2 Corinthians 6:5 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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⁵ In ^G1722 stripes, ^G4127 in ^G1722 imprisonments, ^G5438 in ^G1722 tumults, ^G181 in ^G1722 labours, ^G2873 in ^G1722 watchings, ^G70 in ^G1722 fastings; ^G3521

Cross Reference

2 Corinthians 11:23-25 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

Are they ^G1526 ministers ^G1249 of Christ? ^G5547 (I speak ^G2980 as a fool ^G3912 ) I ^G1473 am more; ^G5228 in ^G1722 labours ^G2873 more abundant, ^G4056 in ^G1722 stripes ^G4127 above measure, ^G5234 in ^G1722 prisons ^G5438 more frequent, ^G4056 in ^G1722 deaths ^G2288 oft. ^G4178 Of ^G5259 the Jews ^G2453 five times ^G3999 received I ^G2983 forty ^G5062 stripes save ^G3844 one. ^G3391 Thrice ^G5151 was I beaten with rods, ^G4463 once ^G530 was I stoned, ^G3034 thrice ^G5151 I suffered shipwreck, ^G3489 a night and a day ^G3574 I have been ^G4160 in ^G1722 the deep; ^G1037

Acts 19:23-34 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

And ^G1161 ^G2596 the same ^G1565 time ^G2540 there arose ^G1096 no ^G3756 small ^G3641 stir ^G5017 about ^G4012 that way. ^G3598 For ^G1063 a certain ^G5100 man named ^G3686 Demetrius, ^G1216 a silversmith, ^G695 which made ^G4160 silver ^G693 shrines ^G3485 for Diana, ^G735 brought ^G3930 no ^G3756 small ^G3641 gain ^G2039 unto the craftsmen; ^G5079 Whom ^G3739 he called together ^G4867 with the workmen ^G2040 of ^G4012 like occupation, ^G5108 and ^G2532 said, ^G2036 Sirs, ^G435 ye know ^G1987 that ^G3754 by ^G1537 this ^G5026 craft ^G2039 we have ^G2076 our ^G2257 wealth. ^G2142 Moreover ^G2532 ye see ^G2334 and ^G2532 hear, ^G191 that ^G3754 not ^G3756 alone ^G3440 at Ephesus, ^G2181 but ^G235 almost ^G4975 throughout all ^G3956 Asia, ^G773 this ^G3778 Paul ^G3972 hath persuaded ^G3982 and turned away ^G3179 much ^G2425 people, ^G3793 saying ^G3004 that ^G3754 they be ^G1526 no ^G3756 gods, ^G2316 which ^G3588 are made ^G1096 with ^G1223 hands: ^G5495 So ^G1161 that not ^G3756 only ^G3440 this ^G5124 our ^G2254 craft ^G3313 is in danger ^G2793 to be set ^G2064 at ^G1519 nought; ^G557 but ^G235 also ^G2532 that the temple ^G2411 of the great ^G3173 goddess ^G2299 Diana ^G735 should be despised, ^G1519 ^G3762 ^G3049 and ^G1161 ^G2532 her ^G846 magnificence ^G3168 should ^G3195 be destroyed, ^G2507 whom ^G3739 all ^G3650 Asia ^G773 and ^G2532 the world ^G3625 worshippeth. ^G4576 And ^G1161 when they heard ^G191 these sayings, they were ^G1096 full ^G4134 of wrath, ^G2372 and ^G2532 cried out, ^G2896 saying, ^G3004 Great ^G3173 is Diana ^G735 of the Ephesians. ^G2180 And ^G2532 the whole ^G3650 city ^G4172 was filled ^G4130 with confusion: ^G4799 and ^G5037 having caught ^G4884 Gaius ^G1050 and ^G2532 Aristarchus, ^G708 men of Macedonia, ^G3110 Paul's ^G3972 companions in travel, ^G4898 they rushed ^G3729 with one accord ^G3661 into ^G1519 the theatre. ^G2302 And ^G1161 when ^G1014 Paul ^G3972 would ^G1014 have entered ^G1525 in ^G1519 unto the people, ^G1218 the disciples ^G3101 suffered ^G1439 him ^G846 not. ^G3756 And ^G1161 ^G2532 certain ^G5100 of the chief of Asia, ^G775 which were ^G5607 his ^G846 friends, ^G5384 sent ^G3992 unto ^G4314 him, ^G846 desiring ^G3870 him that he would ^G1325 not ^G3361 adventure ^G1325 himself ^G1438 into ^G1519 the theatre. ^G2302 Some ^G243 therefore ^G3767 ^G3303 cried ^G2896 one thing, ^G5100 and some another: ^G243 for ^G1063 the assembly ^G1577 was ^G2258 confused; ^G4797 and ^G2532 the more part ^G4119 knew ^G1492 not ^G3756 wherefore ^G5101 ^G1752 they were come together. ^G4905 And ^G1161 they drew ^G4264 Alexander ^G223 out of ^G1537 the multitude, ^G3793 the Jews ^G2453 putting ^G4261 him ^G846 forward. ^G4261 ^G4261 And ^G1161 Alexander ^G223 beckoned ^G2678 with the hand, ^G5495 and would ^G2309 have made his defence ^G626 unto the people. ^G1218 But ^G1161 when they knew ^G1921 that ^G3754 he was ^G2076 a Jew, ^G2453 all ^G3956 ^G1096 with ^G1537 one ^G3391 voice ^G5456 about ^G5613 the space ^G1909 of two ^G1417 hours ^G5610 cried out, ^G2896 Great ^G3173 is Diana ^G735 of the Ephesians. ^G2180

