2 Corinthians 6:1

KJV

¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

KJV (with Strong's)

We {G3870} then {G1161}, as workers together {G4903} with him, beseech {G3870} you also {G2532} that ye {G5209} receive {G1209} not {G3361} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} in {G1519} vain {G2756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As God’s fellow-workers we also urge you not to receive his grace and then do nothing with it.

Berean Standard Bible

As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

American Standard Version

And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 6:1, the Apostle Paul, identifying himself and his fellow ministers as co-laborers with God, issues a fervent appeal to the Corinthian believers. He implores them not to render the immense, unmerited favor of God (grace) ineffective or purposeless in their lives. This verse serves as a pivotal transition from Paul's theological exposition on reconciliation to a practical exhortation concerning the responsibilities and conduct that accompany their new status in Christ, urging a diligent and transformative response to divine grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's profound theological exposition in [2 Corinthians 5:11-21](/2_corinthians/5-11-21 "2 Corinthians 5:11-21 - The Ministry of Reconciliation"). In that passage, Paul describes the believer's new identity as a "new creation" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and the glorious privilege of being "ambassadors for Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-50 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), through whom God makes His appeal for reconciliation. The climax of this section is the declaration that God "made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Having established this foundational truth of God's reconciling grace and humanity's new standing, Paul transitions from declarative theology to urgent, practical exhortation. The "then" (G1161, _dé_) signifies a logical consequence or transition from the preceding theological truths to a practical imperative. The subsequent verses in [2 Corinthians 6:2-10](/2_corinthians/6-2-10 "2 Corinthians 6:2-10 - Paul's Apostolic Sufferings") then detail Paul's own conduct and suffering as an example of one who lives consistently with the grace received, demonstrating the integrity and authenticity of his ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's second letter to the Corinthians addresses a complex situation within the church. There were factions, challenges to Paul's apostolic authority, and influences from false teachers who questioned his legitimacy, sincerity, and even his personal character. The Corinthian church, located in a wealthy, cosmopolitan, and morally lax Roman city, struggled with issues ranging from immorality to spiritual pride. Paul's appeals throughout the letter, including this one, are often defensive of his ministry while simultaneously corrective and pastoral towards the Corinthians. The concept of "grace" (Greek: _charis_) was not unique to Christianity, but Paul redefines it profoundly as God's unmerited favor, distinct from any human merit or cultural exchange. The idea of "co-laboring" (Greek: _synergoi_) would have resonated with Roman and Greek societal structures where partnerships in various endeavors were common, but Paul elevates it to a divine partnership in the work of salvation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, the **ministry of reconciliation** is paramount, as believers are called to participate in God's ongoing work of bringing humanity back into right relationship with Him, building upon the foundation laid in [2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - The Ministry of Reconciliation"). Secondly, the **nature and purpose of divine grace** are central; grace is not merely a past event of salvation but an ongoing divine enablement for transformed living and service. Paul consistently emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")), but this grace also empowers believers for good works ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")). Thirdly, the theme of **apostolic authenticity and suffering** is interwoven, as Paul's subsequent examples in [2 Corinthians 6:3-10](/2_corinthians/6-3-10 "2 Corinthians 6:3-10 - Paul's Endurance in Ministry") demonstrate what it means to truly live out the implications of grace, enduring hardship for the sake of the Gospel. Finally, the verse touches upon **human responsibility** in responding to God's initiative, highlighting that while grace is freely given, it requires an active, transformative embrace rather than passive reception.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **workers together (Greek, _synergéō'_):** From G4903, meaning "to be a fellow-worker, i.e. co-operate." This word highlights the incredible privilege and responsibility of believers to participate actively in God's redemptive plan. It implies a dynamic partnership where human effort, empowered by divine grace, contributes to the advancement of God's kingdom. It's not about earning salvation, but about actively co-laboring with God in His ongoing work in the world after receiving His unmerited favor.
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** From G1209, meaning "to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--accept, receive, take." This term denotes an active reception, an acceptance, rather than a passive experience. It suggests that the grace of God, while freely offered, requires a willing embrace and a personal appropriation. The warning is not against receiving grace initially, but against failing to continue to embrace and live by it.
* **in vain (Greek, _kenós'_):** From G2756, meaning "empty (literally or figuratively)." To receive grace "in vain" means to render it empty, useless, or without effect in one's life. It implies a spiritual apathy or a neglect of the transformative responsibilities that accompany such a profound gift. It's not about the grace itself being insufficient, but about the recipient failing to allow it to produce its intended fruit of spiritual transformation and active service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We then, as workers together with him,"**: Paul identifies himself and his apostolic team, and by extension all believers, as those who are actively cooperating with God. This phrase establishes the basis of the exhortation: as recipients of God's grace and participants in His mission, there is a corresponding responsibility. The "then" (G1161, _dé_) links this appeal directly to the preceding theological truths about reconciliation and new creation, indicating that the call to action flows logically from their new identity and privilege.
* **"beseech you also that ye receive not"**: Paul uses a strong term of earnest entreaty (G3870, _parakaléō_), meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." This is not a mere suggestion but an urgent, heartfelt plea. The negative particle (G3361, _mḗ_) emphasizes the imperative nature of the warning, urging them to avoid a specific detrimental outcome. The object "you also" (G5209, _hymâs_ G2532, _kaí_) highlights that this appeal extends to the Corinthian believers as well, not just Paul's immediate co-workers.
* **"the grace of God in vain."**: This is the core of the exhortation. "The grace of God" (G5485, _cháris_ G2316, _theós_) refers to God's unmerited favor, His divine enablement, and the supernatural power that brings salvation and empowers holy living. To receive it "in vain" (G1519, _eis_ G2756, _kenós_) means to render it purposeless, empty, or without its intended transformative effect in one's life. It implies a failure to live in a manner consistent with the profound gift received, allowing the potential of grace to remain unrealized in practical conduct and spiritual fruit.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as Paul issues a direct, urgent appeal to the Corinthian believers, moving from theological declaration to practical imperative. The phrase "workers together with him" functions as a **Metaphor** or **Synecdoche**, representing believers as active participants in God's redemptive work, highlighting their privileged partnership. There is also an implied **Antithesis** between truly receiving grace and receiving it "in vain." This contrast underscores the critical choice before the Corinthians: to allow God's grace to profoundly transform their lives and bear fruit, or to passively acknowledge it without allowing it to effect genuine change, thereby rendering its power ineffective in their experience. The strong verb "beseech" (G3870, _parakaléō_) conveys Paul's deep pastoral concern and the gravity of his warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a powerful reminder that God's grace, while entirely unmerited and freely given, is not passive in its intent. It is a dynamic, transformative power designed to bring about genuine change and active participation in God's purposes. The concept of "receiving grace in vain" does not imply that salvation can be lost, but rather that the profound implications and transformative power of grace might not be fully realized or expressed in a believer's life if not actively embraced and responded to with obedience and commitment. It calls believers to a life of active discipleship, where the reality of God's favor compels them to live in a manner worthy of the calling they have received, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit and engaging in the ministry of reconciliation.

