ScriptureDepth's study of 2 Corinthians 6
“We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed, but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,”
2 Corinthians 6:3-4
Paul writes to the Corinthians about his ministry, establishing that their acceptance of grace must not lead to stumbling, which he addresses through their hardships.
What 2 Corinthians 6 is about
Paul appeals to the Corinthians to accept God’s grace and not take it in vain (vv. 1-2). He speaks of a suitable time and a day of salvation. Paul commends his ministry by stating that he gives no reason for others to stumble (vv. 3-5). He describes his endurance through many hardships, including beatings and imprisonments. The qualities of servants are highlighted, as he mentions purity, kindness, and the power of God (vv. 6-10). Paul expresses his openness in communication, stating that his heart is wide open to the Corinthians (vv. 11-13). He encourages them to open their hearts in return. Paul warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, listing contrasts such as righteousness versus iniquity (vv. 14-18). He reminds them that they are the temple of God and calls them to separate from unclean things.
God promises to receive those who separate themselves and be their Father, making them His sons and daughters.
2 Corinthians 6 at a glance
- 2 Corinthians 6:1–2The Call to Accept Grace
- 2 Corinthians 6:3–5Commending the Ministry
- 2 Corinthians 6:6–10The Qualities of Servants
- 2 Corinthians 6:11–13Openness in Communication
- 2 Corinthians 6:14–18The Call to Holiness
Key verse: 2 Corinthians 6:3-4
One thing to notice
In verse 17, the phrase 'Come out from among them, and be separate' appears, following questions about the relationship between believers and unbelievers in verses 14-16. This directive addresses the need for separation from contrary influences.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read 2 Corinthians 6 (WEB)
The Call to Accept Grace 2 Corinthians 6:1–2
1Verse 1. Working together, we entreat also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain, 2Verse 2. for 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.
Commending the Ministry 2 Corinthians 6:3–5
3Verse 3. We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed, 4Verse 4. but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5Verse 5. in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;
The Qualities of Servants 2 Corinthians 6:6–10
6Verse 6. in pureness, in knowledge, in perseverance, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love, 7Verse 7. in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8Verse 8. by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9Verse 9. as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and not killed; 10Verse 10. as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Openness in Communication 2 Corinthians 6:11–13
11Verse 11. Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged. 12Verse 12. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13Verse 13. Now in return, I speak as to my children, you also open your hearts.
The Call to Holiness 2 Corinthians 6:14–18
14Verse 14. Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15Verse 15. What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever? 16Verse 16. What 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.” 17Verse 17. Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you. 18Verse 18. I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in 2 Corinthians 6
Endurance
Endurance appears as Paul lists various sufferings he has faced in ministry, such as 'beatings' and 'imprisonments' (v. 5). Despite these hardships, he remains committed to his calling, demonstrating resilience in the face of trials. The chapter acknowledges the demanding and often painful journey of ministry while urging the Corinthians to accept grace fully.
Integrity
Integrity is portrayed through Paul’s commendation of his ministry in verse 4, where he states, 'but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God.' This is connected to his perseverance through struggles, reinforcing the notion that true service to God requires both character and credibility. The chapter sets forth a picture of a leader who embodies the principles he preaches.
Holiness
Holiness is addressed through the call for separation from worldly influences in verses 14-17. Paul asks rhetorical questions about the incompatibility of righteousness and iniquity, emphasizing that believers should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. He urges the Corinthians to come out from among them and be separate, insisting that this separation is key to their identity as God's people, marked by His promise that He will dwell among them.
Separation from Worldliness
Separation from worldliness is emphasized when Paul instructs the Corinthians not to be 'unequally yoked with unbelievers' (v. 14) and poses questions about the righteousness of such associations. He identifies a clear division between believers and unbelievers, urging the community to align their identities with God's holiness. The chapter culminates with the promise of God's presence for those who separate from worldly influences.
Chapter outline
How 2 Corinthians 6 unfolds
2 Corinthians 6:1–2 The Call to Accept Grace
Paul urges the Corinthians not to receive God’s grace in vain, citing a promise that the acceptable time for salvation is now (v. 2). He emphasizes the urgency of accepting this grace.
2 Corinthians 6:3–5 Commending the Ministry
In defending his ministry, Paul lists various hardships faced to ensure their service is not discredited (vv. 3-5). He highlights the endurance required in the face of afflictions and challenges.
2 Corinthians 6:6–10 The Qualities of Servants
Paul describes the qualities of true servants of God, which include pureness, knowledge, and perseverance, alongside reliance on the Holy Spirit and sincere love (vv. 6-10). He contrasts their experiences of suffering and joy.
2 Corinthians 6:11–13 Openness in Communication
Paul expresses his openness and affection towards the Corinthians, encouraging them to reciprocate by opening their hearts (vv. 11-13). He clarifies that their restrictions come from their own feelings, not from him.
2 Corinthians 6:14–18 The Call to Holiness
Paul warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, questioning the compatibility of righteousness with iniquity, and emphasizes their identity as the temple of God (vv. 14-18). He calls them to separation from unclean influences.
Key verses
2 Corinthians 6:3-4Paul writes to the Corinthians about his ministry, establishing that their acceptance of grace must not lead to stumbling, which he addresses through their hardships.
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Study questions
Questions for studying 2 Corinthians 6
- observeIn v2, what does Paul say about the timing of salvation?
- observeWhat hardships does Paul mention in vv. 4-5 that he has endured?
- interpretIn v14, what does Paul mean by 'unequally yoked'?
- interpretIn v16, why does Paul emphasize that believers are a 'temple of the living God'?
- applyWhen have you felt 'restricted' by your own affections as mentioned in v12?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo 2 Corinthians 6
- Revelation 212 Corinthians 6:16 and Revelation 21:3Both dwell: 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “I will dwell in them,” while Revelation 21:3 states, “God’s dwelling is with people.”
- 1 Corinthians 32 Corinthians 6:16 and 1 Corinthians 3:16Both temple: 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “you are a temple of the living God,” while 1 Corinthians 3:16 asks, “Don’t you know that you are a temple of God?”
- Exodus 292 Corinthians 6:16 and Exodus 29:45Both dwell: 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “I will dwell in them,” while Exodus 29:45 states, “I will dwell among the children of Israel.”
- Hebrews 82 Corinthians 6:16 and Hebrews 8:10Both dwell: 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “I will dwell in them,” while Hebrews 8:10 states, “I will be their God.”
- Leviticus 262 Corinthians 6:16 and Leviticus 26:12Both walk: 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “I will dwell in them,” while Leviticus 26:12 states, “I will walk among you.”
- Ezekiel 372 Corinthians 6:16 and Ezekiel 37:26Both covenant: 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “I will dwell in them,” while Ezekiel 37:26 states, “I will make a covenant of peace with them.”
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