Acts 28:16-17 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

And ^G1161 when ^G3753 we came ^G2064 to ^G1519 Rome, ^G4516 the centurion ^G1543 delivered ^G3860 the prisoners ^G1198 to the captain of the guard: ^G4759 but ^G1161 Paul ^G3972 was suffered ^G2010 to dwell ^G3306 by ^G2596 himself ^G1438 with ^G4862 a soldier ^G4757 that kept ^G5442 him. ^G846 And ^G1161 it came to pass, ^G1096 that after ^G3326 three ^G5140 days ^G2250 Paul ^G3972 called ^G4779 the chief ^G4413 ^G5607 of the Jews ^G2453 together: ^G4779 and ^G1161 when they ^G846 were come together, ^G4905 he said ^G3004 unto ^G4314 them, ^G846 Men ^G435 and brethren, ^G80 though I ^G1473 have committed ^G4160 nothing ^G3762 against ^G1727 the people, ^G2992 or ^G2228 customs ^G1485 of our fathers, ^G3971 yet was I delivered ^G3860 prisoner ^G1198 from ^G1537 Jerusalem ^G2414 into ^G1519 the hands ^G5495 of the Romans. ^G4514

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

For ^G1063 we would ^G2309 not, ^G3756 brethren, ^G80 have ^G50 you ^G5209 ignorant ^G50 of ^G5228 our ^G2257 trouble ^G2347 which ^G3588 came ^G1096 to us ^G2254 in ^G1722 Asia, ^G773 that ^G3754 we were pressed ^G2596 out ^G916 of measure, ^G5236 above ^G5228 strength, ^G1411 insomuch ^G5620 that we ^G2248 despaired ^G1820 even ^G2532 of life: ^G2198 But ^G235 ^G846 we had ^G2192 the sentence ^G610 of death ^G2288 in ^G1722 ourselves, ^G1438 that ^G3363 we should ^G3982 not ^G3363 trust ^G3982 in ^G1909 ourselves, ^G1438 ^G5600 but ^G235 in ^G1909 God ^G2316 which ^G3588 raiseth ^G1453 the dead: ^G3498 Who ^G3739 delivered ^G4506 us ^G2248 from ^G1537 so great ^G5082 a death, ^G2288 and ^G2532 doth deliver: ^G4506 in ^G1519 whom ^G3739 we trust ^G1679 that ^G3754 he will ^G4506 ^G2532 yet ^G2089 deliver ^G4506 us;

