Bible Glide

2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Paul urges the Corinthians not to treat God's grace lightly and reminds them that salvation is urgent. He then describes the hardships and character of his ministry, showing both endurance and sincerity. The chapter ends with a call to wholehearted fellowship with God and careful separation from what does not belong to him.

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What happens in 2 Corinthians 6?

Paul begins by pressing the urgency of God's grace, saying the present moment is the time to respond. He explains that his ministry has avoided giving offense and has been marked by endurance through suffering, hunger, conflict, and public shame. At the same time, he points to the inner marks of true service: purity, patience, kindness, truthful speech, and the power of God. He opens his heart to the Corinthians and asks them to respond with equal openness. The chapter closes with a strong warning not to form close spiritual partnerships with unbelief, and with promises that God will dwell among his people and receive them as sons and daughters.

This chapter continues Paul's defense of his ministry in the middle of 2 Corinthians. After describing reconciliation in chapter 5, he appeals for a proper response to God's grace and shows what faithful service looks like under pressure. The final verses shift from personal ministry to a clear call for holiness and undivided loyalty to God.

Themes to notice

  • Urgency of graceGod's favor is presented as present and immediate, calling for a real response now.
  • Faithful sufferingPaul shows that true ministry can include hardship without losing integrity or hope.
  • Separation and belongingBelievers are called to break with spiritual compromise and live as God's people.

Questions for 2 Corinthians 6

  • What does Paul mean by receiving God's grace in vain, and how does the chapter answer that warning?
  • How do Paul's sufferings and character traits together describe faithful ministry?
  • What practical boundaries might help a believer live out the call to be separate while still showing love to others?

Read the full text of 2 Corinthians 6 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

2 Corinthians 6

Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace

1As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

2For He says:

“In the time of favor I heard you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you.”

Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

3We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;5in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;6in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;8through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine;9as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, 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. Our hearts are open wide.12It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained.13As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

16What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell with them

and walk among them,

and I will be their God,

and they will be My people.”

17“Therefore come out from among them

and be separate, says the Lord.

Touch no unclean thing,

and I will receive you.”

18And:

“I will be a Father to you,

and you will be My sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”

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