![[article cover study.wiki.png]] **[Practical Christianity Wiki Home page]( https://publish.obsidian.md/practical-christianity/About/Biblical+Studies)** [Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity) **Cross Reference**: #2_Corinthians #theology, #new_testament, #Christian_ministry, #sanctification, #holiness, #the_grace_of_God, #Christian_identity, #spiritual_growth, #perseverance # Exegesis of 2 Corinthians Chapter 6 ## Co-Workers with God **Scripture Reference: [2 Corinthians 6:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.1&version=AMP)** Paul begins Chapter 6 by emphasizing the responsibility of Christians to respond rightly to [[God’s Grace]]. As co-workers with God, believers are exhorted not to receive God’s grace in vain: - **“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain”** ([2 Corinthians 6:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.1&version=AMP)). This statement is a call to action for the [[Church]] to live in a manner worthy of the grace it has received, showing that [[Salvation]] is not just a status but a life-transforming relationship. ### The Acceptable Time **Scripture Reference: [2 Corinthians 6:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.2&version=AMP)** Paul cites [[Isaiah]] to underline the urgency of responding to God’s offer of [[Salvation]]: - **“For He says, ‘At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation.’”** ([2 Corinthians 6:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.2&version=AMP)). Paul’s use of [Isaiah 49:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+49.8&version={{AMP}}) emphasizes the immediacy of accepting [[Christ]] and living faithfully. He views the present era as a pivotal moment in God’s [[redemptive plan]]. ## Characteristics of a True Minister ### Avoiding Offense **Scripture Reference: [2 Corinthians 6:3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.3&version=AMP)** Paul stresses the need for integrity in [[Christian ministry]], stating that he and his companions took great care to avoid any stumbling blocks: - **“Giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited”** ([2 Corinthians 6:3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.3&version=AMP)). The integrity of one’s ministry is essential because it reflects [[Christ]] and serves as a witness to the [[Gospel]]. ### Commending Ourselves as Ministers of God **Scripture Reference: [2 Corinthians 6:4-10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.4-10&version=AMP)** Paul provides a powerful list of qualities and experiences that define a faithful servant of God. These characteristics include endurance through afflictions, hardships, and trials. Paul contrasts these sufferings with virtues such as purity, patience, and the power of the [[Holy Spirit]]: - **“In everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger”** ([2 Corinthians 6:4-5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.4-5&version=AMP)). He highlights that the true minister’s identity and value come not from external circumstances but from their internal [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] and dedication to [[God’s work]]. ## The Call to Holiness ### Separation from Worldliness **Scripture Reference: [2 Corinthians 6:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.14&version=AMP)** Paul issues a clear call for Christians to be separate from the world in their values and associations. This separation is not a withdrawal from society but a distinctness in behavior and belief: - **“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?”** ([2 Corinthians 6:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.14&version=AMP)). Being “unequally yoked” refers to being bound together with those who oppose [[God’s Righteousness]]. Paul is concerned that the [[Church]] maintain its [[spiritual purity]] and be distinct from the values of the fallen world. ### God’s Promise to Dwell Among His People **Scripture Reference: [2 Corinthians 6:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.16&version=AMP)** Paul draws from Old Testament promises to emphasize the special relationship between [[God]] and His people: - **“For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people’”** ([2 Corinthians 6:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.16&version=AMP)). This language of dwelling recalls God’s covenant promise to [[Israel]] in [Leviticus 26:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+26.12&version={{AMP}}) and [Ezekiel 37:27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+37.27&version={{AMP}}). In the [[New Covenant]], God’s presence is not confined to a temple but dwells within His people through the [[Holy Spirit]]. ### A Call to Purity **Scripture Reference: [2 Corinthians 6:17-18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.17-18&version=AMP)** Paul closes the chapter by urging the Corinthians to separate themselves from unclean practices and influences. This call to purity is accompanied by the promise of a unique relationship with God: - **“Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty”** ([2 Corinthians 6:17-18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6.17-18&version=AMP)). Paul’s call to separation is rooted in the [[Old Testament]] teaching that [[Holiness]] involves distinctiveness and devotion to [[God]]. Christians are called to be set apart for God’s purposes, reflecting their identity as [[God’s family]]. ## Reflection and Application This chapter highlights the high standard of living for [[Christians]] as co-workers with [[God]]. Believers are called to serve with integrity, endure hardship for the sake of the [[Gospel]], and maintain purity in a world that opposes [[God’s truth]]. This passage encourages the [[Church]] to stand firm in faith and reflect the distinct character of [[God’s Holiness]] in all aspects of life. #### Call to Action: - Walk with integrity, ensuring that your actions align with the teachings of [[Christ]]. - Be mindful of associations that may compromise your faith or testimony. - Pursue purity and sanctification as a reflection of your identity as [[God’s temple]]. ## Related Concepts: - [[The Ministry of Reconciliation]] - [[Holy Spirit’s Work in Believers]] - [[Spiritual Purity]] - [[Holiness]] - [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] - [[New Covenant Identity]] - [[God’s Temple]] - [[Perseverance in the Faith]]