II Corinthians 6 Commentary
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
(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.)
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
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.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
II Corinthians 6 delves into the heart of Paul's ministry and his passionate plea for the Corinthians to fully embrace the grace of God. This chapter, building upon the message of grace in the previous chapter, serves as both a loving exhortation and a firm warning. Paul urges his readers not to receive God's grace in vain, while also cautioning them against compromising their faith through inappropriate associations. This chapter is a powerful testament to the dedication required of those who minister the gospel and the importance of maintaining spiritual purity.
Receiving God's Grace (II Corinthians 6:1-2)
Paul begins by appealing to the Corinthians as fellow workers with God, urging them not to receive God's grace in vain (II Corinthians 6:1). He emphasizes that the "day of salvation" has arrived, quoting from Isaiah 49:8 to underscore the urgency of the present moment (II Corinthians 6:2). This "day" is a window of opportunity, a time to seize the gift of salvation offered freely through Christ. Paul's concern stems from the potential influence of false teachers, possibly Judaizers, who were leading some astray by advocating adherence to the Mosaic law as a means of attaining righteousness. Paul reminds them that true Christian living is not about self-effort but about relying on God's grace. To maximize the salvation we have received, we must operate in the light of God’s grace.
Paul's Example of Authentic Ministry (II Corinthians 6:3-10)
Paul then shifts his focus to his own ministry, presenting himself and his team as examples worthy of emulation. He insists that he and his co-workers have done nothing to hinder anyone from believing in Jesus, and that they have not given any offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed (II Corinthians 6:3). He sought to protect his ministry from accusations, avoiding anything that would compromise it and bring spiritual ruin to the lives of others, unlike the false teachers who were sowing discord.
To commend his ministry (II Corinthians 6:4), Paul details the hardships they have endured for the sake of the gospel, showcasing their unwavering commitment to Christ. These afflictions included tribulations, necessities, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watchings, fastings (II Corinthians 6:4-5). He and his coworkers were willing to suffer many intense afflictions to honor Christ and see lives transformed for his kingdom. Despite these trials, their character remained Christlike, and God's power was evident in their lives.
Paul further describes the qualities necessary for faithful ministry: by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (II Corinthians 6:6-7). He then lists nine pairs of paradoxes that he experienced, highlighting the contrasting realities of his life: by honour and dishonour; by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things (II Corinthians 6:8-10). Through his personal character, the divine affirmation of his work, and his spiritual successes in spite of adversity, Paul’s apostleship was validated.
An Open Heart (II Corinthians 6:11-13)
Paul then emphasizes the openness and transparency of his relationship with the Corinthians. O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged (II Corinthians 6:11). He had not operated in secret among them, keeping nothing from them but had always spoken openly with a heart like an open book. His ministry was nothing if not authentic and characterized by affection. In contrast, the Corinthians were the ones withholding affection from Paul. He pleads with them to reciprocate his love, urging them to be open to him as he has been to them. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged (II Corinthians 6:13). He speaks as a father to his children, imploring them to embrace him with the same commitment he has shown them. Paul is an authentic and powerful example not only for all church leaders but for all church members as well. Those who serve in positions of leadership ought to have a deep love for those under their spiritual care. Likewise, the congregation should have warm affection and respect for their leaders who will one day “give an account” to God for the souls of those whom they serve (Hebrews 13:17). Without this two-way openness, it’s difficult for those within a church to care for and protect one another spiritually.
Separation from Unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14-18)
Paul concludes the chapter with a strong exhortation against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14). Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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 (II Corinthians 6:14-16). This command likely refers to contracted relationships that would bind a Christian to a non-Christian in some formal way, including marriage, business partnerships, or other significant personal ties. This doesn't forbid believers from ever associating with unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:10), but from participating in relationships that would obligate them to unbelievers, perhaps especially in areas involving idol worship.
To become partners with can also be translated “be unequally yoked” (II Corinthians 6:14). The idea comes from Deuteronomy 22:10, in which the Israelites were commanded not to have “an ox and a donkey” plowing together. What’s true among animals is true among humans. Close relationships or partnerships between believers and unbelievers result in an unholy union. After all, what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? (II Corinthians 6:15).
Paul supports his argument by quoting from several Old Testament passages (II Corinthians 6:16-18), emphasizing the need for believers to separate themselves from anything that defiles or compromises their relationship with God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (II Corinthians 6:17-18). He reminds them that they are now the temple of God, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and therefore must maintain their purity.
Whether it’s a romantic relationship, intimate friendship, or a business partnership, such compromise negatively affects your intimacy with God. When you align yourself with those whose beliefs and lives are far from God, you’ll find God distancing himself from you too.
II Corinthians 6 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing God's grace, living a life that reflects Christ, and maintaining spiritual purity through separation from the world. It challenges believers to examine their relationships and commitments, ensuring that they are not compromising their faith or hindering their walk with God.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
(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.)
