RSV ~ 2 Corinthians 6 Notes

2 Cor 6:1 | ISB Notes

in vain: Unless the Corinthians recognize and follow Paul as their apostolic father and founder, the “false apostles” (11:13) could lead them to spiritual ruin. The danger of falling from grace is a reality faced by every believer in this life (Gal 5:4; Heb 6:4-6; 2 Pet 2:20-22).

2 Cor 6:2 | ISB Notes

At the acceptable time: A citation from the Greek version of Is 49:8.

• Isaiah outlines the mission of the Servant Messiah: he will restore the tribal family of Israel and bring the light of salvation to the Gentiles (Is 49:6). Christ fulfills this mission through the apostolic ministry of his servants, like Paul (Acts 13:47). In this context, Paul is stressing that God is ready (now) to help the Corinthians in their time of crisis, reminding them that the window for repentance will not always remain open (CCC 859, 1041).

2 Cor 6:3 | ISB Notes

no obstacle: A central part of Paul’s pastoral ministry. It means that he (1) always practices what he preaches and that (2) he willingly surrenders certain apostolic rights that might burden others or be susceptible to misunderstanding (Rom 14:13; 1 Cor 9:12; 10:33).

2 Cor 6:4-7 | ISB Notes

A list of Paul’s afflictions (6:4-5) and virtues (6:6-7). His countless tribulations reveal his sacrificial love for the Corinthians, and his proven character shows him a genuine servant of Christ. By listing his trials, Paul is boasting that he more closely resembles the suffering and crucified Jesus than any of his critics (11:23-30).

2 Cor 6:6 | ISB Notes

the Holy Spirit: The Greek can also be rendered “a holy spirit”, referring to the virtue of sanctity displayed in the life of the apostle.

2 Cor 6:7 | ISB Notes

weapons of righteousness: Paul’s arsenal against the forces of Satan include truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the word of God (10:3-5; Eph 6:13-17; 1 Thess 5:8). Weapons for the right hand and the left may refer to the sword (offense) and the shield (defense) carried by soldiers of his day.

2 Cor 6:8 | ISB Notes

treated as impostors: The first of seven accusations hurled at Paul by his opponents (6:8-10). He fights off these false charges with the facts, demonstrating at every step that critics see only his outward afflictions and know nothing of the spiritual motives and joys behind them.

2 Cor 6:12 | ISB Notes

not restricted by us: Paul defers responsibility for the discord and distrust that has grown up between him and his readers. The Corinthians are the ones who questioned his apostleship in the first place and allowed the “false apostles” (11:13) to take advantage of them.

2 Cor 6:13 | ISB Notes

I speak as to children: Paul is the spiritual father of the Corinthian Church. See note on 1 Cor 4:15.

2 Cor 6:14 | ISB Notes

Do not be mismated: Or, “Do not be yoked together.”

• Paul’s injunction is probably inspired by Deut 22:10, which forbade the Israelites from yoking different kinds of animals together.

with unbelievers: Paul is not saying that Christians should sever every casual, family, or business relationship with non-Christians (1 Cor 5:9-13). He is urging them to pull away from dangerous relationships that threaten their faith.

2 Cor 6:15 | ISB Notes

Belial: A Hebrew epithet for “Satan”. The term is used only here in the NT but is found elsewhere in Jewish literature of the period (sometimes spelled “Beliar”).

2 Cor 6:16-18 | ISB Notes

A chain of Scripture passages that remind readers of their dignity in Christ and their duty to remain pure. The citations are from Ezek 37:27, Is 52:11, Ezek 20:34, and a combination of 2 Sam 7:14 with Is 43:6.

• These texts are connected with the founding of the New Covenant and God’s effort to rescue Israel from the idolatry and impurity of the Gentiles. Paul sees this as the construction of a new temple out of the men and women God gathers around the Messiah. In ancient Israel, the sacredness of the sanctuary was radically incompatible with the profanities of idolatry, and indeed the entire sacrificial system of the Temple was put in place to destroy Israel’s affection for idols. The same principles apply to the living sanctuary of believers. See essays: Sacrifice in the Old Testament at Lev 9 and Shun Immorality, Shun Idolatry at 1 Cor 6.

2 Cor 6:16 | ISB Notes

we are the temple: The presence of God in the hearts and midst of his people makes them a living sanctuary where true worship and sacrifice rise before him (CCC 797, 1179). See note on Eph 2:21.