Jeremiah 37:15-16 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

Wherefore the princes ^H8269 were wroth ^H7107 with Jeremiah, ^H3414 and smote ^H5221 him, and put ^H5414 him in prison ^H612 in the house ^H1004 of Jonathan ^H3083 the scribe: ^H5608 for they had made ^H6213 that the prison. ^H3608 When Jeremiah ^H3414 was entered ^H935 into the dungeon, ^H1004 ^H953 and into the cabins, ^H2588 and Jeremiah ^H3414 had remained ^H3427 there many ^H7227 days; ^H3117

Mark 13:34-37 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

For the Son of man is as ^G5613 a man ^G444 taking a far journey, ^G590 who left ^G863 his ^G846 house, ^G3614 and ^G2532 gave ^G1325 authority ^G1849 to his ^G846 servants, ^G1401 and ^G2532 to every man ^G1538 his ^G846 work, ^G2041 and ^G2532 commanded ^G1781 the porter ^G2377 to ^G2443 watch. ^G1127 Watch ye ^G1127 therefore: ^G3767 for ^G1063 ye know ^G1492 not ^G3756 when ^G4219 the master ^G2962 of the house ^G3614 cometh, ^G2064 at even, ^G3796 or ^G2228 at midnight, ^G3317 or ^G2228 at the cockcrowing, ^G219 or ^G2228 in the morning: ^G4404 Lest ^G3361 coming ^G2064 suddenly ^G1810 he find ^G2147 you ^G5209 sleeping. ^G2518 And ^G1161 what ^G3739 I say ^G3004 unto you ^G5213 I say ^G3004 unto all, ^G3956 Watch. ^G1127

Acts 12:4-5 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

And ^G3739 ^G2532 when he had apprehended ^G4084 him, he put ^G5087 him in ^G1519 prison, ^G5438 and delivered ^G3860 him to four ^G5064 quaternions ^G5069 of soldiers ^G4757 to keep ^G5442 him; ^G846 intending ^G1014 after ^G3326 Easter ^G3957 to bring ^G321 him ^G846 forth ^G321 to the people. ^G2992 Peter ^G4074 ^G3303 therefore ^G3767 was kept ^G5083 in ^G1722 prison: ^G5438 but ^G1161 prayer ^G4335 was ^G2258 made ^G1096 without ceasing ^G1618 of ^G5259 the church ^G1577 unto ^G4314 God ^G2316 for ^G5228 him. ^G846

Acts 16:23-24 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

And ^G5037 when they had laid ^G2007 many ^G4183 stripes ^G4127 upon them, ^G846 they cast ^G906 them into ^G1519 prison, ^G5438 charging ^G3853 the jailor ^G1200 to keep ^G5083 them ^G846 safely: ^G806 Who, ^G3739 having received ^G2983 such ^G5108 a charge, ^G3852 thrust ^G906 them ^G846 into ^G1519 the inner ^G2082 prison, ^G5438 and ^G2532 made ^G805 their ^G846 feet ^G4228 fast ^G805 in ^G1519 the stocks. ^G3586

