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2 Corinthians 6

18 verses

TL;DR

Paul urges the Corinthian church to earnestly receive God’s grace, exemplify a resilient ministry, and remain separate from unbelievers, promising divine presence if they do.

Summary

Paul opens 2 Corinthians 6 with a reminder that the believers must not accept God’s grace in vain. He lists the attributes that define true ministry—patience, endurance, truth, and spiritual armor—emphasizing perseverance in hardships and the integrity of the Christian witness. He then warns against being 'unequally yoked' with unbelievers, contrasting righteousness with unrighteousness, light with darkness, and Christ with the devil. Paul cites the temple of God as the believers’ own body, urging them to separate from unclean things so that God may dwell in them. Finally, he promises that those who obey will be welcomed as children of God, becoming His sons and daughters.

Outline
  1. Exhortation to take grace seriously and exhibit steadfast ministry
  2. Description of the believer’s virtues and spiritual armor
  3. Warning against mixed fellowship and call to spiritual separation
Themes
Grace and responsibilitySpiritual resilience and armorSeparation from ungodly influences
Keywords
graceministrypatiencetrutharmorrighteousnesslightdarknessunbeliefidolseparation
People
Paulthe Corinthiansbelieversunbelievers
Places
Corinththe Temple
Things
graceministrypatienceafflictionstrutharmor of righteousnessrighteousnesslightdarknessidolsTemple of GodHoly Ghostlove unfeigned
Key Verses
  • 2 Corinthians 6:1: Introduces the call to earnestly receive grace and outlines the purpose of the exhortation.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14: Highlights the crucial warning about being 'unequally yoked' with unbelievers.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:17: Conveys the promise of divine presence and family identity for those who separate from unclean things.
Questions
  • What does Paul mean by ‘receiving grace in vain’?
  • How do the listed virtues of ministry relate to daily Christian practice?
  • What practical steps can the church take to avoid being ‘unequally yoked’ with unbelievers?
  • In what ways does Paul describe the spiritual armor, and how should believers equip themselves?
  • How does the promise of being made ‘sons and daughters’ of God influence Christian identity?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both encouraging exhortation and stern warnings.