Chapter 6 of 2 Corinthians is a letter from Paul to the church in Corinth, emphasizing that believers should live a holy life as saints. This chapter speaks of Paul's apostolic authority and the difficulties of his ministry, and he provides guidance on how to live as a Christian. Here are the highlights:
Summary of Key Content
- Life as God's Co-workers (verses 1-2)
- Paul urges the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain.
- We emphasize that now is the time to receive grace and the day of salvation.
- Paul’s ministry and suffering (verses 3-10)
- Paul explains how he and his co-workers should conduct themselves as servants of Christ.
- They recommend themselves in every way so as not to be a hindrance in anything.
- Even in the midst of various hardships and difficulties, they prove themselves by their sincerity, patience, the power of the Holy Spirit, love, the word of truth, and the power of God.
- Paul’s affection for the Corinthians (verses 11-13)
- Paul expresses his love for the Corinthians and asks them to open their hearts to him.
- Prohibition on association with unbelievers (verses 14-18)
- Paul exhorts the Corinthians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
- It explains that righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial (Satan), believers and unbelievers cannot be in harmony with each other.
- It emphasizes that believers, as the temple of God, cannot associate with idols, and reminds them of the promise that God will be with them and be their God.
- Therefore, believers must separate themselves from the world and maintain a holy relationship with God.
detailed description
1. Life as God’s co-workers (verses 1-2)
Paul exhorts the Corinthians not to receive God's grace in vain. He reminds them that now is the time of grace and the day of salvation, and emphasizes that if they have received God's grace, they should not do so in vain but live truthfully. This shows the urgency and importance of faith, and makes it clear that now is the time to receive salvation.
2. Paul’s ministry and suffering (verses 3-10)
Paul explains that he did his best to avoid obstacles to his ministry. He continued his ministry with patience and the power of the Holy Spirit despite various hardships and difficulties. Paul proved himself through purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, sincere love, the word of truth, the power of God, and the weapons of his right and left hands. His ministry took place in many contrasting situations: glorious and miserable, praised and criticized, truthful yet considered a deceiver. He emphasizes that believers must stand firm as God's servants even in these difficult times.
3. Paul's affection for the Corinthians (verses 11-13)
Paul expresses his love and affection for the Corinthians and asks them to understand and accept his heart. He wants the Corinthians to open their hearts and respond with the same love as Paul. This shows the deep relationship between pastors and church members and emphasizes the need for true love and understanding for one another.
4. Prohibition of association with non-believers (verses 14-18)
Paul commands believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This means that Christians must live a life distinct from the world. It explains that righteousness and lawlessness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, believers and unbelievers cannot be in harmony with each other, and emphasizes that separation from the world is necessary to maintain a relationship with God. Paul reminds believers that they are the temple of God and the promise that God will dwell among them and be their God. Therefore, believers must avoid unholy union with the world and maintain a holy relationship with God.
conclusion
2 Corinthians 6 emphasizes that believers should not receive God's grace in vain, but should live a holy and sanctified life. Paul demonstrates the authenticity of his faith through his ministry and suffering, and expresses his love for the Corinthians. He also prohibits association with unbelievers and urges them to maintain a holy relationship with God. This means that believers should live as God's holy people in the world and faithfully fulfill their role as God's temple.