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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 6:11–18. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle proceeds to address himself more particularly to the Corinthians, and cautions them against mingling with unbelievers. Here observe,
I.How the caution is introduced with a profession, in a very pathetic manner, of the most tender affection to them, even like that of a father to his children, Co2 6:11-13. Though the apostle was happy in a great fluency of expressions, yet he seemed to want words to express the warm affections he had for these Corinthians. As if he had said, "O ye Corinthians, to whom I am now writing, I would fain convince you how well I love you: we are desirous to promote the spiritual and eternal welfare of all to whom we preach, yet our mouth is open unto you, and our heart is enlarged unto you, in a special manner." And, because his heart was thus enlarged with love to them, therefore he opened his mouth so freely to them in kind admonitions and exhortations: "You are not," says he, "straitened in us; we would gladly do you all the service we can, and promote your comfort, as helpers of your faith and your joy; and, if it be otherwise, the fault is in yourselves; it is because you are straitened in yourselves, and fail in suitable returns to us, through some misapprehensions concerning us; and all we desire as a recompense is only that you would be proportionably affected towards us, as children should love their father." Note, It is desirable that there should be a mutual good affection between ministers and their people, and this would greatly tend to their mutual comfort and advantage.
II.The caution or exhortation itself, not to mingle with unbelievers, not to be unequally yoked with them, Co2 6:14. Either,
1.In stated relations. It is wrong for good people to join in affinity with the wicked and profane; these will draw different ways, and that will be galling and grievous. Those relations that are our choice must be chosen by rule; and it is good for those who are themselves the children of God to join with those who are so likewise; for there is more danger that the bad will damage the good than hope that the good will benefit the bad.
2.In common conversation. We should not yoke ourselves in friendship and acquaintance with wicked men and unbelievers. Though we cannot wholly avoid seeing, and hearing, and being with such, yet we should never choose them for our bosom-friends.
3.Much less should we join in religious communion with them; we must not join with them in their idolatrous services, nor concur with them in their false worship, nor any abominations; we must not confound together the table of the Lord and the table of devils, the house of God and the house of Rimmon. The apostle gives several good reasons against this corrupt mixture.
(1.)It is a very great absurdity, Co2 6:14, Co2 6:15. It is an unequal yoking of things together that will not agree together; as bad as for the Jews to have ploughed with an ox and an ass or to have sown divers sorts of grain intermixed. What an absurdity is it to think of joining righteousness and unrighteousness, or mingling light and darkness, fire and water, together! Believers are, and should be, righteous; but unbelievers are unrighteous. Believers are made light in the Lord, but unbelievers are in darkness; and what comfortable communion can these have together? Christ and Belial are contrary one to the other; they have opposite interests and designs, so that it is impossible there should be any concord or agreement between them. It is absurd, therefore, to think of enlisting under both; and, if the believer has part with an infidel, he does what in him lies to bring Christ and Belial together.
(2.)It is a dishonour to the Christian's profession (Co2 6:16); for Christians are by profession, and should be in reality, the temples of the living God - dedicated to, and employed for, the service of God, who has promised to reside in them, to dwell and walk in them, to stand in a special relation to them, and take a special care of them, that he will be their God and they shall be his people. Now there can be no agreement between the temple of God and idols. Idols are rivals with God for his honour, and God is a jealous God, and will not give his glory to another.
(3.)There is a great deal of danger in communicating with unbelievers and idolators, danger of being defiled and of being rejected; therefore the exhortation is (Co2 6:17) to come out from among them, and keep at a due distance, to be separate, as one would avoid the society of those who have the leprosy or the plague, for fear of taking infection, and not to touch the unclean thing, lest we be defiled. Who can touch pitch, and not be defiled by it? We must take care not to defile ourselves by converse with those who defile themselves with sin; so is the will of God, as we ever hope to be received, and not rejected, by him.
(4.)It is base ingratitude to God for all the favours he has bestowed upon believers and promised to them, Co2 6:18. God has promised to be a Father to them, and that they shall be his sons and his daughters; and is there a greater honour or happiness than this? How ungrateful a thing then must it be if those who have this dignity and felicity should degrade and debase themselves by mingling with unbelievers! Do we thus requite the Lord, O foolish and unwise?
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged."
