2 Corinthians 6:5

2Co 6:5. Ἀκαταστασίαις, in tumults) either for, or against us.

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

2Co 6:5 . ( b ) These outward hardships are next more definitely exemplified from the opposition and persecution which St. Paul encountered from opponents during his missionary experiences. ἐν πληγαῖς , ἐν φυλακαῖς , ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις : in stripes (see reff. and cf. Act 22:24 ), in imprisonments (see on 2Co 11:23 ), in tumults ( cf. Act 13:50 ; Act 14:5 ; Act 14:19 ; Act 16:22 ; Act 17:5 ; Act 18:12 ; Act 19:29 ; Act 21:30 ). ἀκαταστασία might mean inward disorder , rather than external tumult (see reff., LXX, and cf. 1Co 4:11 ), but the latter meaning best suits the context here. ( c ) Next the Apostle enumerates the bodily hardships, voluntarily undertaken, which his work made it necessary to endure. ἐν κόποις , ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις , ἐν νηστείαις : in labours, sc. , probably his labours in preaching the Gospel (see reff., but cf. 1Th 2:9 , 2Th 3:8 , where κόπος is used of the manual labour he underwent in working for a livelihood; see also 1Co 4:11 ἀστατοῦμεν καὶ κοπιῶμεν ), in watchings, sc. , in nights rendered wakeful by anxiety or press of work (Act 20:31 ) or urgency of prayer (Act 16:25 and cf. Eph 6:18 ἀγρυπνοῦντες ), in fastings . Some expositors explain these νηστεῖαι as the voluntary fastings of religion (so Hooker, Eccl. Pol. , v., lxxii., 8; and cf. Act 13:2-3 ). And it is true that νηστεία (see reff.) and νηστεύω are always (outside this Epistle) used of fasting as a devotional observance. But in the parallel passage 2Co 11:27 νηστεῖαι is clearly used of involuntary abstinences from food; and this meaning seems better to suit the context here also ( cf. 1Co 4:11 , Phi 4:12 ) (§ 23). The triplet ( c ), then, means “in toil, in sleeplessness, in hunger”.

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

In tossing to and fro, finding no place of rest and quietness.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

stripes-- (Co2 11:23-24; Act 16:23).

imprisonments-- (Co2 11:23). He had been, doubtless, elsewhere imprisoned besides at Philippi when he wrote this Epistle.

tumults-- (Act 13:50; Act 14:5, Act 14:19; Act 16:22; and recently Acts 19:23-41).

labours--in the cause of Christ (Co2 11:23; Rom 16:12).

watchings-- (Co2 11:27). Sleepless nights.

fastings--The context here refers to his trials, rather than devotional exercises (compare Co2 11:27). Thus "foodlessness" would seem to be the sense (compare Co1 4:11; Phi 4:12). But the usual sense of the Greek is fasts, in the strict sense; and in Co2 11:27 it is spoken of independently of "hunger and thirst." (Compare Luk 2:37; Act 10:30; Act 14:23). However, Mat 15:32; Mar 8:3, justify the sense, more favored by the context, foodlessness, though a rare use of the word. GAUSSEN remarks "The apostles combine the highest offices with the humblest exterior: as everything in the Church was to be cast in the mould of death and resurrection, the cardinal principle throughout Christianity."

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 5. In stripes, in imprisonments] Of these the history of the Acts of the Apostles gives ample testimony; and there were doubtless many instances of persecution in various forms which are not on record.

In tumults] ακαταστασιαις. Insurrections raised against them because of the Gospel. It is more natural to understand the word thus, than of agitations, or tossings to and fro in consequence of their unsettled state of life; or because of persecution, which obliged them to flee from place to place.

In labours] Both with our own hands to provide for ourselves the necessaries of life, that we might not be chargeable to others; and in labours to spread the Gospel of God through all countries where his providence opened our way.

In watchings] Passing many nights without sleep or rest.

