1 We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and [yet] true;
9 As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.
11 O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto [my] children,) be ye also enlarged.
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Context and Background
2 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. Chapter 6 is part of a larger discourse where Paul defends his ministry and encourages the believers to remain faithful and separate from worldly influences. This chapter highlights themes of partnership, holiness, and the ministry of reconciliation.
Key Themes
- Partnership with God: Paul emphasizes the importance of working together with God in the ministry.
- Holiness: The call to live a life set apart from sin and worldly influences is a central theme.
- Reconciliation: The chapter discusses the ministry of reconciliation that believers are called to partake in.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verse 1: Paul begins by urging the Corinthians not to receive God’s grace in vain. This sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing the seriousness of their response to God’s call.
- Verses 2-3: Paul quotes Isaiah to affirm the urgency of salvation and the importance of timing in responding to God. He also stresses that his ministry has been conducted in a way that does not cause offense.
- Verses 4-10: Paul outlines the hardships faced in his ministry. He lists various trials, including beatings, imprisonments, and hardships, but contrasts these with the virtues of purity, knowledge, and patience. This juxtaposition highlights the resilience of his ministry.
- Verses 11-13: Paul expresses his open-heartedness towards the Corinthians. He invites them to reciprocate, indicating a desire for mutual love and understanding.
- Verses 14-16: Paul warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of spiritual compatibility in relationships and partnerships.
- Verses 17-18: Paul calls for separation from unclean things, reinforcing the call to holiness. He assures the Corinthians that God will be their Father if they respond to this call.
- Verse 18: The chapter concludes with the promise of a deep, familial relationship with God, highlighting the identity of believers as His children.
Theological Implications
This chapter presents several theological implications for believers:
- Grace and Responsibility: Receiving God’s grace comes with the responsibility to live in a manner that reflects that grace.
- Endurance in Ministry: The hardships faced by Paul serve as a model for believers to endure trials in their own lives and ministries.
- Holiness as a Calling: The call to be separate from the world emphasizes the importance of holiness in the life of a believer.
Practical Applications
From this chapter, believers can draw several practical applications:
- Evaluate Relationships: Reflect on personal relationships and partnerships to ensure they align with one’s faith.
- Embrace Hardships: Understand that trials can strengthen faith and character, and should be faced with resilience.
- Live Out Faith Boldly: Be open-hearted and transparent in relationships with others, encouraging mutual growth in faith.
Conclusion
2 Corinthians Chapter 6 serves as a powerful reminder of the call to holiness, the importance of partnerships in faith, and the endurance required in ministry. It challenges believers to live out their faith authentically and to be mindful of their relationships with the world around them.
