II Corinthians Study II Corinthians 6:1-18 The Genuine Ministry and Message of Paul

Beginning in II Corinthians 6:1 Paul pointed out that it was possible for the Corinthians to receive God’s grace in vain.  Paul had explained in II Corinthians 5:21 that the righteousness of God was obtained only by faith (Romans 3:22; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9).  The way that the Corinthians could receive God’s grace in vain was for them to disbelieve the message Paul expressed in
Chapter 5:21 (v. 1).

Paul presented the fact that the day of salvation is the present day of grace.  The gospel of God’s grace is universally offered not only to stubborn Israel but also to the Gentiles (v. 2; Isaiah 49:6).  Paul was concerned more about defending his ministry than defending himself.  He was very cautious about avoiding behavior that would bring disrepute to his ministry as an Ambassador for Christ (II. Corinthians 5:20).  He knew the message of the cross would offend many, but he did not want to offend others by conduct that would bring spiritual ruin to a fellow believer (v. 3).

Without consideration for themselves, Paul and his associates faced various trials.  As marks authenticating his ministry, Paul cites nine trials of the ministry (vv. 4-5), then he cited nine inner or internal qualities of his ministry (vv. 6-7), followed by nine pairs of paradoxes (vv. 8-10) of the ministry.  Expressing candor in speech and an unrestrained affirmation of affection, Paul opens up his great heart of love. Having expressed the depth of his feelings, he desired that the Corinthians would reciprocate.  Paul is calling for the Corinthians to respond with unrestrained love (vv. 11-13).

In verses 14-15, the open and loving response that Paul is calling for from the Corinthians was hampered because the Corinthians needed to separate themselves from false apostles.  Paul is considering false apostles to being unbelievers.  Paul is not stating that believers should have no contact with unbelievers; rather, believers should separate themselves from false teachers.   A believer can be rightly yoked only with Christ and not with Belial (vv. 14-15).   By way of application, a believer should not yoke in marriage with an unbeliever.

In verse 16, Paul states that the church is the temple of God, where the Holy Spirit dwells.  The promise of God to live among His people was ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 1:23).  In order to enjoy God’s presence, personal purity is required, for personal purity makes it possible to serve and be received by Him (v. 17).  As believers, we are brought into a special relationship with God the Father as sons and daughters (v. 18; Isaiah 43:6).

May God Bless!