* [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - Paul's Labor by Grace")
* [Titus 2:11-12](/titus/2-11-12 "Titus 2:11-12 - Grace Teaches Us to Live Godly")
* [Hebrews 12:15](/hebrews/12-15 "Hebrews 12:15 - Beware of Falling Short of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Corinthians 6:1 serves as a vital and challenging call to introspection and action. It compels us to consider whether the profound grace we have received from God is truly transforming our lives and motivating us to active participation in His kingdom work, or if we are merely acknowledging it intellectually without allowing it to produce its intended fruit. This verse is not about earning salvation, which is purely a gift, but about living out the implications of that salvation. It challenges us to move beyond passive reception to active engagement, allowing God's unmerited favor to empower us for holy living, selfless service, and courageous witness. Our lives should be a testament to the power of grace, reflecting the character of Christ and contributing to the spread of His reconciling message in a world desperately in need of it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be receiving God's grace "in vain," failing to allow it to produce its intended transformation or fruit?**
* **How does my understanding of being a "worker together with God" influence my daily priorities and commitments?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more actively embrace and respond to God's grace, moving from passive reception to purposeful action?**
* **How can my life better reflect the transformative power of God's grace to those around me?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "receive the grace of God in vain"?**

Answer: To "receive the grace of God in vain" means to acknowledge or intellectually assent to God's unmerited favor and saving work, but fail to allow it to produce its intended transformative effect in one's life. It does not imply a loss of salvation, which is secured by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace")), but rather a failure to live out the practical implications and responsibilities that accompany such a profound gift. It suggests a spiritual apathy where the power of grace is not fully realized in personal holiness, active service, or commitment to God's purposes. Paul is urging believers not to let God's immense favor be unproductive or purposeless in their experience, but rather to respond with a life of active obedience and spiritual fruitfulness, as he exemplifies in [2 Corinthians 6:3-10](/2_corinthians/6-3-10 "2 Corinthians 6:3-10 - Paul's Apostolic Endurance").

**How are believers "workers together with him"?**

Answer: Believers are "workers together with him" (God) in the sense that they are privileged to participate in God's ongoing redemptive mission in the world. This partnership is not based on human merit, but is an outflow of the grace received. As "ambassadors for Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), believers are called to embody and proclaim the message of reconciliation. This co-laboring involves using spiritual gifts ([1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, One Spirit")), serving others, spreading the Gospel, and living lives that reflect God's character. It signifies a dynamic, active involvement in God's purposes, empowered by His Spirit, rather than a passive waiting for divine intervention. It's a call to stewardship of the grace and calling God has given, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 3:9](/1_corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - God's Fellow Workers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call not to receive the grace of God in vain finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the embodiment and perfect expression of God's grace. The "grace of God" that Paul speaks of is fully realized in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He "made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). To receive this grace "in vain" would be to diminish the profound cost and transformative power of Christ's finished work. Believers are called to be "workers together with him" because Christ Himself initiated and accomplished the work of reconciliation, and now, through His Spirit, empowers His church to continue His mission. Our co-laboring is a response to His prior work, a participation in the very life and ministry of the risen Christ, who continues to build His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")) and send His disciples into the world ([John 20:21](/john/20-21 "John 20:21 - Jesus Sends His Disciples")). Thus, living out the grace of God means living a life transformed by Christ, empowered by His Spirit, and actively participating in His ongoing redemptive work, ensuring that His sacrifice is not merely acknowledged but profoundly impactful in every aspect of our existence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

Hebrews 12:15

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Galatians 2:21

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Romans 12:1

¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.