TRV
“At the acceptable time I heard you;
in the day of salvation I helped you.”
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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 6:1–10. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
9 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 is the acceptable time,” says the apostle, “now is the day of salvation.” This is the time for repentance; the next life, for reward. Now is the time to endure; then will be the day of consolation. Now God is the helper of such as turn aside from the evil way; then he will be the dread and unerring inquisitor of the thoughts and words and deeds of humankind. Now we enjoy his longanimity; then we shall know his just judgment, when we have risen, some to never-ending punishment, others to life everlasting, and everyone shall receive according to his works.
Paul is teaching that God’s grace in Christ was predestined. God decreed that his mercy would be poured out in this way, that help would be lavished on those who called for it in the name of Christ.
"The acceptable time." What is this? That of the Gift, that of the Grace, when it is appointed not that an account should be required of our sins nor penalty exacted; but besides being delivered, that we should also enjoy ten thousand goods, righteousness, sanctification, and all the rest. For how much toil would it have behoved us to undergo in order to obtain this "time!" But, behold, without our toiling at all it hath come, bringing remission of all that was before. Wherefore also He calls it "acceptable," because He both accepted those that had transgressed in ten thousand things, and not acceded merely, but advanced them to the highest honor; just as when a monarch arrives, it is a time not for judgment, but for grace and pardon. Wherefore also He calleth it acceptable.
Whilst then we are yet in the lists, whilst we are at work in the vineyard, whilst the eleventh hour is left [us], let us draw nigh and show forth life; for it is also easy. For he that striveth for the mastery at such a time, when so great a gift hath been shed forth, when so great grace, will early obtain the prizes. For in the case of monarchs here below also, at the time of their festivals, and when they appear in the dress of Consuls, he who bringeth a small offering receiveth large gifts; but on the days in which they sit in judgment, much strictness, much sifting is requisite. Let us too therefore strive for the mastery in the time of this gift. It is a day of grace, of grace divine; wherefore with ease even we shall obtain the crown.
Paul backs his exhortation up with this prophetic testimony.
The holy apostle presents testimony from the prophets when he says: “At an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.” And this follows: “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Hence I also testify to you that these are the days of redemption, that this is the time, as it were, of heavenly medicine, when we shall be able to heal every stain of our vices and all the wounds of our sins. We shall do so if we faithfully implore the physician of our souls and do not, as people scarcely worthy of the undertaking, despise his precepts. For a person wearied of his illness has found healing when he very carefully observes his doctor’s orders; but if he does one thing when another is ordered, then the transgressor and not the physician is guilty if the sickness is aggravated.
There they will be tortured endlessly, not only with the hellish punishment of soul together with body but also by the very darkness of the will set in evil. Here for such people there will be the evil will itself for a heaping up of punishment, because of which there remains for them torment without end. They now scorn the opportunity offered by the acceptable time and on the day of salvation; they do not seek to be helped by God. God has conveyed this time to us in the words of the prophet, saying, “In an acceptable time, I heard you and on the day of salvation, I helped you.” When the blessed apostle inserted this testimony in his letter, he immediately added, “Behold, now is the very acceptable time; behold now is the day of salvation.”
For the blessed Paul also knew the distance between the present world and the world to come. He knew that only in the present world could the blessing of salvation be acquired but that only in the world to come could a just reward be given to individuals according to the quality of their works, good or wicked. So, when he had repeated the prophetic testimony which God speaks: “In an acceptable time, I heard you, and on the day of salvation, I helped you,” he immediately followed it up by adding, “Behold now is a very acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.” But concerning the future he says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.” Therefore, eternal life will be given in the future only to the one to whom forgiveness of sins has been given in this world. Only he will receive the forgiveness of sins here who renounces his sins and hastens to the highest and true God with true conversion of heart. For the future will not be a time of forgiveness but of retribution. There mercy will not justify the sinner, but justice will distinguish the just and the sinner.
If we go on crying out and do not receive any answer, this is for our advantage: instead of losing heart and growing weary, we should go on brazenly asking God, for it is certain that “at an acceptable time” and at the appropriate hour he will answer us and deliver us.
