2 Corinthians 6
6
1This reconciliation and salvation is not for some hypothetical future. To think that is so is to take it in vain. 2It is for now, it is here. “In an acceptable time have I heard thee, in a day of salvation have I helped thee” (Is. 99:8). What is that “acceptable time,” that “day” but the day which has now dawned on us? 3and if we are its servants and ministers, we must show it in our lives. 4If we are the servants of God, we shall abound in all good at all times, so that that service shall commend itself inevitably to all men. No amount of endurance, troubles, difficulties and dangers, 5yes, not even punishment, imprisonment, scourging, and riots of the people, no labour, no hunger, 6no watching shall weary us, but through it all we shall exhibit the signs of the Christ, that wondrous knowledge and holiness, patience and goodness, that love unfeigned which marks the presence of the Spirit, 7and of this word of truth with man, and the power of God which it manifests. We shall have always at our back and at our front, in left hand and right hand the weapons, shield and armour which God’s perfection supplies; 8we shall be glorious, approved by man, and speakers of the truth, even whilst our opponents cry “scoundrels” and “deceivers”; 9in the midst of endless misconception, ignorance, and misunderstanding the world will accept us: 10life will be ours and joy, and abundant riches overflowing to the rest of mankind, that neither death nor poverty nor sore chastening can hide; for in the Christ we possess all things, because in the world we own — nothing!
Now, cast out all that obscures the ideal
11Something has opened my heart to you, Corinthians, 12-13and shown me yourselves and your destiny in a larger room, in a grand perspective — free from all the cavil and pettiness of the world’s slander. Now do the same for me, my brethren. O grasp the secret of my purpose, the breadth of my career and vision; behold its vast import, and do not lay upon yourselves the cruel limitations of the world’s misapprehension and deceit and slander. Away with all that! 14Have no further dealings with that spirit which possesses the world’s idolaters; 15there can be no means of communication between Christ and Belial, devils and saints, light and darkness. 16Cast out all that obscures that fair, spacious and exalted temple of the living God, that building which you are! The workings of devilish influences and the power of idolatry have no room or footing here.
I will walk in their midst, says God,
I will dwell among them, (Lev. 26:11-12)
I will be their God, they shall be my people.
17Therefore come out from the midst of them,
Be separate, saith the Lord, (Is. 52:11)
Touch not the unclean thing.
And I will accept you, 18and will be to you a father,
And you shall be my sons and daughters,
Saith the Lord omnipotent. (II Sam. 7:14)
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Translated in 1916, published in 1937.
2 Corinthians 6
6
1As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”#6:2 Isaiah 49:8
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Paul’s Hardships
3We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
11We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
Warning Against Idolatry
14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial#6:15 Greek Beliar, a variant of Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”#6:16 Lev. 26:12; Jer. 32:38; Ezek. 37:27
17Therefore,
“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”#6:17 Isaiah 52:11; Ezek. 20:34,41
18And,
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”#6:18 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8
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