2 Corinthians 6:15

2 Corinthians 6:15 KJV: "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?"

Context

This powerful rhetorical question is part of a broader exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, found in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Paul urges believers to be separate from the ungodly influences and pagan practices prevalent in their society. The preceding verse directly warns against being "unequally yoked with unbelievers," setting the stage for the stark contrasts presented in verse 15. Paul emphasizes that true followers of Christ, who are consecrated to God, cannot have genuine, harmonious fellowship with those who represent spiritual darkness and unrighteousness.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Separation: The verse highlights the fundamental incompatibility between Christ and Belial, and between believers and unbelievers. It's a call for Christians to maintain their distinct spiritual identity and purity.
• The Nature of Christ vs. Evil: It underscores the absolute opposition between Christ, who embodies righteousness and truth, and Belial, who personifies wickedness and falsehood.
• Purity of Fellowship: The passage challenges believers to carefully consider the nature of their deepest relationships and alliances, especially those that could compromise their faith or spiritual walk.
• Holiness and Consecration: Implicit in the verse is the call to holiness, recognizing that believers are set apart for God and should therefore live in a manner consistent with His nature.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Belial" (Greek: Belial) is a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "worthlessness," "wickedness," or "scoundrel." In later Jewish literature, it often became a proper name for Satan or a chief evil spirit. Paul uses it here as a direct antithesis to "Christ," vividly representing the essence of evil and rebellion against God. The word "concord" (Greek: symphōnesis) implies agreement or harmony, while "infidel" (Greek: apistos) literally means "unbelieving" or "unfaithful," referring to one without faith in Christ.

Commentary

Paul employs a series of rhetorical questions in this passage to emphasize the impossibility of true partnership between opposing spiritual forces. In 2 Corinthians 6:15, the core question is: How can Christ, the embodiment of divine light and truth, share "concord" or agreement with Belial, the personification of utter worthlessness and evil? The answer is unequivocally, "They cannot." This stark contrast extends to "he that believeth" (a Christian, a child of God, illuminated by truth) and "an infidel" (an unbeliever, one who remains in spiritual darkness). Just as light cannot truly commune with darkness (John 1:5), and righteousness cannot have fellowship with unrighteousness (2 Corinthians 6:14), so too there can be no genuine "part" or common share between those who belong to Christ and those who reject Him. This does not imply social isolation, but rather a warning against deep, binding alliances or partnerships that would compromise a believer's commitment to Christ and their spiritual integrity, particularly in areas of faith, values, and ultimate life purpose.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers to critically evaluate their closest relationships, especially those that involve shared life goals, values, or spiritual direction, such as marriage, business partnerships, or deep friendships. It's not a call to avoid all interaction with unbelievers (as Paul himself notes elsewhere, that would require leaving the world, 1 Corinthians 5:10), but rather a warning against forming alliances that would compromise one's faith or spiritual walk. For instance, a believer should not enter a marriage with an unbeliever, as their foundational values and ultimate allegiances are fundamentally different. Similarly, business ventures or deep friendships must be approached with wisdom, ensuring that the believer's walk with God is not hindered or corrupted. The ultimate goal is to walk as children of light, reflecting Christ's character in all areas of life.

Reflection

The profound message of 2 Corinthians 6:15 reminds us that our identity in Christ demands a distinctive way of life. As believers are the temple of the living God, we are called to a high standard of purity and separation from influences that contradict God's nature. This principle safeguards our spiritual well-being and ensures that our lives truly honor the One to whom we belong.