2 Corinthians 6:8
through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The surprising insight here is how Paul pairs "honor and dishonor" and "slander and praise." He doesn't just list negative experiences; he includes the positive ones too, showing that all external opinions, good or bad, can be deceiving when it comes to God's truth. We are ultimately known by God, not by what others say about us, whether they praise us or call us names.
Paul is describing the paradoxical hardships and triumphs he and his fellow apostles face as they serve Christ, contrasting the world's negative perceptions with their genuine spiritual reality. Immediately before this, he speaks of enduring suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. This verse directly follows, illustrating how this divine mission often leads to being misunderstood and mistreated by others, even while remaining faithful and truthful in God's eyes.
How can you be seen as fake and still be real? The Apostle Paul lived this out, facing extreme reactions from people around him. Let's explore how this tension reveals our true selves.
Paul highlights a profound paradox: the faithful life often attracts contradictory responses. People might see us as frauds or deceivers, while simultaneously, we might receive genuine praise. This isn't a sign of inconsistency but a testament to living by God's truth, which often doesn't fit neatly into human categories.
Contrasting Perceptions
In the midst of these opposing labels, Paul declares, 'we are true.' This 'truth' isn't about popular opinion but about an internal reality anchored in Christ. It's about integrity and faithfulness to God, regardless of external validation or condemnation.
The world often misunderstands and mislabels those who live for God. Paul faced being called a fake, yet knew his identity was secure. Discover the power of this assurance.
The phrase 'treated as impostors' speaks to how the world can perceive believers. Because our values and motivations are rooted in the Kingdom of God, they can seem strange, illogical, or even deceptive to those who live by worldly standards.
The Source of Our Truth
Understand the original words
planos · Greek Noun
An expression denoting deceptive or fraudulent individuals; in a ministry context, those falsely accused of misleading the people.
Paul's apostleship in Corinth was marked by extreme highs and lows in how he was perceived—from deep respect to outright rejection and slander. This context shows he was writing from direct experience of being misunderstood and misrepresented, even by those he had ministered to.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spends a significant amount of time in Corinth, establishing the church there. This ministry is met with both positive reception and strong opposition.
c. AD 55
First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian church to address divisions and issues within the community. This letter hints at ongoing challenges and criticisms Paul faces.
c. AD 55-57
Paul's Painful Visit
Paul makes at least one, possibly more, difficult and painful visit to Corinth between his first and second letters. This visit involves confrontation and further suffering.
c. AD 57
The 'Severe Letter' (Lost)
Paul writes a letter of intense sorrow and perhaps stern warning to the Corinthians, which is now lost. This letter likely addressed severe issues and Paul's own emotional distress.
This passage directly parallels the theme of being treated as 'less than' in the eyes of the world, yet being divinely appointed, echoing the 'treated as impostors, and yet are true' sentiment.
Philippians 1:20Paul expresses his deep desire for Christ to be magnified in his body, whether through life or death, highlighting a similar commitment to living faithfully regardless of external circumstances or perceptions like honor or dishonor.
1 Peter 4:12-13This passage speaks directly to believers facing fiery trials and slander, urging them to rejoice and be glad because Christ's glory is revealed when they are reviled.
Matthew 5:11-12Jesus blesses his followers when they are persecuted and reviled for his name's sake, confirming that such experiences, even while being slandered, are a sign of being in the right standing with God, just as Paul affirms in Corinthians.
The surprising insight here is how Paul pairs "honor and dishonor" and "slander and praise." He doesn't just list negative experiences; he includes the positive ones too, showing that all external opinions, good or bad, can be deceiving when it comes to God's truth. We are ultimately known by God, not by what others say about us, whether they praise us or call us names.
Paul is describing the paradoxical hardships and triumphs he and his fellow apostles face as they serve Christ, contrasting the world's negative perceptions with their genuine spiritual reality. Immediately before this, he speaks of enduring suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. This verse directly follows, illustrating how this divine mission often leads to being misunderstood and mistreated by others, even while remaining faithful and truthful in God's eyes.
Paul is describing the paradoxical hardships and triumphs he and his fellow apostles face as they serve Christ, contrasting the world's negative perceptions with their genuine spiritual reality. Immediately before this, he speaks of enduring suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. This verse directly follows, illustrating how this divine mission often leads to being misunderstood and mistreated by others, even while remaining faithful and truthful in God's eyes.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Corinthians 6:8 is available in the Sola app.
This assurance allows us to endure slander and dishonor without crumbling, knowing that our true selves are known and validated by God.
c. AD 57— this verse
Second Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes his second letter to the Corinthians, responding to their response to the 'severe letter.' This letter contains passionate defenses of his apostleship and ministry.
"through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;" — The surprising insight here is how Paul pairs "honor and dishonor" and "slander and praise." He doesn't just list negative experiences; he includes the positive ones too, showing that all external…