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
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.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
II Corinthians 6 delves into the heart of Paul's ministry and his passionate plea for the Corinthians to fully embrace the grace of God. This chapter, building upon the message of grace in the previous chapter, serves as both a loving exhortation and a firm warning. Paul urges his readers not to receive God's grace in vain, while also cautioning them against compromising their faith through inappropriate associations. This chapter is a powerful testament to the dedication required of those who minister the gospel and the importance of maintaining spiritual purity.
Receiving God's Grace (II Corinthians 6:1-2)
Paul begins by appealing to the Corinthians as fellow workers with God, urging them not to receive God's grace in vain (II Corinthians 6:1). He emphasizes that the "day of salvation" has arrived, quoting from Isaiah 49:8 to underscore the urgency of the present moment (II Corinthians 6:2). This "day" is a window of opportunity, a time to seize the gift of salvation offered freely through Christ. Paul's concern stems from the potential influence of false teachers, possibly Judaizers, who were leading some astray by advocating adherence to the Mosaic law as a means of attaining righteousness. Paul reminds them that true Christian living is not about self-effort but about relying on God's grace. To maximize the salvation we have received, we must operate in the light of God’s grace.
Paul's Example of Authentic Ministry (II Corinthians 6:3-10)
Paul then shifts his focus to his own ministry, presenting himself and his team as examples worthy of emulation. He insists that he and his co-workers have done nothing to hinder anyone from believing in Jesus, and that they have not given any offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed (II Corinthians 6:3). He sought to protect his ministry from accusations, avoiding anything that would compromise it and bring spiritual ruin to the lives of others, unlike the false teachers who were sowing discord.
To commend his ministry (II Corinthians 6:4), Paul details the hardships they have endured for the sake of the gospel, showcasing their unwavering commitment to Christ. These afflictions included tribulations, necessities, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watchings, fastings (II Corinthians 6:4-5). He and his coworkers were willing to suffer many intense afflictions to honor Christ and see lives transformed for his kingdom. Despite these trials, their character remained Christlike, and God's power was evident in their lives.
Paul further describes the qualities necessary for faithful ministry: by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (II Corinthians 6:6-7). He then lists nine pairs of paradoxes that he experienced, highlighting the contrasting realities of his life: by honour and dishonour; by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things (II Corinthians 6:8-10). Through his personal character, the divine affirmation of his work, and his spiritual successes in spite of adversity, Paul’s apostleship was validated.
An Open Heart (II Corinthians 6:11-13)
Paul then emphasizes the openness and transparency of his relationship with the Corinthians. O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged (II Corinthians 6:11). He had not operated in secret among them, keeping nothing from them but had always spoken openly with a heart like an open book. His ministry was nothing if not authentic and characterized by affection. In contrast, the Corinthians were the ones withholding affection from Paul. He pleads with them to reciprocate his love, urging them to be open to him as he has been to them. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged (II Corinthians 6:13). He speaks as a father to his children, imploring them to embrace him with the same commitment he has shown them. Paul is an authentic and powerful example not only for all church leaders but for all church members as well. Those who serve in positions of leadership ought to have a deep love for those under their spiritual care. Likewise, the congregation should have warm affection and respect for their leaders who will one day “give an account” to God for the souls of those whom they serve (Hebrews 13:17). Without this two-way openness, it’s difficult for those within a church to care for and protect one another spiritually.
Separation from Unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14-18)
Paul concludes the chapter with a strong exhortation against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14). Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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 (II Corinthians 6:14-16). This command likely refers to contracted relationships that would bind a Christian to a non-Christian in some formal way, including marriage, business partnerships, or other significant personal ties. This doesn't forbid believers from ever associating with unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:10), but from participating in relationships that would obligate them to unbelievers, perhaps especially in areas involving idol worship.
To become partners with can also be translated “be unequally yoked” (II Corinthians 6:14). The idea comes from Deuteronomy 22:10, in which the Israelites were commanded not to have “an ox and a donkey” plowing together. What’s true among animals is true among humans. Close relationships or partnerships between believers and unbelievers result in an unholy union. After all, what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? (II Corinthians 6:15).
Paul supports his argument by quoting from several Old Testament passages (II Corinthians 6:16-18), emphasizing the need for believers to separate themselves from anything that defiles or compromises their relationship with God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (II Corinthians 6:17-18). He reminds them that they are now the temple of God, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and therefore must maintain their purity.
Whether it’s a romantic relationship, intimate friendship, or a business partnership, such compromise negatively affects your intimacy with God. When you align yourself with those whose beliefs and lives are far from God, you’ll find God distancing himself from you too.
II Corinthians 6 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing God's grace, living a life that reflects Christ, and maintaining spiritual purity through separation from the world. It challenges believers to examine their relationships and commitments, ensuring that they are not compromising their faith or hindering their walk with God.