In fastings] Partly constrained through want of food; and partly voluntary, as a means of obtaining an increase of grace both for ourselves and for the Churches.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

5. In tumults In proportion to the calmness and gentleness of Paul’s disposition was there the greater excellence displayed in his standing undaunted in the face of tumults; and he takes praise to himself on this account — that while he regarded tumults with abhorrence, he nevertheless encountered them with bravery. Nor does the praise simply consist in his being unmoved by tumults, (this being commonly found among all riotous persons, ) but in his being thrown into no alarm by tumults that had been stirred up through the fault of others. And, unquestionably, two things are required on the part of ministers of the Gospel — that they should endeavor to the utmost of their power to maintain peace, and yet on the other hand go forward, undaunted, through the midst of commotions, so as not to turn aside from the right course, though heaven and earth should be mingled. Chrysostom, however, prefers to understand ἀκαταστασίαις to mean — frequent expulsions, inasmuch as there afforded him a place of rest. In fastings He does not mean — hunger arising from destitution, but a voluntary exercise of abstinence.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

(5) In stripes . . .—The list becomes more specific. “Stripes” we have seen at Philippi (Act_16:23), and 2Co_11:23-24 show that there were other instances. Of “imprisonment?,” that at Philippi is, so far, the only recorded instance (Act_16:24); but there may well have been others, as in 2Co_11:23. “Tumults” (the same word as in Luk_21:9) at Antioch in Pisidia (Act_13:50), Lystra (Act_14:5-19), Thessalonica (Act_17:5), Corinth itself (Act_18:12), and Ephesus (Act_19:23-41). “Labours” describe the usual tenor of his life, the daily work of his calling as a tent-maker, as well as that connected with his ministry. “Watchings” and “fastings” are, probably, both of them (comp. 2Co_11:27) to be referred to voluntary acts—nights of vigil and self-imposed abstinence—rather than to privations incidental to his work.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

5. in stripes] Cf. ch. 2Co_11:23-24; Act_16:23.

in imprisonments] Cf. ch. 2Co_11:23. The Acts of the Apostles, up to this date, records only one such, namely that at Philippi, Act_16:23-40. But the Acts is far from recording all the events of St Paul’s life. See notes on ch. 11:and on ch. 2Co_1:8.

in tumults] The word in the original signifies primarily unsettlement. Cf. margin of A. V., tossings to and fro. St Chrysostom would interpret it of the uncertain dwelling-place of the Apostle. But the word came to mean disorder or tumult. See Luk_21:9; 1Co_14:33; Jas_3:16, as well as ch 2Co_12:20, where the word occurs. In these passages moral disorder, not local unsettlement, is clearly implied. For the tumults which the Apostle went through see Act_13:50; Act_14:5; Act_14:19; Act_16:22; Act_17:5; Act_18:12; Act_19:23-41.

in labours] i.e. (1) the toils by which he supported himself (cf. Act_18:3; Act_20:34; 1Th_2:9; 2Th_3:8); and (2) his labours for the cause of Christ (cf Rom_16:12; 1Ti_4:10).

in watchings] Literally, sleeplessnesses, caused by “manual labour, teaching, travelling, meditating, praying, cares and the like.” Meyer.

in fastings] Since St Paul himself distinguished these fastings from ordinary hunger and thirst (ch. 2Co_11:27) we must do so also. “Not fasting from want, but a voluntary exercise of abstinence.” Calvin. Fasting, we know, was practised under the new Covenant as well as the old. See Act_13:2-3; Act_14:23.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

By pureness,.... The apostle having observed how he, and other ministers of God, showed themselves to be such by patiently bearing everything that was afflictive and distressing to the outward man, proceeds to show how they approved themselves in other respects; and which more chiefly regard the inward man, the exercise of grace, and a spiritual behaviour: "by pureness"; of doctrine and conversation, chastity of body and mind, sincerity of heart, and integrity of life:

by knowledge; of the Scriptures of truth, the mysteries of grace; or by a prudent conduct, a walking in wisdom with caution and circumspection:

by longsuffering: not easily provoked to wrath, but bearing with patience every indignity and affront:

by kindness; gentleness, sweetness of temper and manners, affability and courteousness:

by the Holy Ghost; influencing and assisting in the exercise of every grace, and the discharge of every duty, or by the gifts of the Holy Ghost, ordinary and extraordinary:

by love unfeigned; without dissimulation, being not in word only, but in deed and in truth towards the brethren, and to all men.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

Ver. 5. In imprisonment] Chrysostom saith, he had rather be Paul cast into a prison than Paul rapped up into Paradise.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

In stripes - In this verse, Paul proceeds to specifications of what he had been called to endure. In the previous verse, he had spoken of his afflictions in general terms. In this expression, he refers to the fact that he and his fellow-laborers were scourged in the synagogues and cities as if they had been the worst of people. In 2Co 11:23-25, Paul says that he had been scourged five times by the Jews, and had been thrice beaten with rods. See the notes on that place.

