2 Corinthians 6
1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Common Questions About 2 Corinthians 6
What hardships does Paul describe enduring as God's servant in chapter 6?
2 Corinthians 6:4-10 lists an extensive catalog of hardships Paul endured as a servant of God, including afflictions, hardships, beatings, imprisonments, and sleepless nights, while still commending himself through purity, knowledge, patience, and genuine love.
What does this chapter say about being unequally yoked?
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 warns believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, using the image of light and darkness having no fellowship, and calling believers to come out and be separate, living as God's own people.
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Questions to Think About
- Paul's list of hardships is remarkable, yet he still describes himself through positive qualities like purity, patience, and love rather than bitterness. How do you maintain a positive, faithful character during your own hardships?
- This chapter calls for real discernment about close partnerships that could compromise your values or faith. Where might you need to evaluate whether a significant relationship or partnership in your own life is pulling you in a direction contrary to your convictions?
Ask the Bible Chat Bot below if you'd like to talk through any of these.
