2 Corinthians 6:4

Approving ourselves. Paul again takes up the problem of commendation, which he refers to frequently in this epistle (chs. 3:1–3; 4:2; 5:12; 10:12, 13, 17, 18). He has sought to make a clear distinction between the right type of commendation and that which is false. In ch. 6:3–10 he commends his own ministry, pointing to his personal conduct and to his life of labor and suffering for Christ. True commendation consists of deeds, not words.

Patience. Gr. hupomonē, “steadfastness,” “constancy,” “endurance,” “patient waiting” (cf. Luke 8:15; 21:19).

Afflictions. Gr. thlipsis, “oppression,” “distresses,” “straits,” literally, “pressings together,” “pressures” (cf. chs. 1:4, 8; 2:4; 4:17; etc.).

Necessities. Gr. anagkai, “calamities,” literally, “tight pressings.”

Distresses. Gr. stenochōriai, “dire calamities,” “extreme afflictions,” literally, “narrow spaces.” This word depicts a state of extreme and pressing need, in which one is hemmed in, as it were, with no room left in which to move. Paul here refers to extremely difficult and seemingly impossible situations such as the Israelites faced at the Red Sea (Ex. 14:1–12).