In imprisonments - As at Philippi; Act 16:24 ff. It was no uncommon thing for the early preachers of Christianity to be imprisoned.

In tumults - Margin, “Tossing to and fro.” The Greek word (ἀκαταστασία akatastasia) denotes properly “instability,” thence disorder, tumult, commotion. Here it means that in the various tumults and commotions which were produced by the preaching of the gospel, Paul endeavored to act as became a minister of God. Such tumults were excited at Corinth Act 18:6; at Philippi Act 16:19-20; at Lystra and Derbe Act 14:19; at Ephesus Acts 19, and in various other places. The idea is, that if the ministers of religion are assailed by a lawless mob, they are to endeavor to show the spirit of Christ there, and to evince all patience, and to do good even in such a scene. Patience and the Christian spirit may often do more good in such scenes than much preaching would do elsewhere.

In labors - Referring probably to the labors of the ministry, and its incessant duties, and perhaps also to the labors which they performed for their own support, as it is well known that Paul and probably also the other apostles, labored often to support themselves.

In watchings - In wakefulness, or lack of sleep. He probably refers to the fact that in these arduous duties, and in his travels, and in anxious cares for the churches, and for the advancement of religion, he was often deprived of his ordinary rest. He refers to this again in 2Co 11:27.

In fastings - Referring probably not only to the somewhat frequent fasts to which he voluntarily submitted as acts of devotion, but also to the fact that in his travels, when abroad and among strangers, he was often destitute of food. To such trials, those who traveled as Paul did, among strangers, and without property, would be often compelled to submit; and such trials, almost without number, the religion which we now enjoy has cost. It at first cost the painful life, the toils, the anxieties, and the sufferings of the Redeemer; and it has been propagated and perpetuated amidst the deep sorrows, the sacrifices, and the tears and blood of those who have contributed to perpetuate it on earth. For such a religion, originated, extended, and preserved in such a manner, we can never express suitable gratitude to God. Such a religion we cannot overestimate in value; and for the extension and perpetuity of such a religion, we also should be willing to practice unwearied self denial.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

In stripes: the apostle, 2Co 11:23, tells us he was in stripes above measure; and 2Co 11:24, that of the Jews he five times received forty stripes save one: we read of his many stripes, Act 16:23.

In imprisonments; of the imprisonment of him and Silas, Act 16:23, which was not the only time before the writing of this Epistle, as appeareth by this verse.

In tumults, or seditions raised by the Jews and the heathens; we have a record of one at Ephesus, Act 19:21-41, caused by Demetrius: others, by tumults, here, understand unfixed and uncertain habitations, tossing to and fro, so as they could be quiet in no place; but the former seemeth rather the sense of the word, as Luk 21:9; 1Co 14:33.

In labours; he either means labours with his hands, (which Paul was sometimes put to, as Act 18:3; 20:34), or travels and journeys. The word is a general word, significative of any pains that men take.

In watchings; religious watching, 2Co 11:27.

In fastings, as acts of discipline, by which he kept under his body, and brought it into subjection, as he told us, 1Co 9:27.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

5. Stripes—See note 2Co_11:24.

Imprisonments—As at Philippi; narrated in Acts. Alford says: “He may have been imprisoned in Antioch in Pisidia, Act_13:50; and at Lystra, Act_14:19; and at Corinth, Act_18:12; Act_18:14; and we cannot tell what may have befallen him during his journeys, Act_15:41; Act_16:6; Act_18:23.”

Tumults—Excitements and mobs raised against him. Luke’s history in Acts abounds with narratives of such movements wherever Paul went.

Labours—The travellings, the toils for self-support, and the arduous preachings and cares for the Churches.

Watchings—Sleeplessnesses.

