Sorrowful, Rejoicing, Poor and Having Nothing 2 Corinthians 6:10

Paul the apostle shared with the church members in Corinth how he and his companions were, “in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God”, and he added many conditions through which they suffered and were empowered by God to endure. In chapter six and verse ten of Second Corinthians, Paul told the Corinthians how he and his companions were, “sorrowful, rejoicing, poor, making many rich, as with nothing and yet possessing all” where we read:

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich;

as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

The verse begins, “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich;” Paul began with the words, “as sorrowful” which means “as affected with sadness, grief, offense, uneasiness and caused a scruple”, “yet always” or “still at all times, perpetually and incessantly” “rejoicing” which means “exceedingly glad, well and thriving”; “as poor” refers to “beggary, asking alms, lowly, afflicted, helpless, powerless and destitute”, “yet making many rich”” or “still enriching and making others wealthy and fully furnished. Paul and his companions were also in “sadness and grief”, but they continued to “rejoice in the Lord”. They were of meager means themselves, and yet they “enriched and fully furnished” many people.

The verse continues, “ as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” Paul added the words, “as having nothing” which means “as holding, owning or possessing not one thing”, “and yet possessing” or “still detaining, retaining, holding fast and keeping secure possession of” “all things” which means “each, every, the whole and everything”. Paul and his companions were as though they “owned” anything, and yet, they “retained and kept” everything.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he and his companions did not live without “sorrow” and “poverty”, but lived in a rejoicing possessing manner. Their intent was to make others “rich” with the “gospel of Jesus Christ” which is far greater riches than the temporary ones on earth. Paul and his companion were deprived themselves so many might know Jesus, and when a person receives Jesus into their life, through His Holy Spirit, He gives them this drive and inspiration. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 16:24)

Next time Paul tells the church members, “our mouth is open unto you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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