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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6 verses 1–10
In these verses we have an account of the apostle's general errand and exhortation to all to whom he preached in every place where he came, with the several arguments and methods he used. Observe,
I. The errand or exhortation itself, namely, to comply with the gospel offers of reconciliation - that, being favoured with the gospel, they would not receive this grace of God in vain, Co2 6:1. The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears; but it will be in vain for us to hear it, unless we believe it, and comply with the end and design of it. And as it is the duty of the ministers of the gospel to exhort and persuade their hearers to accept of grace and mercy which are offered to them, so they are honoured with this high title of co-workers with God. Note, 1. They must work; and must work for God and his glory, for souls and their good: and they are workers with God, yet under him, as instruments only; however, if they be faithful, they may hope to find God working with them, and their labour will be effectual. 2. Observe the language and way of the spirit of the gospel: it is not with roughness and severity, but with all mildness and gentleness, to beseech and entreat, to use exhortations and arguments, in order to prevail with sinners and overcome their natural unwillingness to be reconciled to God and to be happy for ever.
II. The arguments and method which the apostle used. And here he tells them,
1.The present time is the only proper season to accept of the grace that is offered, and improve that grace which is afforded: NOW is the accepted time, NOW is the day of salvation, Co2 6:2. The gospel day is a day of salvation, the means of grace the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel the offers of salvation, and the present time the only proper time to accept of these offers: Today, while it is called today. The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be; and we should remember that present seasons of grace are short and uncertain, and cannot be recalled when they are past. It is therefore our duty and interest to improve them while we have them, and no less than our salvation depends upon our so doing.
2.What caution they used not to give offence that might hinder the success of their preaching: Giving no offence in any thing, Co2 6:3. The apostle had great difficulty to behave prudently and inoffensively towards the Jews and Gentiles, for many of both sorts watched for his halting, and sought occasion to blame him and his ministry, or his conversation; therefore he was very cautious not to give offence to those who were so apt to take offence, that he might not offend the Jews by unnecessary zeal against the law, nor the Gentiles by unnecessary compliances with such as were zealous for the law. He was careful, in all his words and actions, not to give offence, or occasion of guilt or grief. Note, When others are too apt to take offence, we should be cautious lest we give offence; and ministers especially should be careful lest they do any thing that may bring blame on their ministry or render that unsuccessful.
3.Their constant aim and endeavor in all things to approve themselves faithful, as became the ministers of God, Co2 6:4. We see how much stress the apostle upon all occasions lays on fidelity in our work, because much of our success depends upon that. His eye was single, and his heart upright, in all his ministrations; and his great desire was to be the servant of God, and to approve himself so. Note, Ministers of the gospel should look upon themselves as God's servants or ministers, and act in every thing suitably to that character. So did the apostle, (1.) By much patience in afflictions. He was a great sufferer, and met with many afflictions, was often in necessities, and wanted the conveniences, if not the necessaries, of life; in distresses, being straitened on every side, hardly knowing what to do; in stripes often (Co2 11:24); in imprisonments; in tumults raised by the Jews and Gentiles against him; in labours, not only in preaching the gospel, but in travelling from place to place for that end, and working with his hands to supply his necessities; in watchings and in fastings, either voluntary or upon a religious account, or involuntary for the sake of religion: but he exercised much patience in all, Co2 6:4, Co2 6:5. Note, [1.] It is the lot of faithful ministers often to be reduced to great difficulties, and to stand in need of much patience. [2.] Those who would approve themselves to God must approve themselves faithful in trouble as well as in peace, not only in doing the work of God diligently, but also in bearing the will of God patiently. (2.) By acting from good principles. The apostle went by a good principle in all he did, and tells them what his principles were (Co2 6:6, Co2 6:7); namely, pureness; and there is no piety without purity. A care to keep ourselves unspotted from the world is necessary in order to our acceptance with God. Knowledge was another principle; and zeal without this is but madness. He also acted with long-suffering and kindness, being not easily provoked, but bearing with the hardness of men's hearts, and hard treatment from their hands, to whom he kindly endeavoured to do good. He acted under the influence of the Holy Ghost, from the noble principle of unfeigned love, according to the rule of the word of truth, under the supports and assistances of the power of God, having on the armour of righteousness (a consciousness of universal righteousness and holiness), which is the best defence against the temptations of prosperity on the right hand, and of adversity on the left. (3.) By