Read the Passage: 2 Corinthians 6–7
Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: 2 Corinthians 6-7
Affections and Purity (6:1–7:1)
Having just clearly articulated the gospel in 2 Cor. 5:16–21, Paul now pleads with the believers in Corinth to be certain that they had not “received the grace of God in vain” (2 Cor. 6:1). Remember that Paul’s aim in this part of his letter was to defend his ministry from certain false teachers who had infected the church. Paul wanted to be sure that the Corinthians’ questioning of his ministry was not the result of a false profession of faith. This is why, after quoting Isa. 49:8, Paul reminded the church, “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). In 2 Cor. 6:3 Paul declared that he had given “no offense” to the church and should “not be blamed.” Next, in 2 Cor. 6:4–7 Paul lists nineteen features of his ministry, many of which describe the hardships he experienced in Corinth. Finally, in 2 Cor. 6:8–10 Paul cites nine paradoxes that convey both the trials and triumphs of ministry.
In 2 Cor. 6:12, Paul identifies the source of the Corinthians’ spiritual immaturity as he writes, “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.” As he explains, the reason for the uncertainty among the believers in Corinth was not because Paul did not love the church; rather, it was because the church had set their affections on something other than God (cf. Jas. 1:15). In 2 Cor. 6:14–18 Paul urges the Corinthian Christians toward purity, as he repeatedly warns them about being “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14). Of course, Paul is not teaching that believers should be completely isolated from unbelievers in the world, even if this were possible (cf. 1 Cor. 5:9–11). Rather, Paul is warning the church about forming voluntary, intimate relationships with unbelievers, such as in a marriage, a business, or a spiritual setting.
Sorrow and Repentance (7:2–12)
Having encouraged the church to evaluate their faith in 2 Cor. 6:1–2, now in 2 Cor. 7:2–12 Paul reminds the church about their prior repentance. Clearly, then, Paul believed that most of his readers were authentic believers. At 2 Cor. 7:2, by way of further defense of his ministry, Paul declares that he had not wronged, corrupted, or cheated anyone in the church (cf. 2 Cor. 6:3). In 2 Cor. 7:3–4 Paul writes that the defense of his ministry was not directed toward condemnation of the church; rather, it arose from his love for the church. At 2 Cor. 7:5 Paul resumes a narrative he had left off at 2 Cor. 2:13. Here in this account Paul detailed how he was encouraged by meeting Titus in Macedonia, probably in the city of Philippi. Paul was invigorated not only because he was reunited with his friend, but also because Titus gave a reassuring report about the Corinthian church.
In 2 Cor. 7:8–12 Paul reflects upon his readers’ reaction to a previous letter he sent them, which prompted their repentance. Here Paul gives the helpful teaching, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, [which is] not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” This verse is important, for it highlights the fact that there are two types of repentance: godly repentance that leads to life, and worldly repentance that leads to death. The idea here is that since all human beings are made in God’s image, they will feel sorry when they break God’s moral law. Yet, godly repentance is more than just feeling sorry for one’s actions; it is to admit the inadequacy of oneself. In other words, worldly repentance is sparked by sorrow, driven by guilt, and focuses on oneself. In contrast, godly repentance begins with conviction, is empowered by grace, and relies upon Christ.
Joy and Confidence (7:13–16)
Having referred to Titus at 2 Cor. 7:6, Paul now informs the Corinthians that Titus, like himself, had been refreshed by their repentance. Observe Paul’s reminder at 2 Cor. 7:13 that repentance brings about comfort and joy. This is in addition to Paul’s earlier teaching that repentance produces diligence, clearing, indignation, reverence, desire, zeal, and vindication (cf. 2 Cor. 7:11). Given his previous sorrowful visit to Corinth (cf. 2 Cor. 2:1), the church must have been encouraged to read of Paul’s boasting about them (cf. 2 Cor. 7:14), his affections for them (cf. 2 Cor. 7:15), and his confidence in them (cf. 2 Cor. 7:16). Indeed, sometimes rebuke can be misunderstood as personal or vindictive in nature. However, here Paul writes that his confrontation of the church was done, “[So] that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you” (2 Cor. 7:12).
Application Questions:
- What does the writer of Hebrews mean when he teaches that without holiness no one will see the Lord (cf. Heb. 12:14)?
- How would you counsel a believer who is unequally yoked in a marriage, a business, or a religious context?
- How important are the concepts of fellowship and friendship for growth in the Christian life?
- How can believers distinguish if they are engaging in world repentance or godly repentance?
- What does Paul mean when he writes to the Roman church, “The goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Rom. 2:4)?
