Study notes

2 Corinthians 6

Introducing 2 CorinthiansWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

5:11–6:10 Section

Some people in the Corinthian church spoke against Paul and those who worked with him. They didn’t want the Corinthians to trust Paul as an apostle. They accused Paul and his fellow workers of being crazy. They claimed that they looked better than Paul. They claimed that their words made more sense than the words of Paul and his companions. They did this so that people would believe them instead of what Paul preached.

Paul explained that the Corinthians could be proud of him and his fellow workers. They could be proud because Paul and his companions were faithful to God. They served others and were full of Christ’s love. They were messengers sent by Jesus to beg people to receive God’s mercy. God showed his mercy when Jesus died on the cross. That is when Jesus stopped the power of sin over people. He made it possible for them to live in peace with God. That is what it means to be brought back to God. Being brought back to God is the same as being made right with God.

People who are brought back to God live for Jesus Christ. It’s as if they have died to the way they used to live. Now they are part of the new creation. They work together with God to invite everyone to come back to God. Paul and his fellow workers faced many dangers as they did this work. They remained faithful to God even when they were treated badly. The Holy Spirit's power gave them the strength to keep following Jesus’ example.

6:1–2

To win over the discontented believers in Corinth, Paul asks them to listen to him and Timothy as God's servants and messengers.
As God's fellow workers: Literally As we work together, which raises the question of whether Paul meant they were working as a team or working together with God.

6:2

This quote from Isaiah 49:8 emphasizes that God's offer of salvation can lead to reconciliation between Paul and the Corinthians. Their reconciliation with Paul would naturally follow their true acceptance of the good news.

6:3–10

Paul provides a clear picture of the challenges in his ministry (compare 4:7–18). He lists nine trials, many of which are recorded in Acts (for example, Acts 14:5–6, 19–20; 16:19–24; 21:30–36). Through their unwavering suffering for the good news, Paul and Timothy (2 Corinthians 1:1) proved they were true ministers of God.

6:6–7

Paul talks about how he faced suffering with courage. He says his strength came from the Holy Spirit within us.

6:8–10

People often attacked Paul's character as an apostle, even calling him and his colleagues imposters. Despite these attitudes, Paul remained honest. They likely thought Paul was insignificant and could be ignored, a reckless person taking unnecessary risks that made him seem almost dead already. Paul countered each of their claims with insights into spiritual reality.

6:11–13

Paul’s passionate plea shows his true feelings.
Our hearts are open wide: These feelings continue in 7:2 (see study notes on 6:14–7:1; 7:2–4).

6:11–7:1 Section

In John chapter 15, Jesus talked about how believers are joined to him through love. Paul described how he and the Corinthian believers were also joined together by love. He made it clear that he served them because he loved them. He begged them to show him their love too.

But they must be careful who they opened their hearts to. Paul warned them about being joined to people who don’t love and serve Jesus. Many people don’t want God’s light. They worship false gods instead of the one true God. They don’t say no to evil.

God lives among the people who trust in Jesus. They remain pure and holy by following Jesus’ example for living. This means that they say no to evil.

6:14

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers: This advice refers to the Jewish rule against certain mixtures (Leviticus 19:19; Deuteronomy 22:10). Paul likely referred to the Corinthians' involvement in idol worship (see 1 Corinthians 8–10; compare 1 Corinthians 10:14–22).

6:14–7:1

The connection between 6:13 and 7:2 has led many scholars to think that 6:14–7:1 might be an inserted fragment from another letter, possibly the one mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9. However, this section could also be a digression in Paul's writing, challenging the Corinthians to stop opposing him and his message. Paul wanted to restore relationships, and here he describes believers in Christ as forming a holy temple. Believers' identity as the temple of God encourages harmony among them and separation from the impurity of unbelieving attitudes and behaviors. Paul contrasts Christian and pagan morality using quotations from the Old Testament.