Fastings—Not voluntary religious fastings—for he is here enumerating severities necessarily suffered—but compulsory hungers. The thus far enumerated sufferings Alford holds to be properly embraced under the term patience, or endurance, with which the catalogue commences.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

In stripes. (comp. 2Co_11:23-28) The stripes were of two kinds from Jewish whips and Roman rods. But of the five scourgings with Jewish whips not one is mentioned in the Acts, and only one of the three scourgings with Roman rods. (Act_16:23) Nothing, therefore, is more clear than that the Acts only furnishes us with a fragmentary and incomplete record, in which, as we gather from the Epistles, either the agonies of St. Paul"s lifelong martyrdom are for some reason intentionally minimized, or else (which is, perhaps, mere probable) St. Paul was, as his rule and habit, so reticent about his own sufferings in the cause of Christ that St. Luke was only vaguely, if at all, aware of many scenes of trial through which he had passed. In imprisonments. St. Paul was frequently in prison, but St. Luke only tells us of one of these occasions (Act_16:24) at Philippi; the Roman imprisonment and that at Caesarea were subsequent to this Epistle. In tumults. These were a normal incident of St. Paul"s life, both up to this time and for years afterwards (Act_13:50 Act_14:19 Act_16:22 Act_17:4, 5 18:12 19:28, 29 21:27-39 22:22, 23 23:9, 10 27:42, etc.) The word akatastasiai might also mean "insecurities," i.e. homelessness, wanderings, uncertainties; (1Co_4:11) but New Testament usage seems decisive in favour of the frowner meaning (2Co_12:20; 1Co_14:33; Jam_3:15) In labours (2Co_11:28; 1Co_4:12 1Co_15:10; Act_20:34; 1Th_2:9; 2Th_3:8) In watchings. "Spells of sleeplessness" were a necessary incident of such a life; and an eminently nervous nature like that of St. Paul is rarely capable of the habitual relief of sound steep. Hence he again refers to this in 2Co_11:27. His "sleeplessness" was sometimes the necessary result of labours "night and day" (Act_20:31; 1Th_2:9, etc.) In fastings. St. Paul never inculcates the practice of voluntary fasting as a duty (for the reading in 1Co_7:5 is more than dubious); but it is probable that he found it personallyuseful at times. (Act_13:2, 3 14:23 9:9) The nine forms of suffering hitherto mentioned three general, three specific, and three voluntary are all physical sufferings borne with "much endurance."

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

In tumults - The Greek word implies such attacks as a man cannot stand against, but which bear him hither and thither by violence.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings [Instead of weakening his ministry by making it blameworthy, Paul had striven to make it commendable by the patient endurance of all manner of trials. Had he shrunk from enduring these trials, he would have been ill qualified to prescribe for others those rules of duty which called for self-sacrifice, one of which rules he is about to lay down for the Corinthians. Paul specifies three classes of sufferings which he endured, and each class contained three members. In the first three the idea of hindrance predominates, and in the second that of violent opposition, and in the third that of hardship. For a sample of Paul's afflictions see 2Co_1:4-11 . For necessities arising from his poverty, etc., see Act_20:34 ; and compare with incidents in his later life; as, Phi_4:12 and 2Ti_4:13 . The word "distresses," which forms the climax of the first triplet, means "extreme pressure" and is used to describe one who is jammed in a corner, or so pressed upon by the multitude that he can not move: it is found at 2Co_4:8 . For the "stripes" see 2Co_11:23-28 . The only instance of imprisonment of which Luke tells us is found at Act_16:24 . The imprisonments at Jerusalem, Cæsarea and Rome took place after this was written. As to the tumults, they were the normal incidents of Paul's daily life ( Act_13:50 ; Act_14:19 ; Act_26:22 ; Act_17:4-5 ; Act_18:12 ; Act_19:28 ; Act_19:29 ; Act_21:27-39 ; Act_22:22-23 ; Act_23:9-10 ; Act_27:42 ; etc.). As to Paul's wasting labors, see 2Co_11:28 ; 1Co_4:12 ; 1Co_15:10 ; Act_20:34 ; 1Th_2:9 ; 2Th_3:8 ; Rom_16:12 . We may well imagine that so many tumults and such incessant labor would result in many sleepless nights or painful watchings ( 2Co_11:27 ); but Paul also labored at night (Acts 20:31; 1Th_2:9 ; etc.). The fastings mentioned were not voluntary, but indicate the unavoidable hunger which came upon him by reason of his incessant ministry. Having rehearsed the sufferings which he endured, the apostle next names six especial gifts or virtues which he manifested while thus enduring];

J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

5. In stripes. See 11:23, 24. In imprisonments. He was imprisoned at Philippi, Jerusalem, Cæsarea, and Rome, at least. In tumults. See Acts 14:19; 16:22; 19:29; 21:30.

B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.