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Summary
2 Corinthians 6:2 is a powerful exhortation from the Apostle Paul, quoting Isaiah 49:8 to emphasize the immediate and present availability of God's reconciling grace and salvation. Paul declares that the prophetic "accepted time" and "day of salvation" are not future promises but are realized in the current era through Christ, urging an urgent and unhesitating response to God's offer of reconciliation.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the climactic point of Paul's impassioned appeal for reconciliation, building directly upon the profound theological truths presented in the preceding chapter. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Paul establishes that God has reconciled the world to Himself through Christ, entrusting believers with the "ministry of reconciliation." This leads to the declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:20, where believers are called "ambassadors for Christ," through whom God makes His appeal. The theological foundation is laid in 2 Corinthians 5:21, explaining how this reconciliation is possible: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Against this backdrop of divine initiative and Christ's atoning work, Paul introduces the quote from Isaiah 49:8 in 2 Corinthians 6:2, transforming a prophecy about Israel's restoration into an urgent, present-day call for all to embrace salvation, thus bridging the theological explanation with a practical, immediate imperative.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul's ministry in Corinth was fraught with challenges, including internal divisions, external opposition, and questions regarding his apostolic authority. The Corinthian church was a diverse community, grappling with pagan influences, moral issues, and spiritual immaturity. Paul's letters to them often oscillate between stern rebuke, tender affection, and robust theological instruction. The quotation of Isaiah 49:8 would have resonated with Jewish believers familiar with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Suffering Servant and the restoration of Israel. By applying this prophecy to the present moment, Paul recontextualizes it for a Gentile-inclusive church, asserting that the Messianic age, with its promised blessings and opportunities for salvation, has arrived in Christ. The urgency conveyed by "now" would have been particularly pertinent in a culture where philosophical and religious debates often allowed for procrastination on matters of ultimate truth, or where a sense of fatalism might have prevailed.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the urgency of reconciliation, building on the ministry of reconciliation outlined in 2 Corinthians 5. Paul emphasizes that the opportunity to respond to God's gracious offer is not infinite but bound by a divinely appointed "now." Secondly, it highlights God's sovereign timing and initiative in salvation history. By quoting Isaiah, Paul asserts that the present era is the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, a specific "accepted time" orchestrated by God for humanity's redemption. Thirdly, the verse speaks to divine enablement and succor, assuring believers that God is not merely calling them to reconciliation but actively providing the necessary help and support to embrace and live out this new relationship. This theme of divine assistance is crucial for Paul's appeal for the Corinthians to receive God's grace without hindrance, as he elaborates in 2 Corinthians 6:1.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From εὖ (eu, "well") and a derivative of προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai, "to receive favorably"), this word means "well-received," "approved," or "favorable." In this context, it signifies a time when God is uniquely disposed to show favor, to hear, and to accept individuals who turn to Him. It implies a divinely appointed period of grace, making the present moment especially conducive for salvation.
A primary particle denoting present time, "now" functions as an adverb of date, a transition, or an emphasis. Its repetition in the verse ("behold, now... behold, now...") creates a powerful sense of immediacy and urgency. It contrasts with any past or future time, asserting that the opportunity for salvation and divine favor is not merely available but is presently and presently available.
Feminine of a derivative of σωτήρ (sōtēr, "savior"), this noun refers to rescue or safety, both physically and morally. In a theological sense, it encompasses deliverance from sin, death, and judgment, leading to eternal life and a right relationship with God. Paul uses it here to denote the comprehensive spiritual deliverance and well-being offered through Christ, making the present moment the "day" when this profound rescue is accessible.
Verse Breakdown
"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee:)"
This opening clause is a direct quotation from Isaiah 49:8, where God addresses His Servant (often understood as the Messiah or Israel personified). In its original context, it speaks of God's favorable disposition and active help during a specific, divinely appointed time for the restoration and deliverance of His people. Paul leverages this ancient prophecy to establish a divine precedent for the present reality, indicating that God's plan of salvation has always involved a specific, opportune moment for intervention and grace. The "succoured" (Greek: boēthéō) speaks to God's active, helping hand.
"behold, now [is] the accepted time;"
With the imperative "behold" (Greek: idoú), Paul draws immediate attention to the present moment. He declares that the "time accepted" (Greek: kairós euprósdektos) prophesied by Isaiah is not a distant future event but is actively unfolding in the present. This "now" is the divinely appointed, favorable season during which God is uniquely disposed to receive and bless. It is a moment of unparalleled opportunity for humanity to respond to His grace.
"behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)"
This parallel clause reinforces the urgency and immediacy. The "day of salvation" (Greek: hēméra sōtēría) is synonymous with the "accepted time," emphasizing that the full scope of God's deliverance and rescue is available right here, right now. The repetition of "behold, now" serves as a powerful, double-barreled call to immediate action, leaving no room for procrastination or delay in embracing the reconciliation offered through Christ.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in 2 Corinthians 6:2. The most prominent is Quotation, as he directly cites Isaiah 49:8. This serves to ground his urgent appeal in the authority of Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating that the present dispensation of grace is not a novel concept but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan. The use of Repetition is also striking, with the phrase "behold, now" appearing twice. This anaphoric repetition creates a powerful sense of urgency and immediacy, hammering home the critical nature of the present moment. Furthermore, the verse functions as an Exhortation or Imperative, despite its indicative phrasing ("now is"). By declaring the present as the "accepted time" and "day of salvation," Paul implicitly commands an immediate response, transforming a statement of fact into a call to action. Finally, there is a subtle Juxtaposition between the original prophetic context (a future promise to the Servant) and Paul's present application (a universal, immediate opportunity), highlighting the shift from prophecy to fulfillment in the Christ event.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 6:2 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's timing and the nature of salvation. It asserts that the present era, inaugurated by Christ's life, death, and resurrection, is the climactic moment in God's redemptive history—the very "accepted time" and "day of salvation" prophesied long ago. This is not a passive waiting period, but an active, divinely appointed season when God's grace is supremely accessible and His ears are attuned to those who seek reconciliation. The urgency conveyed by "now" is a theological imperative, underscoring that while God's grace is boundless, the opportunity to respond to it is not without limit. It calls for a decisive, present-tense embrace of the Gospel, recognizing that divine favor is being poured out in this very moment.
Reflection and Application
2 Corinthians 6:2 is a clarion call to immediate spiritual action, a powerful antidote to procrastination in matters of eternal significance. For those who have not yet embraced the reconciling work of Christ, this verse is an urgent invitation: "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation!" It shatters any illusion that there will always be a tomorrow for repentance and faith, reminding us that the window of opportunity, though wide open, is not infinite. To delay is to risk missing the very moment God has appointed for our rescue. For believers, this verse serves as a profound reminder of the privilege and responsibility inherent in living within this "accepted time." It calls us to live with a heightened awareness of God's active presence and ongoing work of salvation in the world, compelling us to seize every opportunity to be agents of reconciliation, knowing that the "now" for others may also be fleeting. It encourages us to live out our faith with urgency, intentionality, and a deep gratitude for the present grace we have received.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "accepted time" mean in this verse?
The phrase "accepted time" (Greek: kairós euprósdektos) refers to a divinely appointed and favorable season or opportunity. It is a specific moment in God's redemptive plan when He is particularly disposed to show grace, hear prayers, and receive those who turn to Him. Paul, by quoting Isaiah 49:8, declares that this prophesied time of divine favor is not a future event but is "now" realized through the person and work of Jesus Christ. It signifies the present era as the opportune moment for salvation and reconciliation with God.
Why does Paul repeat "behold, now"?
The repetition of "behold, now" (Greek: idoú nŷn) serves to emphasize the profound urgency and immediacy of Paul's message. "Behold" is an imperative, drawing the reader's attention, while "now" stresses the present moment. By repeating it, Paul creates a powerful rhetorical device that leaves no room for procrastination. He is emphatically stating that the opportunity for salvation and divine favor is not in the past or future, but is available at this very moment, demanding an immediate response. It underscores the preciousness and fleeting nature of the present opportunity to embrace God's grace.
How does this verse relate to the concept of "once saved, always saved"?
While 2 Corinthians 6:2 emphasizes the present availability and urgency of salvation, its primary focus is on the opportunity to receive salvation and the imperative to respond to God's call without delay. It doesn't directly address the perseverance of the saints or the security of salvation for those who have already believed. Instead, it serves as a powerful evangelistic and pastoral appeal for individuals to enter into a reconciled relationship with God now. The verse is a call to initial conversion and an ongoing exhortation for believers to live consistently with the grace they have received, ensuring they do not "receive the grace of God in vain" (as stated in 2 Corinthians 6:1).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Corinthians 6:2 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "accepted time" and the "day of salvation." The ancient prophecy from Isaiah 49:8, originally speaking of God's favorable disposition toward His Servant, is recontextualized by Paul to point directly to the new covenant inaugurated by Christ. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection constitute the definitive moment in history when God's grace and reconciliation became fully accessible to humanity. He is the one through whom God "heard" and "succoured" us, offering deliverance from sin and death. The "now" that Paul so urgently proclaims is a direct consequence of Christ's finished work on the cross, where He "made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through Christ, the door to God's presence is opened, and the opportunity for eternal life is extended to all who believe (John 3:16). Therefore, to respond to the "now" of 2 Corinthians 6:2 is to respond to Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and the one through whom we are reconciled to God (Romans 5:10). He is the true and living way to the Father, making the "accepted time" a present, transformative reality for all who come to Him.