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.

An Appeal to Use God's Grace Wisely

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As God’s fellow-workers we also urge you not to receive his grace and then do nothing with it. ​
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For he says, “At the acceptable time I heard you; in the day of salvation I helped you.” ​

The Conduct of God's Ministers

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We try not to put obstacles in anyone’s path, so that no one can find fault with the work we do. ​
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On the contrary, we try to commend ourselves in every way as workers for God by continually enduring troubles, hardships, calamities, ​
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beatings, imprisonments, riots, overwork, lack of sleep and food.
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We commend ourselves by our purity, knowledge, patience and kindness; by the Ruach HaKodesh; by genuineness of love
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and truthfulness of speech; and by God’s power. We commend ourselves through our use of righteous weapons, whether for pressing our cause or defending it; ​
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through being honored and dishonored, praised and blamed, considered deceptive and sincere, ​
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unknown and famous. And we commend ourselves as God’s workers headed for death, yet look! we’re alive! as punished, yet not killed;
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as having reason to be sad, yet always filled with joy; as poor, yet making many people rich; as having nothing, yet having everything! ​

Paul’s Affection and Open Heart

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Dear friends in Corinth! We have spoken frankly to you, we have opened our hearts wide. ​
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Any constraint you feel has not been imposed by us, but by your own inner selves. ​
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So, just to be “fair” (I am using the language of children), open wide your hearts too.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

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Do not yoke yourselves together in a team with unbelievers. For how can righteousness and lawlessness be partners? What fellowship does light have with darkness? ​
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What harmony can there be between the Messiah and B’liya‘al? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ​
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What agreement can there be between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God — as God said, “I will house myself in them, . . . and I will walk among you. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ​
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Therefore Adonai says, “‘Go out from their midst; separate yourselves; don’t even touch what is unclean. Then I myself will receive you. ​
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In fact, I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters.’ says Adonai-Tzva’ot.” ​

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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