2 Corinthians 6
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1Working together, we entreat also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain, 2for he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you, in a day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation. 3We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed, 4but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; 6in pureness, in knowledge, in perseverance, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love, 7in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 11Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged. 12You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13Now in return, I speak as to my children, you also open your hearts. 14Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever? 16What agreement has a temple of God with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you. 18I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
World English Bible (public domain)
“"We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities."”
2 Corinthians 6:3-4
Summary
In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul speaks about the character and conduct of a faithful minister of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of not putting obstacles in anyone's way and commending oneself through enduring hardships with purity and genuine love. He mentions various trials, including hardships, beatings, imprisonments, and sleepless nights, showing how God's grace sustains the faithful. Paul also stresses the importance of holiness and separation from ungodly influences, encouraging the Corinthian believers to live as temples of the living God. This chapter underscores a call to perseverance, integrity, and maintaining a spiritually distinct lifestyle in light of divine promises.
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Chapter outline
How 2 Corinthians 6 unfolds
2 Corinthians 6:1–2 The Call to Accept Grace
Paul urges the Corinthians not to accept God's grace in vain, emphasizing that now is the time for salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:3–5 Commending the Ministry
Paul explains that he and his companions strive to avoid causing others to stumble by demonstrating their commitment through endurance in various trials.
2 Corinthians 6:6–10 The Qualities of Servants
He lists the qualities that commend their ministry, asserting that their integrity is shown through love, knowledge, and the power of God.
2 Corinthians 6:11–13 Openness in Communication
Paul expresses his open heart toward the Corinthians and encourages them to reciprocate by opening their hearts to him.
2 Corinthians 6:14–18 The Call to Holiness
Paul warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers and calls for separation from unclean influences, affirming their identity as God's temple.
Key verses
2 Corinthians 6:3-4The key verse encapsulates the chapter's emphasis on integrity and the challenges faced in ministry, reflecting true servant leadership.
Main themes in 2 Corinthians 6
Endurance
Endurance is a key theme in verses 3-5, where Paul recounts the trials faced by himself and his companions. The chapter develops this theme by illustrating how their perseverance through suffering is integral to their ministry's authenticity. It underscores that genuine faith often manifests through the ability to withstand hardships.
Integrity
Integrity is emphasized in verses 3-4, where Paul insists on placing no obstacles in anyone's way. The chapter further complicates this by showing that integrity is demonstrated through their response to suffering and their commitment to truth. This theme highlights the importance of maintaining character in ministry for effective witness.
Holiness
Holiness is addressed in verses 14-17, where Paul instructs the Corinthians to separate themselves from unbelievers and any unclean influences that compromise their faith. The chapter develops this theme by emphasizing their identity as God's temple, which necessitates a lifestyle that mirrors His holiness and character. This movement underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity, reflecting the seriousness of their commitment to God.
Separation from Worldliness
Separation from worldliness is sharply articulated in verses 14-18, where Paul warns the believers against being yoked with unbelievers, highlighting the fundamental differences between their values. The chapter complicates this theme by asserting that believers are called to live as distinct representatives of God's kingdom, which requires clear boundaries in their associations. This emphasis calls them to embody their identity in Christ, setting them apart from secular influences.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 2 Corinthians 6
- Revelation 21This connects as both passages highlight the theme of God's dwelling among His people, emphasizing divine presence.
- 1 Corinthians 3This echoes the idea of believers as God's temple, reinforcing the call for holiness and proper conduct.
- Exodus 29This develops the theme of God's sanctification of His people, paralleling the concept of separation from the unclean.
- Hebrews 8This connects through the promise of God dwelling with His people, showcasing the new covenant's relational aspect.
- Leviticus 26This echoes God's call for His people to be holy and distinct, reinforcing the necessity of separation from sin.
- Ezekiel 37This connects as it emphasizes God's intention to be among His people, highlighting the hope of restoration and presence.
Study questions
Questions for studying 2 Corinthians 6
- What does Paul mean by receiving the grace of God in vain?
- How do the hardships Paul mentions illustrate his ministry's credibility?
- What qualities does Paul highlight as essential for servants of God?
- Why is it significant that Paul refers to the Corinthians as his children?
- What does being a temple of the living God imply for the Corinthians?
- How can the command to be separate from the world apply today?
- In what ways does this chapter highlight the importance of integrity in ministry?
2 Corinthians 6: frequently asked questions
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