Always rejoicing (αε χαιροντες). Even in sorrow (2. Corinthians 11:9; 1. Thessalonians 5:16; Romans 5:3-5; Romans 9:2; Philippians 2:18; Philippians 2:27; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4; Philippians 4:15).

Yet making many rich (πολλους δε πλουτιζοντες). Old word from πλουτος (wealth), to enrich. Spiritual riches Paul has in mind as in 1. Corinthians 1:5 (cf. Matthew 5:37).

As having nothing and yet possessing all things (ως μηδεν εχοντες κα παντα κατεχοντες). Contrast between μηδεν (nothing) and παντα (all things, cf. 1. Corinthians 3:22) and εχω (to have) and κατεχω (to hold down, to hold fast). Play on words (simple and compound) as in 2. Corinthians 3:2; 2. Corinthians 4:8. Climax of Paul's panegyric on the Christian ministry. He now resumes the thread of the story broken off in 2. Corinthians 2:14.