2 Corinthians6

Paul exhorts the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain, emphasizing the present as the day of salvation. He defends his apostolic ministry by detailing the hardships endured and virtues demonstrated, presenting himself and his co-workers as true ministers despite paradoxical appearances. Finally, he passionately calls them to separate from unbelievers, reminding them that they are the temple of the living God.
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An Appeal to Use God's Grace Wisely

1
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. ​
2
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) ​

The Conduct of God's Ministers

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Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: ​
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But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, ​
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In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
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By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
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By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, ​
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By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; ​
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As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
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As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. ​

Paul’s Affection and Open Heart

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O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. ​
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Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. ​
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Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

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Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ​
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And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ​
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And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ​
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Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, ​
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And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ​

Study Notes for 2 Corinthians 6

Verse 1

Paul, having just described the ministry of reconciliation (5:18-20), urges the Corinthians not to treat the opportunity for salvation and service—the 'grace of God'—as something trivial or ineffective.

Verse 2

This quotes Isaiah 49:8, a prophecy originally concerning Israel’s restoration. Paul applies this promise to the present time, emphasizing that the opportunity for salvation and reconciliation is immediate: 'now is the accepted time.'

Verse 3

Paul shows concern that the behavior of the apostles and their co-workers should never become an impediment or cause for criticism that discredits the message itself ('that the ministry be not blamed').

Verse 4

The term 'approving ourselves' (Gk. *synistantes heautous*) means demonstrating or commending oneself. Paul lists three categories of credentials: endurance (v. 4-5), character (v. 6-7a), and external reception (v. 7b-10).

Verse 7

'The armour of righteousness' refers to the moral integrity and upright living that serves as both offensive and defensive spiritual equipment, protecting the minister from all sides.

Verse 8

Paul describes the paradoxical nature of apostolic life, where their true identity in Christ is often masked or contradicted by the world’s perception (e.g., being called 'deceivers' while speaking the 'word of truth').

Verse 10

This climactic series of antitheses showcases the divine power sustaining the apostles. They live in a state of spiritual abundance and resurrection life, despite physical and material lack, possessing 'all things' through Christ.

Verse 11

Paul shifts to a deeply personal appeal. His 'mouth is open' signifies candid speech, and his 'heart is enlarged' implies boundless affection and space for the Corinthians.

Verse 12

Paul insists that the lack of warmth or affection is not on his side, but within the Corinthians themselves. 'Bowels' is a Hebraism referring to deep-seated emotions or affections; they are emotionally restricted toward him.

Verse 14

This command against *heterozygeō* (yoking with a different kind) demands separation from close associations—likely business, marriage, or religious participation—with unbelievers, based on inherent spiritual incompatibility.

Verse 15

The contrast between Christ and Belial (a Hebrew term meaning 'worthlessness,' often used as a synonym for Satan or absolute evil) starkly illustrates the impossibility of partnership between divine truth and spiritual corruption.

Verse 16

Paul grounds the command for separation in the doctrine of the church as the 'temple of the living God,' citing Leviticus 26:12. Since God dwells in believers, their community must remain holy and separate from idolatry.

Verse 17

This quote combines elements of Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:34, emphasizing the necessity of physical and spiritual separation from pagan practices and moral corruption to maintain covenant relationship with God.

Verse 18

This verse completes the covenant promise, drawing from 2 Samuel 7:14 and Jeremiah 31:9. The promise of adoption as 'sons and daughters' serves as the ultimate motivation for maintaining holiness and separation.

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