II Corinthians 6
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
We then, as workers together with him - Συνεργουντες δε και παρακαλουμεν. The two last words, with him, are not in the text, and some supply the place thus: we then, as workers together With You, and the Armenian version seems to have read it so; but no MS. has this reading, and no other version. For my own part I see nothing wanting in the text if we only suppose the term apostles; we, (i.e. apostles), being fellow workers, also entreat you not to receive the grace of God in vain. By the grace of God, την χαριν του Θεου, this grace or benefit of God, the apostle certainly means the grand sacrificial offering of Christ for the sin of the world, which he had just before mentioned in speaking of the ministry of reconciliation. We learn, therefore, that it was possible to receive the grace of God and not ultimately benefit by it; or, in other words, to begin in the Spirit and end in the flesh. Should any one say that it is the ministry of reconciliation, that is, the benefit of apostolic preaching, that they might receive in vain; I answer, that the apostolic preaching, and the whole ministry of reconciliation, could be no benefit to any man farther than it might have been a means of conveying to him the salvation of God. And it is most evident that the apostle has in view that grace or benefit that reconciles us to God, and makes us Divinely righteous. And this, and all other benefits of the death of Christ, may be received in vain.
Open source ↗HIS APOSTOLIC MINISTRY IS APPROVED BY FAITHFULNESS IN EXHORTATION, IN SUFFERINGS, IN EXHIBITION OF THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY GHOST: HIS LARGENESS OF HEART TO THEM CALLS FOR ENLARGEMENT OF THEIR HEART TO HIM. EXHORTATIONS TO SEPARATION FROM POLLUTION. (2Co. 6:1-18) workers together--with God (Act 15:4; Co1 3:9). Not only as "ambassadors." beseech--entreat (Co2 5:20). He is describing his ministry, not exhorting directly. you also--rather, "WE ALSO (as well as God, Co2 5:20) beseech" or "entreat you": Co2 6:14-15, on to Co2 7:1, is part of this entreaty or exhortation. in vain--by making the grace of God a ground for continuance in sin (Co2 6:3). By a life of sin, showing that the word of reconciliation has been in vain, so far as you are concerned (Heb 12:15; Jde 1:4). "The grace of God" here, is "the reconciliation" provided by God's love (Co2 5:18-19; compare Gal 2:2).
Open source ↗We then, as workers together with him,.... The ministers of the Gospel are workers or labourers; their ministry is a work, and a very laborious one, which none have strength equal to, and are sufficient for; of themselves: it is a work that requires faithfulness and diligence, is honourable; and those who perform it aright deserve respect. These do not work alone: according to our version, they are "workers together with him"; meaning either God or Christ, not as co-ordinate with him, but as subordinate to him: he is the chief shepherd, they under ones; he is the chief master builder, they under workers; but inasmuch as he is with them, and they with him, he is over them, and stands by them, great honour is done them; they have encouragement to work; and hence it is that their work is successful. Though the phrase, "with him", is not in the original text, where only one word, is used, and may be rendered "fellow workers", or "fellow labourers", meaning with one another: and since therefore reconciliation was made by Christ, and the ministry of it was committed to them, and they were appointed ambassadors for him, and were in his stead, therefore, say they, we beseech you also; you ministers also; as we have entreated the members of the church, to be reconciled to the order of the Gospel, and the laws of Christ in his house, so as fellow labourers with you, and jointly concerned in the same embassy of peace, we beseech you the ministers of the word in this church, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain: by "the grace of God", is not meant the grace of God in regeneration, and effectual calling, which can never be received in vain; for the grace of God never fails of producing a thorough work of conversion; nor is it ever lost, but is strictly connected with eternal…
Open source ↗In these verses we have an account of the apostle's general errand and exhortation to all to whom he preached in every place where he came, with the several arguments and methods he used. Observe, I. The errand or exhortation itself, namely, to comply with the gospel offers of reconciliation - that, being favoured with the gospel, they would not receive this grace of God in vain, Co2 6:1. The gospel is a word of grace sounding in our ears; but it will be in vain for us to hear it, unless we believe it, and comply with the end and design of it. And as it is the duty of the ministers of the gospel to exhort and persuade their hearers to accept of grace and mercy which are offered to them, so they are honoured with this high title of co-workers with God. Note, 1. They must work; and must work for God and his glory, for souls and their good: and they are workers with God, yet under him, as instruments only; however, if they be faithful, they may hope to find God working with them, and their labour will be effectual. 2. Observe the language and way of the spirit of the gospel: it is not with roughness and severity, but with all mildness and gentleness, to beseech and entreat, to use exhortations and arguments, in order to prevail with sinners and overcome their natural unwillingness to be reconciled to God and to be happy for ever. II. The arguments and method which the apostle used. And here he tells them, 1. The present time is the only proper season to accept of the grace that is offered, and improve that grace which is afforded: NOW is the accepted time, NOW is the day of salvation, Co2 6:2. The gospel day is a day of salvation, the means of grace the means of salvation, the offers of the gospel the offers of salvation, and the present time the only proper time to accept…
