Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace
To win over the discontented believers in Corinth,...
To win over the discontented believers in Corinth, Paul asks them to listen to him and Timothy as God's servants and messengers.
As God's fellow workers: Literally As we work together, which raises the question of whether Paul meant they were working as a team or working together with God.
To win over the discontented believers in Corinth, Paul asks them to listen to him and Timothy as God's servants and messengers.
As God's fellow workers: Literally As we work together, which raises the question of whether Paul meant they were working as a team or working together with God.
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!
Paul provides a clear picture of the challenges...
Paul provides a clear picture of the challenges in his ministry (compare 4:7–18). He lists nine trials, many of which are recorded in Acts (for example, Acts 14:5–6, 19–20; 16:19–24; 21:30–36). Through their unwavering suffering for the good news, Paul and Timothy (2 Corinthians 1:1) proved they were true ministers of God.
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;
Paul talks about how he faced suffering with...
Paul talks about how he faced suffering with courage. He says his strength came from the Holy Spirit within us.
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;
People often attacked Paul's character as an apostle,...
People often attacked Paul's character as an apostle, even calling him and his colleagues imposters. Despite these attitudes, Paul remained honest. They likely thought Paul was insignificant and could be ignored, a reckless person taking unnecessary risks that made him seem almost dead already. Paul countered each of their claims with insights into spiritual reality.
8through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; 9unknown, 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.
Paul’s passionate plea shows his true feelings. Our...
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 speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
Do Not Be Unequally Yoked
The connection between 6:13 and 7:2 has led...
The connection between 6:13 and 7:2 has led many scholars to think that 6:14–7:1 might be an inserted fragment from another letter, possibly the one mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9. However, this section could also be a digression in Paul's writing, challenging the Corinthians to stop opposing him and his message. Paul wanted to restore relationships, and here he describes believers in Christ as forming a holy temple. Believers' identity as the temple of God encourages harmony among them and separation from the impurity of unbelieving attitudes and behaviors. Paul contrasts Christian and pagan morality using quotations from the Old Testament.
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 themand walk among them,and I will be their God,and they will be My people.”†17“Therefore come out from among themand 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.”†