2 Corinthians 6 :: New International Version (NIV)

2Co 6:1As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

2Co 6:2For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[fn] I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Hardships

2Co 6:3

2Co 6:3We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

2Co 6:4

2Co 6:4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;

2Co 6:5

2Co 6:5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;

2Co 6:6

2Co 6:6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;

2Co 6:7

2Co 6:7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;

2Co 6:8

2Co 6:8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;

2Co 6:9

2Co 6:9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;

2Co 6:10

2Co 6:10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

2Co 6:11

2Co 6:11We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.

2Co 6:12

2Co 6:12We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.

2Co 6:13

2Co 6:13As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

Warning Against Idolatry

2Co 6:14

2Co 6:14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

2Co 6:15

2Co 6:15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[fn]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

2Co 6:16

2Co 6:16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”[fn]

2Co 6:17

2Co 6:17Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate,

says the Lord.

Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”[fn]

2Co 6:18

2Co 6:18And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”