In 2 Corinthians Chapter 6, Paul continues his appeal to the Corinthians as fellow workers with God, urging them not to receive God’s grace in vain but to respond faithfully during this favorable time of salvation. He describes the hardships and difficulties he and his companions have endured for the sake of the gospel, listing afflictions such as persecutions, sleepless nights, and hunger, yet demonstrating how they remained faithful through purity, patience, and the power of God. Paul presents a striking list of contrasts, showing how apparent weakness and suffering coexist with genuine spiritual strength, joy, and richness in Christ.
Paul then appeals directly to the Corinthians, expressing his open affection for them and encouraging them to widen their own hearts in return. He urges the believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, emphasizing the incompatibility between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, and the temple of God with idols. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are the temple of the living God, calling them to separate themselves from impurity and to embrace a life set apart for the Lord. The chapter closes with the promise that God will welcome those who remain faithful, affirming His fatherly relationship with those who walk in holiness.
Chapter 6 (BBE)
1 We then, working together with God, make our request to you not to take the grace of God to no purpose.
2 (For he says, I have given ear to you at a good time, and I have been your helper in a day of salvation: see, now is the good time; now is the day of salvation):
3 Giving no cause for trouble in anything, so that no one may be able to say anything against our work;
4 But in everything making it clear that we are the servants of God, in quiet strength, in troubles, in need, in sorrow,
5 In blows, in prisons, in attacks, in hard work, in watchings, in going without food;
6 In a clean heart, in knowledge, in long waiting, in being kind, in the Holy Spirit, in true love,
7 In the true word, in the power of God; with the arms of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By glory and by shame, by an evil name and a good name; as untrue, and still true;
9 Unnoted, but still kept fully in mind; as near to death, but still living; as undergoing punishment, but not put to death;
10 As full of sorrow, but ever glad; as poor, but giving wealth to others; as having nothing, but still having all things.
11 Our mouth is open to you, O Corinthians, our heart is wide.
12 It is not our feelings to you which are narrow, but yours to us.
13 Now to give me back payment of the same sort (I am talking as to my children), let your hearts be wide open to me.
14 Do not keep company with those who have not faith: for what is there in common between righteousness and evil, or between light and dark?
15 And what agreement is there between Christ and the Evil One? or what part has one who has faith with one who has not?
16 And what agreement has the house of God with images? for we are a house of the living God; even as God has said, I will be living among them, and walking with them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people.
17 For which cause, Come out from among them, and be separate, says the Lord, and let no unclean thing come near you; and I will take you for myself,
18 And will be a Father to you; and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord, the Ruler of all.
Important Verses
Verse 2 Paul emphasizes that now is the favorable time to receive God’s grace, urging immediate response to salvation.
Verse 4 He describes how he and his companions have proven their ministry through endurance in hardship and affliction.
Verse 10 Paul highlights the paradox of ministry, describing sorrow alongside joy, and poverty alongside spiritual richness.
Verse 14 He warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, emphasizing the contrast between righteousness and wickedness.
Verse 16 Paul affirms that believers are the temple of the living God, calling them to a life of purity and devotion.
Verse 18 He closes with God’s promise to be a Father to those who remain faithful and set apart for Him.
