2 Corinthians 6:12

2 Corinthians 6:12 is a poignant expression from the Apostle Paul, revealing the heart of his relationship with the Corinthian church. Following an impassioned declaration of his open affection for them, Paul explains the source of any perceived distance or lack of spiritual communion between them.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's heartfelt declaration in 2 Corinthians 6:11: "O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged." Paul had just defended his ministry and lifestyle against accusations, demonstrating his sincerity and integrity. Here, he shifts to address the spiritual state of the Corinthians themselves. He desires a reciprocal openness and affection, which he feels is lacking on their part. The verse sets the stage for his plea in 2 Corinthians 6:13: "Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged."

Key Themes

• Unrestricted Love vs. Restricted Affection: Paul emphasizes that his capacity to love and minister to them is boundless ("not straitened in us"). The limitation, he asserts, is within their own willingness to receive and respond.
• Reciprocity in Spiritual Relationships: A healthy spiritual relationship, whether between a leader and a congregation or among believers, requires mutual openness, trust, and affection. Paul desires a full and unhindered flow of love and truth.
• Paul's Pastoral Heart: Despite the challenges and criticisms he faced from some in Corinth, Paul's deep, fatherly love for the church shines through. He longs for reconciliation and genuine spiritual communion, not just superficial adherence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two key terms that benefit from a brief linguistic look:

• "Straitened": The Greek word is stenochōreō (στενοχωρέω), meaning "to be in a narrow place," "to be restricted," "to be distressed," or "to be confined." Paul is saying that there is no narrowness or restriction on his side concerning his affection or willingness to serve them.
• "Bowels": This term, splagchna (σπλάγχνα) in Greek, literally refers to the intestines or inner organs. In ancient thought, these were considered the seat of deep emotions, compassion, and tender affections. Thus, "straitened in your own bowels" means their own inner affections, their capacity for empathy, love, and openness, were restricted or closed off. It suggests a lack of expansive love or perhaps a hardness of heart preventing them from fully embracing Paul and his message. This concept appears elsewhere, such as in Philippians 1:8 and Colossians 3:12, where the term is used to describe tender mercies or affections.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for personal and communal relationships today:

• Self-Examination: It prompts us to consider if we are "straitened in our own bowels." Are we withholding affection, forgiveness, or openness from others, especially those who genuinely seek to love and minister to us? Prejudice, past hurts, or misunderstanding can often restrict our capacity to receive and give love.
• Mutual Openness: Healthy relationships, whether in families, friendships, or churches, thrive on mutual openness and vulnerability. When one party is open and the other is closed, true communion is hindered.
• Receiving Spiritual Truth: An "enlarged heart" is essential for receiving spiritual truth and the love of God's messengers. If our hearts are closed by skepticism, cynicism, or pride, we limit the spiritual blessings available to us. Paul's desire was for the Corinthians to open their hearts to the full counsel of God and to his genuine care for them, just as he was open to them.