II Corinthians 6:9
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as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed;
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
unknown . . . yet well known--"unknown" in our true character to those who "evil report" of us, "well known" to those who hold us in "good report" (Co2 6:8). CONYBEARE explains, "Unknown by men, yet acknowledged by God" (Co1 13:12). Perhaps both God and men (believers) are intended as knowing him (Co2 5:11; Co2 11:6). dying . . . live-- (Co2 1:9; Co2 4:10-11; Co2 11:23). Compare GAUSSEN'S remark, see on Co2 6:5. "Behold" calls attention to the fact as something beyond all expectation. chastened . . . not killed--realizing Psa 118:18.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle gives an account of his general errand to all to whom he preached; with the several arguments and methods he used (Co2 6:1-10). Then he addresses himself particularly to the Corinthians, giving them good cautions with great affection and strong arguments (Co2 6:11-18).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.
For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.
I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign one about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write.
Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
I face death every day, brothers, as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all.
They only had some contentions with him regarding their own religion and a certain Jesus who had died, but whom Paul affirmed to be alive.