Scripture says:
At the favorable time I listened to you, on the day of salvation, I helped you.
This is the favorable time; this is the day of salvation.
Commentaries
6:1 - 6:13
The Apostolic Ministry.
Paul once again calls on his beloved community to convert, doing so as God’s partner in this ministry of reconciliation. He does not speak in vague terms; the context of his new encouragement is always the same: if the Corinthians reject him as an apostle, they are rejecting not only him but also the Gospel he proclaims. Therefore, the Apostle’s persistent defense of his missionary conduct is necessary. It is striking how much importance Paul places on the ‘messenger’ identifying with the ‘message.’ He is simply imitating his Lord, ‘the faithful witness’ (Rev 1:5), whose very person was ‘the Gospel.’ Thus, rather than defending his ministry, Paul offers in these verses a portrait of what a servant of the Gospel should be, or better yet, he shows us the Gospel in action. Paul concludes by addressing his beloved Corinthians with a heartfelt request: that they open their hearts to him, to the Gospel he preaches, and to the Love he has for them.
Commentaries
The Apostolic Ministry.
Paul once again calls on his beloved community to convert, doing so as God’s partner in this ministry of reconciliation. He does not speak in vague terms; the context of his new encouragement is always the same: if the Corinthians reject him as an apostle, they are rejecting not only him but also the Gospel he proclaims. Therefore, the Apostle’s persistent defense of his missionary conduct is necessary. It is striking how much importance Paul places on the ‘messenger’ identifying with the ‘message.’ He is simply imitating his Lord, ‘the faithful witness’ (Rev 1:5), whose very person was ‘the Gospel.’ Thus, rather than defending his ministry, Paul offers in these verses a portrait of what a servant of the Gospel should be, or better yet, he shows us the Gospel in action. Paul concludes by addressing his beloved Corinthians with a heartfelt request: that they open their hearts to him, to the Gospel he preaches, and to the Love he has for them.