a due temper and behaviour under all the variety of conditions in this world, Co2 6:8-10. We must expect to meet with many alterations of our circumstances and conditions in this world; and it will be a great evidence of our integrity if we preserve a right temper of mind, and duly behave ourselves, under them all. The apostles met with honour and dishonour, good report and evil report: good men in this world must expect to meet with some dishonour and reproaches, to balance their honour and esteem; and we stand in need of the grace of God to arm us against the temptations of honour on the one hand, so as to bear good report without pride, and of dishonour on the other hand, so as to bear reproaches without impatience or recrimination. It should seem that persons differently represented the apostles in their reports; that some represented them as the best, and others as the worst, of men: by some they were counted deceivers, and run down as such; by others as true, preaching the gospel of truth, and men who were true to the trust reposed in them. They were slighted by the men of the world as unknown, men of no figure or account, not worth taking notice of; yet in all the churches of Christ they were well known, and of great account: they were looked upon as dying, being killed all the day long, and their interest was thought to be a dying interest; "and yet behold," says the apostle, "we live, and live comfortably, and bear up cheerfully under all our hardships, and go on conquering and to conquer." They were chastened, and often fell under the lash of the law, yet not killed: and though it was thought that they were sorrowful, a company of mopish and melancholy men, always sighing and mourning, yet they were always rejoicing in God, and had the greatest reason to rejoice always. They were despised as poor, upon the account of their poverty in this world; and yet they made many rich, by preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. They were thought to have nothing, and silver and gold they had none, houses and lands they had none; yet they possessed all things: they had nothing in this world, but they had a treasure in heaven. Their effects lay in another country, in another world. They had nothing in themselves, but possessed all things in Christ. Such a paradox is a Christian's life, and through such a variety of conditions and reports lies our way to heaven; and we should be careful in all these things to approve ourselves to God.
That man, indeed, is in danger who does not throughout his whole life place before himself the will of God as his goal, so that in health he shows forth the labor of love by his zeal for the works of the Lord and in sickness displays endurance and cheerful patience. The first and greatest peril is that by not doing the will of God, he separates himself from the Lord and cuts himself off from fellowship with his own brothers; secondly, that he ventures, although undeserving, to claim a share in the blessings prepared for those who are worthy. Here also we must remember the words of the apostle: “And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain.” And they who are called to be brothers of the Lord should not receive in a wanton spirit so great a divine grace nor fall from so high a dignity through negligence in doing the will of God but rather obey the same apostle, saying: “I, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called.”4.
For since he said, God beseeches, and we are ambassadors and suppliants unto you, that ye be "reconciled unto God:" lest they should become supine, he hereby again alarms and arouses them, saying: "We intreat that ye receive not the grace of God in vain." 'For let us not,' he says, 'therefore be at ease, because He beseeches and hath sent some to be ambassadors; nay, but for this very reason let us make haste to please God and to collect spiritual merchandise;' as also he said above, "The love of God constraineth us," that is presseth, driveth, urgeth us, 'that ye may not after so much affectionate care, by being supine and exhibiting no nobleness, miss of such great blessings. Do not therefore because He hath sent some to exhort you, deem that this will always be so. It will be so until His second coming; until then He beseeches, so long as we are here; but after that is judgment and punishment.' Therefore, he says, "we are constrained."
For lest they should think that this of itself is "reconciliation," believing on Him that calleth; he adds these words, requiting that earnestness which respects the life. For, for one who hath been freed from sins and made a friend to wallow in the former things, is to return again unto enmity, and to "receive the grace in vain," in respect of the life. For from "the grace" we reap no benefit towards salvation, if we live impurely; nay, we are even harmed, having this greater aggravation even of our sins, in that after such knowledge and such a gift we have gone back to our former vices.
What does it mean to receive the grace of God in vain except to be unwilling to perform good works with the help of his grace?
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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), 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.
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), believers are called to embody and proclaim the message of reconciliation. This co-laboring involves using spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), 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.
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). 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) and send His disciples into the world (John 20:21). 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.