2 Corinthians Chapter 6 — Servants of God and the Living Temple
Paul describes the hardships and integrity of his ministry while urging believers to remain separate from iniquity as the temple of God.
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Notable Verses
2 Corinthians 6:2
“For he says, 'At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Paul emphasizes the present urgency of responding to God's grace and the availability of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship do righteousness and iniquity have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?”
This verse is a foundational instruction regarding the associations and partnerships believers form with those outside the faith.
2 Corinthians 6:16
“What agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are a temple of the living God.”
Paul identifies the community of believers as God's dwelling place, underscoring their need for spiritual purity.
Chapter Summary
In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul appeals to the believers not to receive God’s grace in vain, highlighting the urgency of salvation. He provides a detailed account of the hardships he and his companions endure—including beatings, imprisonments, and hunger—while maintaining pureness, kindness, and sincere love. Paul uses a series of paradoxes to describe the Christian life, such as being 'sorrowful yet always rejoicing' and 'poor yet making many rich.' He expresses his deep affection for the Corinthians and asks them to open their hearts in return. The chapter concludes with a strong exhortation against being 'unequally yoked' with unbelievers. Paul emphasizes that there is no fellowship between righteousness and iniquity or light and darkness. He reminds the church that they are the temple of the living God and concludes with a series of Old Testament promises regarding God's presence among His people as their Father.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul uses the metaphor of a yoke—a wooden beam used to pair animals for work—to warn believers against forming binding partnerships with unbelievers. He argues that righteousness and iniquity are incompatible, just as light and darkness cannot coexist.
Paul describes his ministry through a list of intense trials, including afflictions, beatings, and imprisonments. He balances these hardships with spiritual qualities like pureness, knowledge, and sincere love, showing that his authority comes from God’s power rather than worldly comfort.
By using this title, Paul highlights that God's presence no longer dwells in a physical building but within the hearts and community of His people. This status serves as the basis for his call to avoid idolatry and remain separate from unrighteousness.
Study Note
The phrase 'unequally yoked' in verse 14 alludes to the Mosaic Law in Deuteronomy 22:10, which prohibited plowing with an ox and a donkey together.
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