Written by Paul J Bucknell on November, 11, 2022

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Commentary: The Need for Perseverance with Study Questions

1 And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— 2 for He says,

“At the acceptable time I listened to you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you.”

Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”— 3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, 4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; 9 as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, 10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things. 11 Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. 12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 13 Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also. (NASB)

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Paul exhorts the Corinthians not to believe in vain in 2 Corinthians 6:1-13. Verse one contains the exhortation to persevere in their faith, while the following verses provide further support to ongoingly follow Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:1 Paul’s Exhortation

Paul asks them not to give up hope in the Gospel in verse 1 and calls them to live faithful to Jesus—“we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” He exhorts them don’t be those who received God’s grace and give it away. The “grace of God” describes the Gospel, where God manifested His grace by sending His only Son to die for sinners. Let this wonderful event continue to value and love Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 6:2 An Old Testament Quote

Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8 in verse 2 to strengthen his exhortation further. After quoting, he tells them that now is the acceptable time, the favored time of God’s special age. God’s sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us marks this special Gospel age. Since they live in such an opportune time, they (and we, too, of course) ought to take our Christian faith seriously.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10 Paul’s Example

Paul further strengthens his argument by revealing his true dedication to the Corinthians (2 Cor 1:6). Paul has faced and endured many crises so that he and his ministry might not be discredited. He lists about 27 characteristics of His own life and ministry. Paul endured all of these troubles so that they could hear the Gospel and find hope. They (and we) can be sure of the Gospel’s importance through Paul’s faithful example.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 Paul’s Care

Starting in verse 11, Paul shares his feeling about revealing many points about his life. “Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians.” Verse 12 indicates how the Corinthians thought Paul was exercising too much authority over them. Paul counters, “You are not restrained by us.” Paul asserts he is not that dominating figure and pinpoints the problem: they are not rightly seeking God—“restrained in your affections.” Members often find a problem with the preacher when the real issue is with their relationship with God.

Lastly, in verse 13, Paul portrays (i.e., “like exchange”) a warmer family picture, him being the father and they, the children, placed under the father’s care.

Paul has not made life sacrifices to look important but in order to care for them—“open wide to us also.” They can trust Paul.

Summary

This is a special age of God’s saving work marked through the sending of Jesus and the apostles. They might not like what Paul says (starting in verse 14), but this is Paul’s genuine dedication to them. If they only thought of Paul as a father, they would not react so strongly against him and his request that they live godly lives. Paul is willing to rebuke them because he cares for them, but then he must protect his authority as an apostle.

Study Questions for 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

1. Paul considered his life and ministry as “working together with Him” (v.1). How does that work? Is it true for Christians today too?
2. God exercised His power by extending the Gospel, despite its many enemies, throughout the world. If a friend asked you whether it was important to keep following Jesus, how would you respond?
3. Paul had to speak hard words to them (6:14), but before he did, he needed to allow them to see his true heart and person. When in authority, do you sometimes share (true) stories about your life and demonstrate your care for them so they can better understand your genuine care?
4. List ten difficult things Paul endured (verses 4-10). Describe or define each.
5. List 4 godly characteristics that he maintained (verses 4-10). Describe or define each.
6. What would your list look like? For example, how do your children or others know you are committed to caring for them and, therefore they ought to respect your rules?
7. Some cultures have a hard time speaking openly, like Paul. Does yours? (6:11)
8. Verse 12 shows how they misunderstood or maligned Paul. Have you ever suffered while making good and godly decisions? Explain.