ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Corinthians 6

2 Cor. 6:1 The grace of God comes through the death of Christ (5:14–19). Those who turn back from Christ show that their initial, apparent acceptance of God’s grace was not real but in vain.

2 Cor. 6:2 By quoting Isa. 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).

2 Cor. 6:3–13 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.

2 Cor. 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.

2 Cor. 6:7 weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left. The spiritual weapons God provides (see Eph. 6:11). Paul may have in mind a weapon for offense (usually a sword, on the right; see Eph. 6:17), and one for defense (usually a shield, on the left; see Eph. 6:16).

2 Cor. 6:13 Paul calls those Corinthians still in rebellion against him his spiritual children (see 1 Cor. 4:14–15; 2 Cor. 12:14–15). He asks them to respond to him the way he has responded to them.

2 Cor. 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This command, which is Paul’s main point in 6:14–7:1, will be restated in different words at the end of the section (7:1). The Greek word can mean either “yoked” or crossbred (Lev. 19:19). In this context, it refers especially to those still rebelling against Paul.

2 Cor. 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.

2 Cor. 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 Cor. 3:16) reflects the amazing reality of the new covenant: God dwells directly and immediately in the midst of his people. as God said. This one phrase introduces six OT quotations in 2 Cor. 6:16c–18. Taken together, these OT texts support the commands of v. 14 and 7:1. The first quotation combines Lev. 26:11–12 with Ezek. 37:27.

2 Cor. 6:17–18 Therefore. Paul explains what it means to be the new covenant people of God with three commands from Isa. 52:11 and three promises from Ezek. 20:34; 2 Sam. 7:14; and Isa. 43:6.