What does 2 Corinthians 6:7 mean?

Paul continues to list evidences that he and his associates in ministry had operated with integrity. He is commending their ministry to the Corinthians to defend himself from attacks and accusations of critics. He has also provided the Corinthians with a way to defend him to such critics.

Paul adds here that he and his co-workers have always spoken truthfully. They have never lied in order to accomplish more in their ministry. In fact, they have spoken the truth even when it has been hurtful or when they risked turning people against them. Those who heard Paul's words in 1 Corinthians would know this well.

They have also operated in the power of God. Many in Corinth would likely remember how God displayed His power among them through Paul. He wants to remind his readers that he does more than just suffer for Christ's sake. He also displays God's awesome power in his ministry.

This team of evangelists have even exercised weapons of God's righteousness "for the right hand and for the left." Scholars debate exactly what Paul means by this. In Ephesians 6:11–17, he describes spiritual armor that a Christian may take up against spiritual enemies. This includes the shield of faith, typically held in the left hand, and the sword of the Spirit, typically held in the right hand. Paul does not merely endure spiritual attacks; he fights back with God's power.