Acts 18:12-17 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

And ^G1161 when Gallio ^G1058 was the deputy ^G445 of Achaia, ^G882 the Jews ^G2453 made insurrection ^G2721 with one accord against ^G3661 Paul, ^G3972 and ^G2532 brought ^G71 him ^G846 to ^G1909 the judgment seat, ^G968 Saying, ^G3004 ^G3754 This ^G3778 fellow persuadeth ^G374 men ^G444 to worship ^G4576 God ^G2316 contrary ^G3844 to the law. ^G3551 And ^G1161 when Paul ^G3972 was now about ^G3195 to open ^G455 his mouth, ^G4750 Gallio ^G1058 said ^G2036 unto ^G4314 the Jews, ^G2453 If ^G1487 ^G3303 ^G3767 it were ^G2258 a ^G5100 matter of wrong ^G92 or ^G2228 wicked ^G4190 lewdness, ^G4467 O ^G5599 ye Jews, ^G2453 reason ^G2596 ^G3056 would ^G302 that I should bear ^G430 with you: ^G5216 But ^G1161 if ^G1487 it be ^G2076 a question ^G2213 of ^G4012 words ^G3056 and ^G2532 names, ^G3686 and ^G2532 of ^G2596 your ^G5209 law, ^G3551 look ye ^G3700 ^G846 to it; for ^G1063 I ^G1473 will be ^G1014 ^G1511 no ^G3756 judge ^G2923 of such ^G5130 matters. And ^G2532 he drave ^G556 them ^G846 from ^G575 the judgment seat. ^G968 Then ^G1161 all ^G3956 the Greeks ^G1672 took ^G1949 Sosthenes, ^G4988 the chief ruler of the synagogue, ^G752 and beat ^G5180 him before ^G1715 the judgment seat. ^G968 And ^G2532 Gallio ^G1058 cared ^G3199 for none ^G3762 of those things. ^G5130

Acts 21:27-35 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

And ^G1161 when ^G5613 the seven ^G2033 days ^G2250 were almost ^G3195 ended, ^G4931 the Jews ^G2453 which were of ^G575 Asia, ^G773 when they saw ^G2300 him ^G846 in ^G1722 the temple, ^G2411 stirred up ^G4797 all ^G3956 the people, ^G3793 and ^G2532 laid ^G1911 hands ^G5495 on ^G1909 him, ^G846 Crying out, ^G2896 Men ^G435 of Israel, ^G2475 help: ^G997 This ^G3778 is ^G2076 the man, ^G444 that teacheth ^G1321 all ^G3956 men every where ^G3837 against ^G2596 the people, ^G2992 and ^G2532 the law, ^G3551 and ^G2532 this ^G5126 place: ^G5117 and ^G5037 further ^G2089 brought ^G1521 Greeks ^G1672 also ^G2532 into ^G1519 the temple, ^G2411 and ^G2532 hath polluted ^G2840 this ^G5127 holy ^G40 place. ^G5117 (For ^G1063 they had ^G2258 seen before ^G4308 with ^G4862 him ^G846 in ^G1722 the city ^G4172 Trophimus ^G5161 an Ephesian, ^G2180 whom ^G3739 they supposed ^G3543 that ^G3754 Paul ^G3972 had brought ^G1521 into ^G1519 the temple.) ^G2411 And ^G5037 all ^G3650 the city ^G4172 was moved, ^G2795 and ^G2532 the people ^G2992 ran together: ^G1096 ^G4890 and ^G2532 they took ^G1949 Paul, ^G3972 and drew ^G1670 him ^G846 out of ^G1854 the temple: ^G2411 and ^G2532 forthwith ^G2112 the doors ^G2374 were shut. ^G2808 And ^G1161 as they went about ^G2212 to kill ^G615 him, ^G846 tidings ^G5334 came ^G305 unto the chief captain ^G5506 of the band, ^G4686 that ^G3754 all ^G3650 Jerusalem ^G2419 was in an uproar. ^G4797 Who ^G3739 immediately ^G1824 took ^G3880 soldiers ^G4757 and ^G2532 centurions, ^G1543 and ran down ^G2701 unto ^G1909 them: ^G846 and ^G1161 when they saw ^G1492 the chief captain ^G5506 and ^G2532 the soldiers, ^G4757 they left ^G3973 beating ^G5180 of Paul. ^G3972 Then ^G5119 the chief captain ^G5506 came near, ^G1448 and took ^G1949 him, ^G846 and ^G2532 commanded ^G2753 him to be bound with ^G1210 two ^G1417 chains; ^G254 and ^G2532 demanded ^G4441 who ^G5101 he was, ^G302 ^G1498 and ^G2532 what ^G5101 he had ^G2076 done. ^G4160 And ^G1161 some ^G243 cried ^G994 one thing, ^G5100 some another, ^G243 among ^G1722 the multitude: ^G3793 and ^G1161 when he could ^G1410 not ^G3361 know ^G1097 the certainty ^G804 for ^G1223 the tumult, ^G2351 he commanded ^G2753 him ^G846 to be carried ^G71 into ^G1519 the castle. ^G3925 And ^G1161 when ^G3753 he came ^G1096 upon ^G1909 the stairs, ^G304 so it was, ^G4819 that he was borne ^G941 of ^G5259 the soldiers ^G4757 for ^G1223 the violence ^G970 of the people. ^G3793

