10:33 2 Corinthians 6:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification