MSB 2 COR Chapter 6

Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace

6 [As] [God’s] fellow workers,[fn] then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For He says:

“In the time of favor I heard you,

and in [the] day of salvation I helped you.”[fn]

Behold, now [is the] time of favor; now [is the] day of salvation!

3 We put no obstacle in [anyone’s] {way}, so that no one can discredit [our] ministry.

4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, [and] calamities; 5 in beatings, imprisonments, [and] riots; in labor, sleepless nights, [and] hunger; 6 in purity, knowledge, patience, [and] kindness; in [the] Holy Spirit [and] in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech [and] in [the] power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in [the] left; 8 through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; 9 unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet {making} many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. 12 [It is] not our affection, [but] yours, that is restrained. 13 [As] a fair exchange—I speak as to [my] children—open wide your [hearts] also.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

14 {Do} not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership [can] righteousness [have with] wickedness? Or what fellowship [does] light [have] with darkness? 15 What harmony [is there between] Christ and Belial?[fn] Or what {does} a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement [can exist] between the temple of God [and] idols? For you[fn] are [the] temple of [the] living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell with them

and walk among [them],

and I will be their God,

and they will be My people.”[fn]

17 “Therefore come out from among them

and be separate, says [the] Lord.

Touch no unclean {thing},

and I will receive you.”[fn]

18 And:

“I will be a Father to you,

and you will be My sons and daughters,

says [the] Lord Almighty.”[fn]