2 Corinthians 6 Study Bible

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Summary

Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace

2 Corinthians 6 underlines the depth of commitment and perseverance in genuine Christian ministry, as well as the stark contrast between believers and non-believers. As Christians, we are called to receive and reflect God's grace, to withstand challenges with faith and integrity, to love generously, and to separate ourselves from the world's corruption in a pursuit of holiness.

Verses 1-2: The Appeal to Accept God's Grace

Paul pleads with the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain, reminding them that now is the time of God's favor and the day of salvation.

Verses 3-10: Paul’s Hardships and Triumphs

Paul describes the trials and tribulations he and his companions have faced in their ministry. He highlights their perseverance and integrity, contrasting the world's hardships with their inner joy and spiritual wealth.

Verses 11-13: Paul’s Affection for the Corinthians

Paul expresses his open-hearted love for the Corinthians, appealing for them to reciprocate that love.

Verses 14-18: Warning against Being Yoked with Unbelievers

Paul warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, citing the incompatibility of righteousness with wickedness, and light with darkness. He urges the Corinthians to purify themselves and to strive for holiness, using powerful images from the Old Testament to underscore his message.

In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul implores the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain. He emphasizes the hardships he and his fellow workers have endured as ministers of God, reinforcing the urgency and sincerity of their message. He concludes with a powerful call to holiness, urging the believers not to form inappropriate bonds with unbelievers.

Teaching Points

The Ministry of Reconciliation
Paul emphasizes the urgency of accepting God's grace, stating, For He says: 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). This highlights the immediacy of responding to God's call.

Endurance in Trials
Paul lists various hardships faced in ministry, including in troubles, hardships, and calamities; in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger (2 Corinthians 6:4-5). These trials are met with perseverance, demonstrating the strength found in Christ.

Characteristics of a Godly Life
The passage outlines virtues such as purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love (2 Corinthians 6:6). These qualities are essential for effective ministry and personal holiness.

The Call to Holiness
Paul urges believers to separate themselves from worldly influences, stating, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? (2 Corinthians 6:14). This call to holiness is a reminder of our identity as God's people.

Practical Applications

Embrace the Present Opportunity
Recognize the urgency of sharing the gospel and living out your faith today, as now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Persevere Through Challenges
Draw strength from God to endure trials and hardships, knowing that they refine your character and witness.

Cultivate Godly Virtues
Actively pursue purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness in your interactions with others, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Live a Set-Apart Life
Evaluate your relationships and influences, ensuring they align with your commitment to Christ and His righteousness.

People

1. Paul
The author of the letter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. He speaks of his ministry and the hardships he endures for the sake of the Gospel. Paul emphasizes his role as a servant of God, enduring trials and maintaining integrity.

2. God
Referred to as the one whom Paul and his companions serve. Paul speaks of being "workers together with God" (2 Corinthians 6:1), highlighting the divine partnership in the ministry.

3. Jesus Christ
Implicitly referenced as the one whose grace should not be received in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1). Paul’s ministry is centered on the message of Christ.

4. The Corinthians
The recipients of the letter, whom Paul addresses directly. He urges them not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers and to live a life set apart for God.

5. Unbelievers
Mentioned in the context of being unequally yoked with believers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Paul warns against forming partnerships that compromise Christian values.

6. Belial
A term used to refer to worthlessness or wickedness, often personified as a representation of evil. Paul contrasts the righteousness of believers with the lawlessness associated with Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15).

7. The Living God
Paul quotes from the Old Testament, referring to God as the one who dwells among His people and walks among them (2 Corinthians 6:16). This emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His followers.

In this chapter, Paul draws on his Jewish heritage and the Greek understanding of the terms to communicate the importance of holiness and separation from worldly influences. The original Greek terms, such as "Belial" (Βελίαλ), carry connotations of worthlessness and opposition to God, underscoring the spiritual dichotomy Paul presents.

Places

1. The Day of Salvation
Paul refers to "the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2), quoting from Isaiah 49:8. This "place" is a time or state of divine favor and opportunity for reconciliation with God. The Greek word for "salvation" here is "σωτηρία" (sōtēria), emphasizing deliverance and preservation.

2. The Temple of the Living God
In verses 16-18, Paul speaks of believers as "the temple of the living God." This metaphorical place signifies the indwelling presence of God among His people. The Greek word for "temple" is "ναός" (naos), indicating the inner sanctuary, emphasizing holiness and separation from the world.

3. A Place of Endurance
Paul describes various hardships and trials in verses 4-5, such as "in troubles, hardships, and calamities" (2 Corinthians 6:4). This "place" is one of perseverance and steadfastness in the face of adversity, reflecting the Greek concept of "ὑπομονή" (hypomonē), meaning endurance or patience.

4. A Place of Purity and Knowledge
In verse 6, Paul mentions "in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness" (2 Corinthians 6:6). This "place" is characterized by virtues that reflect the character of Christ. The Greek word for "purity" is "ἁγνότης" (hagnótēs), denoting moral cleanliness and sincerity.

5. A Place of Righteousness
Paul speaks of being "in the right hand and in the left" with "weapons of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 6:7). This "place" involves spiritual warfare and living in accordance with God's standards. The Greek word for "righteousness" is "δικαιοσύνη" (dikaiosynē), emphasizing justice and moral integrity.

Events

1. Paul's Appeal for Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)
Paul urges the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain, quoting Isaiah 49:8 to emphasize the urgency of salvation: "In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." The Greek word for "favor" (δεκτός, dektos) implies an acceptable or welcome time, highlighting the immediacy of God's offer.

