2 Corinthians 6

1 [as] workers together [with Him]. See on 1 Cor. iii. 9.

2. I have heard thee, etc. These words are addressed to the “Servant of Jehovah” (Isa. xlix. 1-8, and notes); and accordingly the apostle founds upon them the cheering assurance, “Now, since He has been made sin for us, and has sent to you His ambassadors entreating you to be reconciled—now is the acceptable time of God’s grace.” The “day” has come to which the prophet looked forward. Do not, therefore, in your own case, nullify so great a blessing.

3 offence. Or, “stumbling-block”; an occasion to fall.

4 as the ministers of God. That is, as ministers of God should approve or commend themselves, by virtues, and services, and sufferings, such as are immediately specified.

5 imprisonments. Only one imprisonment before the date of this letter is reported in Acts (xvi. 23); but the history evidently was not designed to record all the events of the apostle’s life. For many other interesting facts see xi. 23-27.

6 by pureness, by knowledge. Rather, “in pureness, in knowledge,” etc.

by the Holy Ghost, etc. The meaning probably is, “in all that the Holy Spirit suggests, in all that love unfeigned prompts, in all that the word of truth teaches, in all that the power of God works.”

7 by the armour of righteousness. Rather, “by means of the armour of righteousness,” etc., using all the weapons which righteousness warrants: see x. 4; Eph. vi. 13-17. How this was carried out the rest of the passage shows. The armour “on the right hand” (the sword) attacks; that “on the left hand” (the shield) defends.

9 dying. Cp. note on iv. 10. On the contrast between spiritual and earthly possessions cp. 1 Cor. vii. 30.

12 ye are straitened, etc. If there is any contractedness of heart, it is in you, not in us. And I earnestly entreat you as my children to repay my strong parental affection by your filial love.

14. Be ye not unequally yoked, etc. The injunction probably includes all associations or compliances that would identify Christians with unbelievers. The expression, “incongruously yoked " was perhaps suggested by the prohibition in Lev. xix. 19; Deut. xxii. 10.

15. Belial (Greek “Beliar”). The Hebrew word “Belial” means “worthlessness,” or “mischief” (see Deut. xiii. 13, and note), and is perhaps put here for Satan.

an infidel. Rather, “an unbeliever”; as in ver. 14.

16 ye are the temple, etc. See on 1 Cor. iii. 16; vi. 19.

as God hath said. In various Old Testament passages here grouped together, e.g., Lev. xxvi. 12; Isa. iii. 11; Jer. xxxi. 1.