Acts 22:23-24 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

And ^G1161 as they ^G846 cried out, ^G2905 and ^G2532 cast off ^G4495 their clothes, ^G2440 and ^G2532 threw ^G906 dust ^G2868 into ^G1519 the air, ^G109 The chief captain ^G5506 commanded ^G2753 him ^G846 to be brought ^G71 into ^G1519 the castle, ^G3925 and bade ^G2036 that he ^G846 should be examined ^G426 by scourging; ^G3148 that ^G2443 he might know ^G1921 wherefore ^G1223 ^G3739 ^G156 they cried ^G2019 so ^G3779 against ^G2019 him. ^G846

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Chapter 6

In this chapter the apostle gives an account of his general errand to all to whom he preached; with the several arguments and methods he used (v. 1-10). Then he addresses himself particularly to the Corinthians, giving them good cautions with great affection and strong arguments (v. 11-18).

2Cr 6:1-10

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, v. 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, v. 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 of these offers: To-day, while it is called to-day. The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be; and we should remember that present seasons of grace are short and uncertain, and cannot be recalled when they are past. It is therefore our duty and interest to improve them while we have them, and no less than our salvation depends upon our so doing.
- 2. What caution they used not to give offence that might hinder the success of their preaching: Giving no offence in any thing, v. 3. The apostle had great difficulty to behave prudently and inoffensively towards the Jews and Gentiles, for many of both sorts watched for his halting, and sought occasion to blame him and his ministry, or his conversation; therefore he was very cautious not to give offence to those who were so apt to take offence, that he might not offend the Jews by unnecessary zeal against the law, nor the Gentiles by unnecessary compliances with such as were zealous for the law. He was careful, in all his words and actions, not to give offence, or occasion of guilt or grief. Note, When others are too apt to take offence, we should be cautious lest we give offence; and ministers especially should be careful lest they do any thing that may bring blame on their ministry or render that unsuccessful.
- 3. Their constant aim and endeavor in all things to approve themselves faithful, as became the ministers of God, v. 4. We see how much stress the apostle upon all occasions lays on fidelity in our work, because much of our success depends upon that. His eye was single, and his heart upright, in all his ministrations; and his great desire was to be the servant of God, and to approve himself so. Note, Ministers of the gospel should look upon themselves as God's servants or ministers, and act in every thing suitably to that character. So did the apostle,
  - (1.) By much patience in afflictions. He was a great sufferer, and met with many afflictions, was often in necessities, and wanted the conveniences, if not the necessaries, of life; in distresses, being straitened on every side, hardly knowing what to do; in stripes often (ch. 11:24); in imprisonments; in tumults raised by the Jews and Gentiles against him; in labours, not only in preaching the gospel, but in travelling from place to place for that end, and working with his hands to supply his necessities; in watchings and in fastings, either voluntary or upon a religious account, or involuntary for the sake of religion: but he exercised much patience in all, v. 4, 5. Note,
    - [1.] It is the lot of faithful ministers often to be reduced to great difficulties, and to stand in need of much patience.