And yet it is not an equal return, first to be loved, afterwards to love. For even if one were to contribute that which is equal in amount, he is inferior in that he comes to it second. 'But nevertheless I am not going to reckon strictly,' saith he, 'and if ye after having received the first advances from me do but show forth the same amount, I am well-pleased and contented.' Then to show that to do this was even a debt, and that what he said was void of flattery, he saith, "I speak as unto my children." What meaneth, "as unto my children?" 'I ask no great thing, if being your father I wish to be loved by you.' And see wisdom and moderation of mind. He mentions not here his dangers on their behalf, and his labors, and his deaths, although he had many to tell of: (so free from pride is he!) but his love: and on this account he claims to be loved; 'because,' saith he, 'I was your father, because I exceedingly burn for you,' [for] it is often especially offensive to the person beloved when a man sets forth his benefits to him; for he seems to reproach. Wherefore Paul doth not this; but, 'like children, love your father,' saith he, which rather proceeds from instinct; and is the due of every father.
Paul blunts the force of his accusations by calling the Corinthians his children.
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Summary
Paul's concluding exhortation in 2 Corinthians 6:13 serves as a tender yet direct appeal for the Corinthian believers to reciprocate the open-hearted affection and spiritual generosity he has shown them. Framing his request with the intimate language of a father addressing his children, Paul urges them to expand their own hearts, removing any self-imposed constraints or suspicions that might hinder genuine fellowship and mutual love within the Christian community. This verse encapsulates a call for spiritual openness and relational reciprocity, essential for healthy church life.
Context
Literary Context
This verse acts as the culmination of Paul's personal appeal to the Corinthians, immediately following his passionate declaration of open-heartedness in 2 Corinthians 6:11-12. In these preceding verses, Paul states, "O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels." He contrasts his own expansive affection with their perceived constriction, setting the stage for his plea in 2 Corinthians 6:13 for them to "be ye also enlarged." This section transitions directly into a strong exhortation against being unequally yoked with unbelievers in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and 2 Corinthians 7:1, suggesting that their "straitened" hearts might be linked to their entanglements with the world. Thus, 2 Corinthians 6:13 serves as a bridge, inviting them to relational openness as a prerequisite for spiritual purity.
Historical & Cultural Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, notorious for its wealth, diverse population, and prevalent immorality, including various pagan cults and philosophical schools. The Corinthian church, though gifted, struggled with internal divisions, pride, immorality, and a tendency to evaluate spiritual leaders based on worldly wisdom and rhetorical skill rather than spiritual authenticity. Paul's ministry among them had faced criticism and challenge from rival teachers, leading to a strained relationship. His letters, including 2 Corinthians, reflect his ongoing efforts to defend his apostolic authority, clarify his motives, and restore genuine fellowship. The cultural emphasis on rhetoric and social status likely contributed to the Corinthians' critical stance toward Paul, who often presented himself in humility and weakness, contrary to their expectations of a powerful leader. His appeal for an "enlarged" heart is thus a call to transcend these cultural biases and embrace a spiritual understanding of relationships.
Key Themes
2 Corinthians 6:13 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the theme of reconciliation and restoration within the church, as Paul seeks to mend the fractured relationship between himself and the Corinthians. His open heart and call for reciprocity are central to this. Secondly, it highlights authentic Christian fellowship, emphasizing mutual love, trust, and vulnerability as foundational elements, echoing the unity Paul often champions (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:10). Thirdly, the verse reinforces Paul's paternal affection and spiritual authority as he addresses them as "my children," a recurring motif that emphasizes his deep care for their spiritual maturity and well-being (e.g., 1 Corinthians 4:15). Finally, the concept of "enlargement" points to the theme of spiritual growth and maturity, urging believers to expand their capacity for love, understanding, and acceptance, moving beyond narrow-mindedness or suspicion.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This noun, derived from a compound meaning "in return for" and "wages/reward," signifies a requital or correspondence. In this context, it's not about earning a reward, but about a reciprocal action. Paul is asking for a "return" or "correspondence" in the same measure of openness and love he has already extended to them. It implies a mutual exchange, a fitting response to his own enlarged heart.
This term literally means "a child as produced," emphasizing a direct relationship of spiritual parentage. Paul uses this intimate and affectionate address to highlight his deep, paternal care and spiritual authority over the Corinthian believers, whom he had brought to faith. It underscores the tenderness and genuine concern underlying his exhortation, appealing to their filial duty and love.
Derived from a root meaning "wide" or "broad," this verb means "to widen, to make broad, to enlarge." Paul uses it to describe his own heart in 2 Corinthians 6:11 and here as an imperative for the Corinthians. It metaphorically refers to expanding one's capacity for love, affection, understanding, and acceptance, moving away from a state of constriction, narrow-mindedness, or suspicion. It's a call to open their hearts fully to Paul, to one another, and ultimately to God.