Open source ↗6:1-2 To win over the disaffected believers at Corinth, Paul appeals to them to listen to him and Timothy as God’s servants and messengers. • As God’s partners: Literally As we work together, which leaves open the question whether Paul meant that they were working together in a team effort, or that they were working together with God.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. συνεργέω (synergéō, G4903) — to be a fellow-worker, i.e. co-operate καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) δέχομαι (déchomai, G1209) — to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… κενός (kenós, G2756) — empty (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἐπακούω (epakoúō, G1873) — to hearken (favorably) to σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time δεκτός (dektós, G1184) — approved; (figuratively) propitious καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… σωτηρία (sōtēría, G4991) — rescue or safety (physically or morally) βοηθέω (boēthéō, G997) — to aid or relieve σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or…
Open source ↗δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) προσκοπή (proskopḗ, G4349) — a stumbling, i.e. (figuratively and concretely) occasion of sin ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not διακονία (diakonía, G1248) — attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service… μωμάομαι (mōmáomai, G3469) — to carp at, i.e. censure (discredit)
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole συνιστάω (synistáō, G4921) — to set together, i.e. (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) διάκονος (diákonos, G1249) — an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties);… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ὑπομονή (hypomonḗ, G5281) — cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy θλῖψις (thlîpsis, G2347) — pressure (literally or figuratively) ἀνάγκη (anánkē, G318) — constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress στενοχωρία (stenochōría, G4730) — narrowness of room, i.e. (figuratively) calamity
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πληγή (plēgḗ, G4127) — a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity φυλακή (phylakḗ, G5438) — a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the… ἀκαταστασία (akatastasía, G181) — instability, i.e. disorder κόπος (kópos, G2873) — a cut, i.e. (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by… ἀγρυπνία (agrypnía, G70) — sleeplessness, i.e. a keeping awake νηστεία (nēsteía, G3521) — abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the…
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἁγνότης (hagnótēs, G54) — cleanness (the state), i.e. (figuratively) blamelessness γνῶσις (gnōsis, G1108) — knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge μακροθυμία (makrothymía, G3115) — longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude χρηστότης (chrēstótēs, G5544) — usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence (in character or demeanor) ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast ἀνυπόκριτος (anypókritos, G505) — undissembled, i.e. sincere
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὅπλον (hóplon, G3696) — an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially, offensive for war) δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification δεξιός (dexiós, G1188) — the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀριστερός (aristerós, G710) — the left hand (as second-best)
Open source ↗διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀτιμία (atimía, G819) — infamy, i.e. (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace δυσφημία (dysphēmía, G1426) — defamation εὐφημία (euphēmía, G2162) — good language ("euphemy"), i.e. praise (repute) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) πλάνος (plános, G4108) — roving (as a tramp), i.e. (by implication) an impostor or misleader; ἀληθής (alēthḗs, G227) — true (as not concealing)
Open source ↗ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἀγνοέω (agnoéō, G50) — not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπιγινώσκω (epiginṓskō, G1921) — to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with,… ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) παιδεύω (paideúō, G3811) — to train up a child, i.e. educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… θανατόω (thanatóō, G2289)
Open source ↗ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) λυπέω (lypéō, G3076) — to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀεί (aeí, G104) — "ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… πτωχός (ptōchós, G4434) — akin to G4422 (πτοέω) and the alternate of G4098 (πίπτω)); a beggar (as cringing), i.e.… πλουτίζω (ploutízō, G4148) — to make wealthy (figuratively) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κατέχω (katéchō, G2722) — to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole
Open source ↗Κορίνθιος (Korínthios, G2881) — a Corinthian, i.e. inhabitant of Corinth ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us στόμα (stóma, G4750) — the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations);… ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the… πλατύνω (platýnō, G4115) — to widen (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗στενοχωρέω (stenochōréō, G4729) — to hem in closely, i.e. (figuratively) cramp οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you σπλάγχνον (splánchnon, G4698) — an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀντιμισθία (antimisthía, G489) — requital, correspondence αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced) πλατύνω (platýnō, G4115) — to widen (literally or figuratively) ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other…
Open source ↗γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἑτεροζυγέω (heterozygéō, G2086) — to yoke up differently, i.e. (figuratively) to associate discordantly ἄπιστος (ápistos, G571) — (actively) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively)… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) μετοχή (metochḗ, G3352) — participation, i.e. intercourse δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀνομία (anomía, G458) — illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. κοινωνία (koinōnía, G2842) — partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary)… φῶς (phōs, G5457) — compare G5316 (φαίνω), G5346 (φημί)); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
Have you suffered so much for nothing, if it really was for nothing?
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!