2 Corinthians 6 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 2 Corinthians 6

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul addresses the Corinthian believers in this chapter, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith despite the trials and tribulations they face.

Paul reminds the Corinthians of the hardships he has endured for the sake of the gospel, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks. He encourages them to not lose heart, for their suffering is temporary, and they will one day receive the eternal reward promised to those who persevere. Paul also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pure and blameless life, exhorting the Corinthians to separate themselves from the world and its temptations.

Throughout the chapter, Paul draws upon other biblical passages, such as the call to be “unequally yoked” with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14), which echoes the teachings of Deuteronomy 22:10. He also reminds the Corinthians of God’s promise to be their Father and to welcome them as His children (2 Corinthians 6:18), a promise that resonates with the words of Jeremiah 31:9.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

We, as God’s co-workers, urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain, as stated in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2. He says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. The apostle Paul in this section is addressing the Corinthians, urging them not to receive God’s grace in vain. This emphasizes the importance of not only receiving God’s grace but also responding to it actively and faithfully. The concept of receiving grace in vain is echoed in other parts of the Bible, highlighting the significance of not disregarding God’s gift of salvation.

Paul quotes from Isaiah 49:8, where God speaks of a time of favor and salvation. This passage from Isaiah originally referred to the restoration of Israel, but Paul applies it to the present moment, emphasizing that now is the time of God’s favor and salvation for all believers. This adaptation demonstrates how Paul viewed the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the context of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ.

The urgency in Paul’s words underscores the importance of seizing the present moment to accept and live out God’s grace. This call to action serves as a reminder that salvation is not simply a future promise but a current reality that believers should embrace wholeheartedly. It emphasizes the need for believers to live out their faith actively and intentionally, not taking for granted the grace and salvation that God offers. Believers are encouraged by 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 to respond faithfully to God’s grace, recognizing the present opportunity for salvation and the need to wholeheartedly embrace God’s offer of grace. It underscores the importance of living out one’s faith in a way that honors and glorifies God, rather than receiving His grace in vain. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the immediacy and significance of God’s salvation for all who believe.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10

2 Corinthians 6:3-10 states: “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, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. The apostle Paul is outlining the characteristics that define his ministry and that of his companions in these verses. He starts by emphasizing that they do not place any stumbling blocks in the path of others that could hinder their reception of the Gospel. This shows their commitment to ensuring that their conduct aligns with the message they preach, promoting integrity and sincerity in their ministry.

Paul then lists a series of contrasts that highlight the paradoxical nature of their experiences in service to God. He speaks of enduring various hardships such as afflictions, beatings, imprisonments, and hunger, yet also embodies qualities like purity, knowledge, and patience. This juxtaposition underscores the idea that the life of a servant of God may involve suffering and trials, but it is also characterized by spiritual virtues and the power of God working through them.

The mention of hardships and sufferings aligns with the broader theme found throughout the Bible that being faithful to God often involves facing opposition and challenges. For example, in 2 Timothy 3:12, it is stated, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” This sentiment reinforces the understanding that difficulties and trials are to be expected in the Christian walk, but they are also opportunities for God’s strength to be displayed in our weakness. Paul’s description illustrates the paradoxical nature of the Christian life as being treated as impostors, yet true, unknown, yet well known, and so on. It echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” This aligns with the biblical narrative that those who follow God faithfully may face ostracism and suffering in this world, but they are known and honored by God. These verses in 2 Corinthians 6 provide a profound insight into the trials and triumphs of Christian ministry. They highlight the paradoxes and challenges that believers may encounter, emphasizing the importance of endurance, godly virtues, and reliance on the power of God in the face of adversity. Paul’s words serve as a reminder that living out one’s faith authentically may involve hardships, but through it all, there is a deeper spiritual richness and sense of possession of eternal blessings that transcends material wealth or worldly recognition.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

The apostle Paul expresses the depth of his emotions towards the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 6:11-13. He begins by saying, “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.” This shows Paul’s vulnerability and transparency in his relationship with the Corinthians. He did not hold back in sharing his thoughts, feelings, and the message of the gospel with them. This openness is a beautiful example of genuine love and care for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians.

Paul continues by stating, “We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.” Here, Paul addresses a painful reality – despite his openness and love towards them, the Corinthians seem to be holding back their affections from him. This could be due to the influence of false teachers in Corinth who sought to undermine Paul’s authority and credibility. The Corinthians’ reluctance to fully embrace Paul reveals a strained relationship that grieves his heart. The apostle then urges them to reciprocate his love by saying, “Open wide your hearts also as a fair exchange—I speak as to my children.”” Paul appeals to them as a father figure, imploring them to respond with the same level of openness and affection that he has shown them. This call for mutual openness and love is essential for the health and unity of the church. It emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships, transparency, and a spirit of humility among believers.

Paul’s words in these verses highlight the significance of authentic relationships in the Christian community. He sets an example of vulnerability, sincerity, and sacrificial love, urging the Corinthians to follow suit. This message resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of loving one another, bearing each other’s burdens, and building each other up in faith (Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Just as Paul opened wide his heart to the Corinthians, believers are called to love one another deeply, without reservation, and to cultivate relationships based on mutual trust, honesty, and genuine affection.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

The passage in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 starts with a powerful statement, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.”” This verse is often interpreted as an exhortation to believers to be cautious about forming close partnerships or relationships with non-believers. The image of being “yoked” together draws on the Old Testament concept of not plowing with an ox and a donkey yoked together (Deuteronomy 22:10), as they have different strengths, speeds, and purposes. Similarly, when believers and unbelievers are unequally yoked together, they might not share the same values, goals, or beliefs, leading to conflicts and hindrances in one’s faith journey.

Paul continues by asking rhetorical questions: “For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” He contrasts righteousness with wickedness and light with darkness, emphasizing the stark differences between believers and unbelievers. This stark contrast calls believers to live in accordance with their faith, seeking righteousness, walking in the light, and avoiding the ways of darkness and wickedness.

Further in the passage, Paul quotes from the Old Testament, “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’” This echoes God’s call for His people to be set apart and holy (Leviticus 20:26). Believers demonstrate their commitment to God and their desire to live according to His will by separating themselves from the ways of the world and avoiding sin.

Paul reinforces this idea of separation by promising that God will be a Father to believers and that they will be His sons and daughters. This intimate relationship with God emphasizes the importance of being set apart from the world and belonging wholly to God as His children. This passage in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and separation from the world’s influences. It encourages believers to be discerning in their relationships and associations, ensuring that they do not compromise their faith for the sake of worldly pleasures or relationships. Believers can uphold their commitment to righteousness, walk in the light of Christ, and enjoy a deep, intimate relationship with God as His beloved children by heeding Paul’s words.

After 2 Corinthians 6

The apostle Paul had endured much hardship and suffering for the sake of the gospel. Yet, he remained steadfast in his faith and continued to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. He urged the Corinthian believers to remain true to their calling, to be set apart from the world, and to live in a manner worthy of the gospel as he reflected on his experiences.

With a heart full of compassion, Paul reminded the Corinthians that they were God’s chosen people, called to be a light in the darkness. He exhorted them to open their hearts and receive the grace and love that God had so freely offered. The apostle’s words were a powerful reminder that even in the midst of trials and tribulations, the love of Christ can sustain and strengthen us. Paul’s unwavering commitment to the gospel will continue to shape the lives of the Corinthian believers as we turn the page to the next chapter, and his message of hope and redemption will echo through the ages, inspiring generations to come.