2 Corinthians6

Paul exhorts the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain, emphasizing the present as the day of salvation. He defends his apostolic ministry by detailing the hardships endured and virtues demonstrated, presenting himself and his co-workers as true ministers despite paradoxical appearances. Finally, he passionately calls them to separate from unbelievers, reminding them that they are the temple of the living God.
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An Appeal to Use God's Grace Wisely

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As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. ​
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For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! ​

The Conduct of God's Ministers

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We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. ​
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Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; ​
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in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;
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in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
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in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; ​
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through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; ​
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as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed;
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sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. ​

Paul’s Affection and Open Heart

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We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. ​
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It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained. ​
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As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

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Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? ​
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What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ​
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What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ​
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“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” ​
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And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” ​

Study Notes for 2 Corinthians 6

Verse 1

Paul, having just described the ministry of reconciliation (5:18-20), urges the Corinthians not to treat the opportunity for salvation and service—the 'grace of God'—as something trivial or ineffective.

Verse 2

This quotes Isaiah 49:8, a prophecy originally concerning Israel’s restoration. Paul applies this promise to the present time, emphasizing that the opportunity for salvation and reconciliation is immediate: 'now is the accepted time.'

Verse 3

Paul shows concern that the behavior of the apostles and their co-workers should never become an impediment or cause for criticism that discredits the message itself ('that the ministry be not blamed').

Verse 4

The term 'approving ourselves' (Gk. *synistantes heautous*) means demonstrating or commending oneself. Paul lists three categories of credentials: endurance (v. 4-5), character (v. 6-7a), and external reception (v. 7b-10).

Verse 7

'The armour of righteousness' refers to the moral integrity and upright living that serves as both offensive and defensive spiritual equipment, protecting the minister from all sides.

Verse 8

Paul describes the paradoxical nature of apostolic life, where their true identity in Christ is often masked or contradicted by the world’s perception (e.g., being called 'deceivers' while speaking the 'word of truth').

Verse 10

This climactic series of antitheses showcases the divine power sustaining the apostles. They live in a state of spiritual abundance and resurrection life, despite physical and material lack, possessing 'all things' through Christ.

Verse 11

Paul shifts to a deeply personal appeal. His 'mouth is open' signifies candid speech, and his 'heart is enlarged' implies boundless affection and space for the Corinthians.

Verse 12

Paul insists that the lack of warmth or affection is not on his side, but within the Corinthians themselves. 'Bowels' is a Hebraism referring to deep-seated emotions or affections; they are emotionally restricted toward him.

Verse 14

This command against *heterozygeō* (yoking with a different kind) demands separation from close associations—likely business, marriage, or religious participation—with unbelievers, based on inherent spiritual incompatibility.

Verse 15

The contrast between Christ and Belial (a Hebrew term meaning 'worthlessness,' often used as a synonym for Satan or absolute evil) starkly illustrates the impossibility of partnership between divine truth and spiritual corruption.

Verse 16

Paul grounds the command for separation in the doctrine of the church as the 'temple of the living God,' citing Leviticus 26:12. Since God dwells in believers, their community must remain holy and separate from idolatry.

Verse 17

This quote combines elements of Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:34, emphasizing the necessity of physical and spiritual separation from pagan practices and moral corruption to maintain covenant relationship with God.

Verse 18

This verse completes the covenant promise, drawing from 2 Samuel 7:14 and Jeremiah 31:9. The promise of adoption as 'sons and daughters' serves as the ultimate motivation for maintaining holiness and separation.

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