Verse Breakdown
"Now for a recompence in the same"
Paul initiates his appeal by stating the purpose of his request: he desires a "recompense" or "return" in the same manner that he has already demonstrated. Having opened his heart and spoken freely to them, he expects a corresponding openness from their side. This sets up the expectation of reciprocity in their relationship.
"(I speak as unto [my] children,)"
Paul interjects a parenthetical statement, clarifying the nature of his appeal. By addressing them as "my children," he emphasizes his spiritual fatherhood and the deep, tender affection he holds for them. This softens the command, framing it not as a demand from an authority figure, but as a loving request from a concerned parent for the well-being and maturity of his offspring. It also implicitly reminds them of their spiritual debt to him as the one who brought them the gospel.
"be ye also enlarged."
This is the core exhortation. Following his own example of an "enlarged heart" (2 Corinthians 6:11), Paul commands the Corinthians to likewise "be enlarged." This passive imperative suggests that they should allow their hearts to be expanded, implying a removal of self-imposed limitations, suspicions, or prejudices that were "straitening" them. It is a call to broaden their affections, deepen their trust, and fully embrace Paul and one another in mutual love and fellowship.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Parenthesis is evident in the phrase "(I speak as unto [my] children,)", which interjects a personal and relational clarification into the main exhortation, softening the command and emphasizing Paul's genuine affection. Metaphor is central to the concept of the "enlarged" heart, which is not a literal physical expansion but a figurative representation of an expanded capacity for love, understanding, and acceptance. This imagery contrasts with the "straitened" or constricted heart mentioned in 2 Corinthians 6:12, creating a powerful antithesis between Paul's open heart and their closed one. The phrase "for a recompence in the same" also implies reciprocity, highlighting the mutual nature of healthy relationships and the expectation of a corresponding response to Paul's demonstrated love.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Corinthians 6:13 powerfully articulates the New Testament's emphasis on genuine, reciprocal love and open fellowship within the body of Christ. Paul's appeal for the Corinthians to "be enlarged" reflects a foundational theological truth: that Christian maturity involves an ever-expanding capacity for love, grace, and acceptance, mirroring God's boundless love for humanity. This enlargement is not merely emotional but spiritual, enabling believers to overcome divisions, suspicion, and self-centeredness, fostering true unity and mutual edification. It underscores that authentic Christian relationships are characterized by vulnerability, trust, and a willingness to extend and receive affection, moving beyond superficial interactions to deep, Spirit-empowered communion.
Reflection and Application
Paul's heartfelt plea in 2 Corinthians 6:13 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to cultivate a spirit of radical openness and generous love. In a world often marked by suspicion, divisiveness, and emotional guardedness, the call to "be enlarged" is a counter-cultural imperative. It urges us to actively dismantle the walls we build around our hearts—walls of prejudice, past hurts, fear of vulnerability, or self-protection—and instead, to embrace a posture of expansive affection towards God, fellow believers, and even those outside the faith. This means extending grace, offering forgiveness, seeking understanding, and being willing to be known, just as Paul was known to the Corinthians. An enlarged heart is a Spirit-filled heart, capable of reflecting the boundless love of Christ and fostering genuine, life-giving community.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "enlarged" in this context?
When Paul asks the Corinthians to "be enlarged," he is using a metaphor to describe an expansion of their capacity for love, affection, understanding, and acceptance. Just as he states his own heart is "enlarged" in 2 Corinthians 6:11, he is urging them to remove any self-imposed emotional or spiritual constraints, such as suspicion, prejudice, or narrow-mindedness, that might be hindering their full fellowship with him and with one another. It's a call to open their hearts fully to reciprocal love and trust within the Christian community.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Corinthians 6:13 is a direct pastoral appeal for relational reciprocity, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and pattern in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the embodiment of the "enlarged heart," demonstrating boundless love, acceptance, and self-giving. His incarnation was the ultimate act of God's heart being "enlarged" towards humanity, bridging the infinite gap between Creator and created (John 3:16). On the cross, Jesus's heart was fully "enlarged" in suffering love, taking upon Himself the sin of the world to reconcile us to God (2 Corinthians 5:21). His resurrection and ascension signify His continued, expansive reign, inviting all to come to Him with open hearts (Matthew 11:28). As believers, our capacity to "be enlarged" is a direct result of Christ's work in us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to love with His love and extend the same grace and acceptance we have received from Him (Romans 5:5). Thus, Paul's exhortation is not merely a humanistic call for niceness, but a Spirit-empowered invitation to participate in the very expansive, reconciling love of Christ.