5. ἐν πληγαῖς, ἐν φυλακαῖς, ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις. Another field in which the ὑπομονή is manifested. These are the troubles which are inflicted on him by men. The πληγαί refer to scourgings or beatings from Jews or Rom 11:23-25; Act 16:23. We know of only one imprisonment of the Apostle previous to this letter, viz. the one at Philippi; but evidently there had been others (2Co 11:23). He was expelled from Antioch in Pisidia, and was stoned at Lystra; and he may have been put in prison previous to these indignities. What might be called ἀκαταστασίαι (2Co 12:20; Luk 21:9; Pro 26:28) are frequent in Acts (Act 13:50; Act 14:5; Act 14:19; Act 16:19; Act 16:22; Act 17:5; Act 18:12; Act 19:23).

ἐν κόποις, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις, ἐν νηστείαις. The third field in which ὑπομονή is exhibited;—the troubles which he laid upon himself as a necessary part of his work. By κόποι (2Co 11:23; 2Co 11:27; 1Co 15:28) is meant all that involves great toil and weariness; by ἀγρυπνίαι (2Co 11:27; often in Ecclus.) all that interferes with sleep. The two cover all his energy, working with his hands, travelling, teaching, praying, ‘anxiety about all the Churches.’ Usage (Luk 2:37; Act 14:23; Act 27:9) almost requires us to understand νηστεῖαι of voluntary abstinence, rather than of inability to obtain food. In 2Co 11:27 he distinguishes νηστεῖαι from hunger and thirst (1Co 4:11). We pass on from the fields in which ὑπομονή is manifested to characteristics which are coordinate with ὑπομονή: but ἐν must still be rendered ‘in,’ not ‘by.’

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

5.] On πληγ., see reff.

φυλακ.] At Philippi only as yet, as far as we know from the narrative of the Acts;—but there must have been many other occasions, see ch. 11:23. He may have been imprisoned at Antioch in Pisidia, Act 13:50, and at Lystra, 14:19 and at Corinth, 18:12, 14: and we cannot tell what may have befallen him during his journeys, Act 15:41; Act 16:6; Act 18:23.

ἐν ἀκαταστ.] in tumults, see Act 13:50; Act 14:5,Act 14:19; Act 16:22; Act 17:5; Act 18:12, and above all, 19:23-41. The sense given by Chrys. (p. 522), al., τὸ μηδαμοῦ δύνασθαι στῆναι ἐλαυνόμενον, is philologically allowable, cf. Demosth. 383. 7, ἀκατάστατον ὥσπερ ἐν θαλάττῃ πνεῦμα, and Jas 1:8, and Polyb. xxxi. 13. 6, ὑποδεικνύων αὐτοῖς τὴν ἀκαταστασίαν τῆς βασιλείας,—but not found in N. T.

ἐν κόποις] usually, and here, signifies ‘labour in the Lord,’ for his sake, see reff. So also κοπιάω, Rom 16:6, Rom 16:12 (bis), and reff. Chrys., al., interpret it of his manual work, 1Co 4:12; and ἀστατοῦμεν and κοπιῶμεν occurring there together certainly gives some semblance to the view: but see ch. 11:23, where this can hardly be; it is most probable that the weariness of his excessive apostolic labour was in his mind.

ἀγρυπνίαις] Chrys. says, p. 523, τὰς νύκτας ἐν αἷς ἐδίδασκεν. ἢ ὅτι καὶ ἐν αὐταῖς εἰργάζετο. But I would rather believe the ἀγρυπνίαι to have been watchings through anxiety for the churches.

ἐν νηστείαις] This is generally, and by De W. against Meyer, taken to refer to involuntary hunger and thirst. But, as the latter remarks, the word does not appear to be ever so used; and in ch. 11:27, Paul himself distinguishes ἐν νηστείαις from ἐν λιμῷ κ. δίψει. The meaning of fastings must therefore be retained. So Chrys., Theodoret, and Calvin.

Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (1849–1861) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

5. ἐν πληγαῖς, ἐν φυλακαῖς, ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις. This triplet consists of troubles inflicted by men. It is doubtful whether there is any climax; but St Paul might think ‘stripes’ (11:23) less serious than ‘imprisonments’ (11:23), which stopped his work for a time, and imprisonments less serious than ‘tumults,’ which might force him to abandon work altogether in the place in which the tumult occurred. Clem. Rom. (Cor. 6) says of St Paul, ἑπτάκις δεσμὰ φορέσας, but the only imprisonment known to us prior to 2 Cor. is the one at Philippi. Popular tumults against St Paul are freq. in Acts (13:50, 14:5, 19, 17:5, 18:12, 19:23-41). In 1Co 4:11, the Apostle, in describing the experiences of Apostles, says κολαφιζόμεθα, ἀστατοῦμεν, ‘we are buffeted, are homeless,’ and some would give the meaning of ‘homelessness, vagrant life’ to ἀκαταστασία here. Chrys. seems to understand it in the sense of ‘being driven from pillar to post,’ but in N.T. the signification of the word is ‘disorder’ in one of two senses, viz. ‘want of order, confusion’ (1Co 14:33; Jas 3:16), and ‘breach of order, tumult’ (here and Luk 21:9). In LXX only twice, in the former sense (Pro 26:28; Tob. 4:13). In De Singularite Clericorum we again have two words in the Latin for one in the Greek; in seditionibus, in invocationibus. It is difficult to see what the latter can mean, and one might conjecture in concitationibus, the in being accidentally repeated, or in implicationibus, ‘in entanglements.’

ἐν κόποις, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις, ἐν νηστείαις. This third triplet consists of those troubles which he took upon himself in the prosecution of his mission. Thdrt. groups the first two triplets together as τὰ ἔξωθεν ἐπίοντα. and ἀκούσια: προστίθησι δὲ τοῖς ἀκουσίοις καὶ τοὺς αὐθαιρέτους πόνους. There is order in this triplet also, and perhaps one may call it a climax; κόποι disturb the day, ἀγρυπνίαι the night, and νηστεῖαι both. St Paul repeatedly speaks of κόποι as a prevailing feature in his own life (11:23, 27; 1Th 2:9, 1Th 2:3:5; 2Th 3:8). While πόνος indicates the effort which was required, κόπος points to the fatigue which was incurred. Trench, § cii., suggests ‘toil’ for πόνος and ‘weariness’ for κόπος: but in the ordinary Greek of this period the difference between the two words was vanishing. Swete remarks that κόπος with its cognate κοπιᾷν is “almost a technical word for Christian work,” and that in Rev 2:2 τὸν κόπον and τὴν ὑπομονήν are “two notes of excellence, self-denying labour and perseverance.”

ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις. Here and 11:27 only in N.T. The word covers more than sleeplessness; it includes all that prevents one from sleeping. At Troas Paul preached until midnight and yet longer (Act 20:7, Act 20:9). In LXX the word is almost confined to Ecclus., where it is freq. and commonly means forgoing sleep in order to work. The Apostle no doubt often taught, and travelled, and worked with his hands to maintain himself, by night.

ἐν νηστείαις. Not ‘fasts’ in the religious sense; * but, just as ἀγρυπνία is voluntary forgoing of sleep in order to get more work done, so νηστεῖαι is voluntary forgoing of food for the same reason. St Paul often neglected his meals, having ‘no leisure so much as to eat’ (Mar 6:31). We infer from 11:27 that νηστεῖαι are voluntary abstentions from food, for there they are distinguished from involuntary hunger and thirst. Here the meaning might be that he neglected the handicraft by which he earned his bread (1Co 4:11, 1Co 4:12), or that he refused the maintenance which he might have claimed (1Co 9:4). But omitting meals in order to gain time is simpler. These sufferings, voluntarily undertaken, form an easy transition to the virtues which are evidence that he is one of God’s ambassadors and fellow-workers.

International Critical Commentary — older volumes (1896–1929), various authors — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Imprisonments [φυλακαις] . See on Act 5:21.

Tumults [ακαταστασιαις] . See on Luk 21:9, and compare ajkatastatov unstable, Jas 1:8. This is one of the words which show the influence of political changes. From the original meaning of unsettledness, it developed, through the complications in Greece and in the East after the death of Alexander, into the sense which it has in Luke - political instability. One of the Greek translators of the Old Testament uses it in the sense of dread or anxious care.

Watchings [αγρυπνιαις] . Only here and ch. 11 27. See on the kindred verb, Mr 13:33. For the historical facts, see Act 16:25; Act 20:7 - 11, 31; 2Th 3:8.

Fastings [νηστειαις] . Mostly of voluntary fasting, as Mt 17:21; Act 14:23; but voluntary fasting would be out of place in an enumeration of hardships.

Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.