    - [2.] Those who would approve themselves to God must approve themselves faithful in trouble as well as in peace, not only in doing the work of God diligently, but also in bearing the will of God patiently.
  - (2.) By acting from good principles. The apostle went by a good principle in all he did, and tells them what his principles were (v. 6, 7); namely, pureness; and there is no piety without purity. A care to keep ourselves unspotted from the world is necessary in order to our acceptance with God. Knowledge was another principle; and zeal without this is but madness. He also acted with long-suffering and kindness, being not easily provoked, but bearing with the hardness of men's hearts, and hard treatment from their hands, to whom he kindly endeavoured to do good. He acted under the influence of the Holy Ghost, from the noble principle of unfeigned love, according to the rule of the word of truth, under the supports and assistances of the power of God, having on the armour of righteousness (a consciousness of universal righteousness and holiness), which is the best defence against the temptations of prosperity on the right hand, and of adversity on the left.
  - (3.) By a due temper and behaviour under all the variety of conditions in this world, v. 8-10. We must expect to meet with many alterations of our circumstances and conditions in this world; and it will be a great evidence of our integrity if we preserve a right temper of mind, and duly behave ourselves, under them all. The apostles met with honour and dishonour, good report and evil report: good men in this world must expect to meet with some dishonour and reproaches, to balance their honour and esteem; and we stand in need of the grace of God to arm us against the temptations of honour on the one hand, so as to bear good report without pride, and of dishonour on the other hand, so as to bear reproaches without impatience or recrimination. It should seem that persons differently represented the apostles in their reports; that some represented them as the best, and others as the worst, of men: by some they were counted deceivers, and run down as such; by others as true, preaching the gospel of truth, and men who were true to the trust reposed in them. They were slighted by the men of the world as unknown, men of no figure or account, not worth taking notice of; yet in all the churches of Christ they were well known, and of great account: they were looked upon as dying, being killed all the day long, and their interest was thought to be a dying interest; "and yet behold,' says the apostle, "we live, and live comfortably, and bear up cheerfully under all our hardships, and go on conquering and to conquer.' They were chastened, and often fell under the lash of the law, yet not killed: and though it was thought that they were sorrowful, a company of mopish and melancholy men, always sighing and mourning, yet they were always rejoicing in God, and had the greatest reason to rejoice always. They were despised as poor, upon the account of their poverty in this world; and yet they made many rich, by preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. They were thought to have nothing, and silver and gold they had none, houses and lands they had none; yet they possessed all things: they had nothing in this world, but they had a treasure in heaven. Their effects lay in another country, in another world. They had nothing in themselves, but possessed all things in Christ. Such a paradox is a Christian's life, and through such a variety of conditions and reports lies our way to heaven; and we should be careful in all these things to approve ourselves to God.

2Cr 6:11-18

The apostle proceeds to address himself more particularly to the Corinthians, and cautions them against mingling with unbelievers. Here observe,

