As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
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Ambrosiaster
AD 400
Those who hated the apostles thought that they were dying every day of their lives as the price for their wickedness. But because the apostles were preaching with God’s approval, they kept being rescued from death by the help of Christ. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
As dying. We may seem to be always dying through our daily dangers, persecutions, and trials, but God preserves us alive and unharmed.
As chastened and not killed. Let us show ourselves as ministers of God (ver4), by being chastened and not killed.
As unknown, and yet well known. This is, by glory and dishonor. For by some they were well known and much sought after, while others designed not to know them at all.
As dying, and behold, we live.
As under sentence of death and condemned; which was itself also matter of dishonor. But this he said, to show both the unspeakable power of God and their own patience. For so far as those who plotted against us were concerned, we died; and this is what all suppose; but by God's aid we escaped the dangers. Then to manifest also on what account God permits these things, he added, As chastened, and not killed.
Showing that the gain accruing to them from their temptations, even before the rewards, was great, and that their enemies against their will did them service.
