2 Corinthians 6 3

2 Corinthians 6:3 kjv

Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

2 Corinthians 6:3 nkjv

We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

2 Corinthians 6:3 niv

We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

2 Corinthians 6:3 esv

We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,

2 Corinthians 6:3 nlt

We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.

2 Corinthians 6 verses

2 Corinthians 6 3 Meaning

2 Corinthians 6:3 articulates a foundational principle for apostolic ministry and, by extension, all Christian witness: to conduct oneself blamelessly in all things, providing absolutely no legitimate reason or occasion for others to find fault with the work of God or to stumble spiritually. Paul and his companions were meticulously careful that their behavior, decisions, or weaknesses would never become a hindrance to the gospel's reception or bring discredit upon the ministry of reconciliation. It prioritizes the integrity and unhindered proclamation of the divine message above all else.

2 Corinthians 6 3 Context

2 Corinthians 6:3 is situated within Paul's fervent appeal to the Corinthian believers not to "receive the grace of God in vain" (2 Cor 6:1). Following his profound theological explanation of the ministry of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5, Paul shifts to underscore the practical implications of such a calling, particularly for those entrusted with proclaiming it. The apostle is engaged in a defensive and corrective discourse with the Corinthians, who were influenced by false apostles or critical factions questioning his legitimacy, authority, and suffering. His integrity was under scrutiny.

Verse 3 serves as an introduction to a lengthy enumeration of his hardships and self-sacrificial conduct (2 Cor 6:4-10), which Paul presents as credentials of true apostleship, rather than signs of weakness or cause for disgrace. The cultural context of Corinth, with its emphasis on eloquent rhetoric, outward status, and personal glory, stood in stark contrast to Paul's chosen path of suffering and humility. Paul is arguing that genuine ministry is validated by an irreproachable life, regardless of external difficulties or worldly perceptions, ensuring that no opportunity for disparagement can be leveraged against the sacred mission.

2 Corinthians 6 3 Word analysis

• We give no cause for stumbling:

  • We: Refers to Paul and his apostolic co-workers (e.g., Timothy, Titus). It emphasizes a corporate, intentional commitment to this principle in their shared ministry.
  • give (διδόντες - didontes): A present active participle, implying an ongoing, intentional action. It means "to give, provide, offer." They actively avoid providing any occasion for stumbling.
  • no (μηδεμίαν - mēdemian): A strong negative, meaning "not one," "no single." It underscores the comprehensive nature of their avoidance; nothing is left to chance.
  • cause (ἀφορμὴν - aphormēn): Transliterated as aphormē, it means "a base of operations," "a starting point," "an occasion," "an opportunity." In a moral context, it means "an occasion or pretext for blame or wrong." Paul denies providing any occasion that could lead to stumbling or fault. While related, it's distinct from skandalon (stumbling block) as it refers to the reason or opportunity for something negative to occur. The intent is to remove all pretexts for criticism.
  • for stumbling (implied by context of "fault" and "discrediting"): Although the Greek word skandalon (stumbling block, offense) is not used directly here, the concept of spiritual tripping or hindrance is embedded. An "occasion for fault" would invariably lead others to question, doubt, or even fall from faith, effectively creating a stumbling block. The phrase implicitly connects aphormē (cause) to momos (fault) which impacts one's spiritual stability.

• in anything (ἐν μηδενὶ - en mēdeni):

  • in (ἐν - en): A preposition indicating sphere or scope.
  • anything (μηδενὶ - mēdeni): Literally "in nothing." This is an absolute and comprehensive statement. It means their vigilance extends to every single area of their conduct, words, decisions, and interactions, leaving no part of their lives as a potential point of attack or discrediting influence. It shows radical commitment to integrity.

• so that no fault may be found with our ministry:

  • so that (ἵνα - hina): Introduces a purpose clause. It indicates the intended outcome or goal of their blameless conduct.
  • no (μὴ - mē): The negative particle.
  • fault (μωμηθῇ - mōmēthē): From momos, meaning "blame, disgrace, blemish, discredit." The verb momao means "to blame, find fault with, censure." The passive voice "may be found fault with" or "may be blamed" emphasizes that they act to prevent anyone from legitimately casting aspersion upon their ministry.
  • may be found (implied by passive voice): The consequence is not merely that fault exists, but that it becomes evident and public, thereby discrediting the work.
  • with our ministry (ἡ διακονία - hē diakonia): "The ministry." This refers specifically to the apostolic work entrusted to Paul and his team—the preaching of the gospel, the service to the churches, and the administration of reconciliation. It's about protecting the reputation and effectiveness of God's work through them, not merely their personal reputations.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "We give no cause for stumbling in anything": This phrase highlights proactive, universal vigilance. It's an intentional effort to preempt any legitimate basis for criticism or spiritual detriment. It is an expression of deep care for others and for the integrity of the gospel message itself. This resonates with the idea of not being a stumbling block in matters of conscience (Rom 14).
• "so that no fault may be found with our ministry": This phrase explains the ultimate objective and sacred imperative behind their scrupulous conduct. The focus is not primarily on the individual minister's reputation but on safeguarding the divine ministry itself from discredit. Paul understands that criticisms against his person can be used to undermine the message he preaches and the authority of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 6 3 Bonus section

The profound impact of 2 Corinthians 6:3 extends beyond formal ministry to all believers, as every Christian is an ambassador of Christ (2 Cor 5:20) and called to adorn the gospel in their daily lives (Titus 2:10). Paul's example highlights that one's personal conduct is an integral part of their testimony. The Corinthian context, filled with accusations against Paul's personal character, reinforces the spiritual battle over the authenticity of ministry; critics sought to exploit any perceived flaw to nullify the gospel. Paul's stance here, "no cause in anything," is an active and conscious rejection of self-interest for the sake of divine service, revealing the internal disposition of a true servant who places God's honor above all else. This verse indirectly warns against legalism or obsession with public image for self-glorification; instead, the driving motivation is pure — the unimpeded progression of God's redemptive work.

2 Corinthians 6 3 Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:3 encapsulates Paul's profound commitment to protecting the integrity and effectiveness of the gospel message by living a life beyond reproach. It's a preemptive strike against potential criticism, not of his person per se, but of the ministry he represents. The passage isn't just about avoiding sin; it's about meticulously removing any justifiable occasion that could be twisted by adversaries to discredit the sacred task entrusted to him. This high standard demands constant self-examination and sacrificial living, ensuring that a minister's weaknesses, eccentricities, or even good intentions are never permitted to become an "obstacle" or a "blight" on God's work. The spiritual health and growth of others, as well as the unhindered advancement of God's kingdom, were paramount to Paul.

Practical usage:

• A Christian leader avoids gossip and questionable business practices so their church's reputation for holiness and integrity is never questioned.
• A believer at work ensures punctuality and ethical behavior, preventing non-believers from dismissing their faith as hypocrisy.