2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6 continues Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry and his heartfelt appeal to the Corinthian church for reconciliation and holiness. Written around AD 56 from Macedonia, Paul describes his hardships as a minister, urges the Corinthians to respond to God’s grace, and calls them to separate from unbelievers, emphasizing their identity as God’s temple and family.
Key Sections
Paul’s Ministry and Hardships (6:1–10): Paul urges the Corinthians not to receive God’s grace in vain, quoting Isaiah 49:8 to stress the urgency of salvation. He commends his ministry through endurance in afflictions—beatings, imprisonments, riots, sleeplessness, and hunger—while displaying purity, patience, kindness, and love. Despite paradoxes (dying yet alive, poor yet enriching), his ministry proves authentic through God’s power.
Appeal for Open Hearts (6:11–13): Paul expresses deep affection, having opened his heart to the Corinthians. He asks them to reciprocate, widening their hearts, as their affections seem restricted, possibly due to false teachers or lingering tensions.
Call to Separation (6:14–7:1): Paul commands believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, as righteousness and wickedness cannot mix. Citing Old Testament promises (e.g., Leviticus 26:12; Isaiah 52:11), he affirms their identity as God’s temple and children, urging purification from defilement to perfect holiness in reverence for God.
Cross-References
Ministry and Hardships: 
Acts 16:22–25: Paul’s imprisonments.

1 Corinthians 4:11–13: Apostolic suffering.

Philippians 4:12: Content in all circumstances.
Urgency of Salvation: 
Isaiah 49:8: Day of salvation.

Hebrews 3:7–8: Today, hear His voice.

Romans 13:11: Salvation is near.
Open Hearts: 
1 Thessalonians 2:8: Sharing lives.

Philippians 1:7–8: Affection for believers.

Acts 20:31: Paul’s care for churches.
Separation from Unbelievers: 
Deuteronomy 7:3–4: No alliances with pagans.

Ephesians 5:7–11: No part with darkness.

1 John 2:15–17: Do not love the world.
God’s Temple and Promises: 
1 Corinthians 3:16: Church as temple.

Leviticus 26:12: God dwells with His people.

Ezekiel 37:27: God’s covenant presence.
Theological Meaning
Urgency of Grace: God’s grace demands response; salvation’s “day” is now, requiring action (6:2; Titus 2:11–12).

Authentic Ministry: Hardships and virtues validate Paul’s apostleship, powered by God, not human strength (6:7; 2 Timothy 2:3).

Mutual Affection: Reconciliation requires open hearts, reflecting God’s love (6:11; 1 John 4:11).

Holiness and Separation: Believers, as God’s temple, must avoid partnerships with evil, pursuing purity (6:16; 1 Peter 1:15–16).

God’s Covenant Promises: God’s presence and fatherhood motivate holiness, fulfilling His promises (6:18; Romans 8:15).

Spiritual Identity: As God’s people, believers are distinct, called to reflect His character (6:17; Ephesians 2:19–22).
Questions and Answers
What does “grace in vain” mean (6:1)?
Receiving God’s salvation but failing to live it out, neglecting its purpose (6:1; Galatians 5:4).

Why list hardships (6:4–5)?
To prove his ministry’s authenticity through endurance, not worldly success (6:4; 2 Corinthians 11:23–27).

What are the paradoxes (6:8–10)?
Paul’s ministry seems dishonored yet true, poor yet enriching, reflecting God’s power in weakness (6:10; 2 Corinthians 12:10).

Why ask for open hearts (6:11–13)?
To restore mutual affection, strained by Corinthian doubts or false teachers (6:12; 2 Corinthians 7:2).

What does “unequally yoked” mean (6:14)?
Avoid binding partnerships (e.g., marriage, business) with unbelievers that compromise faith (6:14; Deuteronomy 22:10).

How are believers God’s temple (6:16)?
God’s Spirit dwells in the church, making it holy and distinct (6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:17).

How does this apply today?
Respond to God’s grace, live holy lives, avoid compromising alliances, and love openly (6:1; 1 Peter 2:9).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written during Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 20:1–3), this chapter follows a painful visit and letter (2 Corinthians 2:1–4). Corinth’s pagan culture (Acts 18:1) tempted believers to blend with idolatry (6:14). Paul’s hardships (6:5) reflect his trials (Acts 20:23). False teachers likely widened the rift with Paul (2 Corinthians 11:13). The temple imagery (6:16) countered Corinth’s idol worship (1 Corinthians 8:10).

Cultural Questions: “Unequally yoked” (6:14) uses a Jewish farming metaphor, relevant in Corinth’s diverse society (Leviticus 19:19). “Day of salvation” (6:2) echoes Jewish eschatology (Isaiah 49:8). Hardships (6:5) like riots were common in Corinth’s volatile setting (Acts 18:12). “Open hearts” (6:11) reflects Mediterranean family bonds (Philippians 2:1). “Defilement” (6:17) recalls Jewish purity laws (Isaiah 52:11).

Application: 2 Corinthians 6 calls believers to act on God’s grace, pursue holiness, and avoid entanglements with sin. It challenges worldly compromise, urging open-hearted love and devotion to God as His temple in a pluralistic world (Ephesians 5:8–11; 1 John 2:15).