2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1 The GRACE OF GOD comes through the death of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14). Those who turn back from Christ show that their initial, apparent acceptance of God’s grace was not real but IN VAIN. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:2 By quoting Isaiah 49:8, Paul identifies his apostolic ministry with Isaiah’s prophetic role. Both call Israel to repentance and perseverance in view of the coming DAY of redemption and judgment (SALVATION). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("im... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:3 Paul defends his ministry as an apostle by once again calling attention to his faithfulness amid the changing circumstances of his apostolic life. Paul’s ministry reflects God’s power in spite of human weakness. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagNam... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:4 WE COMMEND OURSELVES IN EVERY WAY. Not only by victories but also by enduring hardship, Paul gives testimony to the truthfulness of his apostolic ministry. See note on 4:2. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.leng... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:7 WEAPONS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR THE RIGHT HAND AND FOR THE LEFT. The spiritual weapons God provides (see Ephesians 6:11). Paul may have in mind a weapon for offense (usually a sword, on the right; see Ephesians 6:17), and one for defense (usually a shield, on the... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:13 Paul calls those Corinthians still in rebellion against him his spiritual CHILDREN (see 1 Corinthians 4:14; 2 Corinthians 12:14). He asks them to respond to him the way he has responded to them. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.g [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14 DO NOT BE UNEQUALLY YOKED WITH UNBELIEVERS. This command, which is Paul’s main point in 2 Corinthians 6:14, will be restated in different words at the end of the section (2 Corinthians 7:1). The Greek word can mean either “yoked” or crossbred (Leviticus 19:19... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:15 BELIAL. This name for Satan was used in Judaism in Paul’s day. It was often used to stress Satan as an opponent of God’s. This fits Paul’s concern with his opponents. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, i... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16 IDOLS. See note on Rom. 1:23. WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD. The word for temple refers to the Most Holy Place. There God’s presence was shown over the ark of the covenant. This equation of believers with the Most Holy Place (see also 1 Corinthians 3:16... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 6:17 THEREFORE. Paul explains what it means to be the new covenant people of God with three commands from Isaiah 52:11 and three promises from Ezekiel 20:34; 2 Samuel 7:14; and Isaiah 43:6. ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]