2 Corinthians 6 — AAB

Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace

6Verse 1As God’s fellow workers,⁺then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.^{Verse 2}For He says:
“In the time of favor I heard you,and in the day of salvation I helped you.”⁺
Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!^{Verse 3}We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.^{Verse 4}Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;^{Verse 5}in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;^{Verse 6}in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;^{Verse 7}in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;^{Verse 8}through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine;^{Verse 9}unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed;^{Verse 10}sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.^{Verse 11}We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide.^{Verse 12}It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained.^{Verse 13}As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

^{Verse 14}Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?^{Verse 15}What harmony is there between Christ and Belial?⁺Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?^{Verse 16}What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell with themand walk among them,and I will be their God,and they will be My people.”^{+Verse 17}“Therefore come out from among themand be separate, says the Lord.Touch no unclean thing,and I will receive you.”^{+Verse 18}And:
“I will be a Father to you,and you will be My sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”⁺