Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

2 Corinthians 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

The Apostle Paul was a spiritual father to the church in Corinth. He was instrumental, used of God, to preach the gospel in Corinth, that resulted in God saving the souls that brought the church into existence. Therefore, years later, he speaks as a spiritual father unto his spiritual children that they would as children love their father as the father has loved them.

It is desirable that there should be a mutual good affection between ministers and their people, and this would greatly tend to their mutual comfort and advantage. [Matthew Henry]
2 Corinthians 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

The Apostle Paul was a spiritual father to the church in Corinth. He was instrumental, used of God, to preach the gospel in Corinth, that resulted in God saving the souls that brought the church into existence. Therefore, years later, he speaks as a spiritual father unto his spiritual children that they would as children love their father as the father has loved them.

It is desirable that there should be a mutual good affection between ministers and their people, and this would greatly tend to their mutual comfort and advantage. [Matthew Henry]

2 Corinthians 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

The Corinthian Christians do not occupy a little or restricted portion of the Apostle Paul’s heart, he loved them dearly. He unequivocally tells them. The word “straitened” literally means confine, squeeze into a narrow tight place, restrict; figuratively in the passive, as having a cramped or narrow feeling be restricted, be severely limited. [Friberg]

MacDonald said well, “Any restriction in affections between the Corinthians and Paul is not in himself but in them. They might have limited love toward him, so that they were not sure whether they should receive him or not, but he was not at all limited in his love toward them. The lack of love was on their side, not Paul’s.”

The fact that he has come such a long way and endured many sufferings, he explained, is proof of his sincere love for them. He has to explain himself so that he may help them see that their affections toward him have been compromised.

2 Corinthians 6:11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

The Apostle Paul by the burden of a loving heart speaks to exhort the church in Corinth to love and good works. Poole said well, “This enlargement of my heart is that which openeth my lips, and makes me speak freely to you, both in admonishing you of your errors, and in exhorting you to your duty.”

Thank God for such a man of God willing to impart, by patience and example, the privilege of life with God. What a blessing it is to read such a love letter to the church. A man bearing his soul for the eternal benefit those who God brought into his contact.

2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

The life of faith with God in Christ is an enriching life because of the imparting of life eternal to that privileged soul. This supply of life bears its evidence in a relationship of trust with an invisible yet Almighty, compassionate, benevolent God. Having Christ in us is the believer’s sufficiency. The psalmist said well, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) I shall have no lack. And he also says, “…my cup runneth over.” (Psalm 23:5) God will see that he will have more than enough to bless others. Culminating in the confident declaration – “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23:6)

The Apostle Paul did not set his heart on the endowment of the possessions of this world because he understood that it is fleeting. His value system is this: Anything that has true value must be eternal. Therefore, he pursued to impart the richness of his understanding of life eternal through Christ to others, enriching their lives, when they too, set their affections on things above.

2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

As far as this world’s goods, the material things of this world, the Apostle Paul was considered a poor man. He testified in Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

His value system was a heavenly one. He explained this in 1 Timothy 6:7-10 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Sorrow is a part of the Christian demeanour living as one with a poverty of spirit, how we are spiritually bankrupt and how we ought to mourn for our sins. The Apostle Paul was acutely aware of his own sinfulness. He sought to daily follow his Master, Christ, crucifying self and resisting the world’s system, the tempter’s lure. Through self-examination and confession and repentance before God, he sought a clear conscience daily. He experienced the comfort of sins forgiven, peace and joy through the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

The Apostle Paul was hated by the world for preaching the gospel and yet he was in the closely monitored radar of God and fellow believers. Indeed, as MacDonald observed well, “His life was one of daily dying, and yet behold he lived! Threatened, hunted, pursued, persecuted, and imprisoned, he won his freedom only to preach the gospel with greater zeal.”

“… as chastened, and not killed.” Chastened here has to do with the punishment which he endured at the hands of men. Many times, perhaps, they thought they had brought his tumultuous life to a close — only to hear of his exploits for Christ in other cities! [MacDonald]