2. Paul's Endurance in Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:3-10)
Paul describes the hardships and virtues of his ministry, ensuring that no fault is found in their service. He lists afflictions, hardships, and distresses, alongside purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness. The Greek term for "patience" (ὑπομονή, hypomonē) suggests steadfastness and endurance under trial.

3. Contrasts in Paul's Experience (2 Corinthians 6:8-10)
Paul presents a series of paradoxes, such as being "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" and "poor, yet making many rich." These contrasts highlight the spiritual richness and joy found in Christ despite physical or worldly circumstances.

4. Call to Holiness and Separation (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Paul instructs believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, using the metaphor of a yoke to describe partnerships. The Greek word for "unequally yoked" (ἑτεροζυγέω, heterozygeō) refers to mismatched or incompatible pairings. He emphasizes the need for separation from unrighteousness, quoting Old Testament promises of God dwelling among His people.

Connections to Additional Scriptures

Isaiah 49:8
This Old Testament prophecy is echoed in 2 Corinthians 6:2, emphasizing God's promise of salvation and favor.

Romans 12:2
Encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, aligning with the call to holiness in 2 Corinthians 6:14.

1 Peter 2:9
Reinforces the identity of believers as a chosen people, called to declare God's praises, similar to the call in 2 Corinthians 6.

Prayer Points

Pray for a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel and living out your faith daily.

Ask for strength and perseverance to endure trials and challenges with grace.

Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in cultivating godly virtues in your life.

Pray for discernment in relationships and influences, striving to live a life set apart for God's glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to receive God's grace in vain?

2. How does Paul describe his trials and triumphs in ministry?

3. How do Paul's hardships in verses 3-10 relate to your own experiences?

4. What can we learn from Paul's attitude towards suffering?

5. How can you apply Paul's appeal for open-hearted love in your life?

6. How does Paul's affection for the Corinthians model Christ's love for us?

7. What does it mean to be unequally yoked with unbelievers?

8. How do the images of righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, resonate with you?

9. How can we ensure we're not being 'unequally yoked' in our personal relationships?

10. What practical steps can you take to purify yourself and strive for holiness?

11. What does the call to 'come out from them and be separate' mean in today's context?

12. How does the promise of God's fatherhood inspire you to live in purity and holiness?

13. How can we balance the call to separate ourselves from worldly influences with the call to love and serve the world?

14. What does the phrase 'the day of salvation' mean to you?

15. How can you demonstrate integrity and authenticity in your personal life as Paul did in his ministry?

16. What does this chapter teach about the relationship between God’s grace and our response?

17. How does Paul’s sincere and loving approach towards the Corinthians influence your understanding of Christian ministry?

18. How does the promise of being God’s sons and daughters affect your identity?

19. How does the idea of being a temple of the living God shape your daily life?

20. What actions can you take today to live out the truths of this chapter in your daily life?

Topics

1. The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)
Paul urges the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain, emphasizing the urgency of salvation. He quotes Isaiah 49:8, "In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." The Greek word for "favor" (δεκτός, dektos) implies an acceptable or welcome time, highlighting the present opportunity for salvation.

2. Paul's Endurance in Ministry (2 Corinthians 6:3-10)
Paul describes the hardships and virtues of his ministry, ensuring that no fault is found in their service. He lists various trials and virtues, such as "in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness" (v. 6). The Greek word for "patience" (ὑπομονή, hypomonē) suggests steadfastness and endurance under trials.

3. Call to Holiness and Separation (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Paul instructs believers not to be "unequally yoked with unbelievers" (v. 14), using the metaphor of a yoke to describe partnerships that are mismatched. The Greek term for "unequally yoked" (ἑτεροζυγέω, heterozygeō) implies an imbalance or incompatibility. He emphasizes the need for separation from unrighteousness and idolatry, promising that God will dwell among them as their Father.

Themes

1. Endurance in Ministry
Paul emphasizes the importance of enduring hardships for the sake of the Gospel. He lists various trials and challenges faced in ministry, highlighting the need for perseverance.
^“Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;”^ (2 Corinthians 6:4).
The Greek word for "endurance" (ὑπομονή, hypomonē) conveys a sense of steadfastness and perseverance under trial.

2. Purity and Righteousness
The call to live a life of purity and righteousness is evident, as Paul describes the qualities and virtues that should characterize believers.
^“in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;”^ (2 Corinthians 6:6).
The Greek term for "purity" (ἁγνότης, hagnótēs) refers to moral cleanliness and integrity.

3. Spiritual Warfare
Paul acknowledges the spiritual battle involved in ministry, using the metaphor of weapons of righteousness.
^“in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;”^ (2 Corinthians 6:7).
The concept of "weapons" (ὅπλα, hopla) in Greek suggests tools or instruments used for spiritual defense and offense.

4. Paradoxes of the Christian Life
The Christian life is marked by paradoxes, as Paul describes contrasting experiences that believers may face.
^“through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine;”^ (2 Corinthians 6:8).
These paradoxes highlight the tension between earthly perceptions and spiritual realities.

5. Call to Holiness and Separation
Paul urges believers to separate themselves from worldly influences and to pursue holiness.
^“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”^ (2 Corinthians 6:17).
The Greek word for "separate" (ἀφορίζω, aphorizō) implies setting apart for a sacred purpose.

6. God’s Promises and Fatherhood
The assurance of God’s promises and His role as a Father to believers is emphasized, providing comfort and motivation for holy living.
^“And I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”^ (2 Corinthians 6:18).
The relational aspect of God as "Father" (πατήρ, patēr) underscores the intimate and personal relationship believers have with Him.

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