I. How the caution is introduced with a profession, in a very pathetic manner, of the most tender affection to them, even like that of a father to his children, v. 11-13. Though the apostle was happy in a great fluency of expressions, yet he seemed to want words to express the warm affections he had for these Corinthians. As if he had said, "O ye Corinthians, to whom I am now writing, I would fain convince you how well I love you: we are desirous to promote the spiritual and eternal welfare of all to whom we preach, yet our mouth is open unto you, and our heart is enlarged unto you, in a special manner.' And, because his heart was thus enlarged with love to them, therefore he opened his mouth so freely to them in kind admonitions and exhortations: "You are not,' says he, "straitened in us; we would gladly do you all the service we can, and promote your comfort, as helpers of your faith and your joy; and, if it be otherwise, the fault is in yourselves; it is because you are straitened in yourselves, and fail in suitable returns to us, through some misapprehensions concerning us; and all we desire as a recompense is only that you would be proportionably affected towards us, as children should love their father.' Note, It is desirable that there should be a mutual good affection between ministers and their people, and this would greatly tend to their mutual comfort and advantage.
II. The caution or exhortation itself, not to mingle with unbelievers, not to be unequally yoked with them, v. 14. Either,
- 1. In stated relations. It is wrong for good people to join in affinity with the wicked and profane; these will draw different ways, and that will be galling and grievous. Those relations that are our choice must be chosen by rule; and it is good for those who are themselves the children of God to join with those who are so likewise; for there is more danger that the bad will damage the good than hope that the good will benefit the bad.
- 2. In common conversation. We should not yoke ourselves in friendship and acquaintance with wicked men and unbelievers. Though we cannot wholly avoid seeing, and hearing, and being with such, yet we should never choose them for our bosom-friends.
- 3. Much less should we join in religious communion with them; we must not join with them in their idolatrous services, nor concur with them in their false worship, nor any abominations; we must not confound together the table of the Lord and the table of devils, the house of God and the house of Rimmon. The apostle gives several good reasons against this corrupt mixture.
  - (1.) It is a very great absurdity, v. 14, 15. It is an unequal yoking of things together that will not agree together; as bad as for the Jews to have ploughed with an ox and an ass or to have sown divers sorts of grain intermixed. What an absurdity is it to think of joining righteousness and unrighteousness, or mingling light and darkness, fire and water, together! Believers are, and should be, righteous; but unbelievers are unrighteous. Believers are made light in the Lord, but unbelievers are in darkness; and what comfortable communion can these have together? Christ and Belial are contrary one to the other; they have opposite interests and designs, so that it is impossible there should be any concord or agreement between them. It is absurd, therefore, to think of enlisting under both; and, if the believer has part with an infidel, he does what in him lies to bring Christ and Belial together.
  - (2.) It is a dishonour to the Christian's profession (v. 16); for Christians are by profession, and should be in reality, the temples of the living God-dedicated to, and employed for, the service of God, who has promised to reside in them, to dwell and walk in them, to stand in a special relation to them, and take a special care of them, that he will be their God and they shall be his people. Now there can be no agreement between the temple of God and idols. Idols are rivals with God for his honour, and God is a jealous God, and will not give his glory to another.
  - (3.) There is a great deal of danger in communicating with unbelievers and idolators, danger of being defiled and of being rejected; therefore the exhortation is (v. 17) to come out from among them, and keep at a due distance, to be separate, as one would avoid the society of those who have the leprosy or the plague, for fear of taking infection, and not to touch the unclean thing, lest we be defiled. Who can touch pitch, and not be defiled by it? We must take care not to defile ourselves by converse with those who defile themselves with sin; so is the will of God, as we ever hope to be received, and not rejected, by him.
  - (4.) It is base ingratitude to God for all the favours he has bestowed upon believers and promised to them, v. 18. God has promised to be a Father to them, and that they shall be his sons and his daughters; and is there a greater honour or happiness than this? How ungrateful a thing then must it be if those who have this dignity and felicity should degrade and debase themselves by mingling with unbelievers! Do we thus requite the Lord, O foolish and unwise?

Worthy.Bible » STRONG » 2 Corinthians » Chapter 6 » Verse 5

2 Corinthians 6:5 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

Cross Reference

2 Corinthians 11:23-25 STRONG

Acts 19:23-34 STRONG

Acts 28:16-17 STRONG

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 STRONG

Jeremiah 37:15-16 STRONG

Mark 13:34-37 STRONG

Acts 12:4-5 STRONG

Acts 16:23-24 STRONG

Acts 18:12-17 STRONG

Acts 21:27-35 STRONG

Acts 22:23-24 STRONG

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 6 Matthew Henry Commentary

Chapter 6