2 Corinthians – Chapter 6

New Testament • 18 Verses

Chapter Summary

2 Corinthians 6 opens with the words: "And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain." Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain.

2For he saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation.

3Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed.

4But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses,

5In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings,

6In chastity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned,

7In the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left:

8By honour and dishonour: by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true: as unknown and yet known:

9As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed:

10As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

11Our mouth is open to you, O ye Corinthians: our heart is enlarged.

12You are not straitened in us: but in your own bowels you are straitened.

13But having the same recompense (I speak as to my children): be you also enlarged.

14Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness?

15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the unbeliever?

16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God: as God saith: I will dwell in them and walk among them. And I will be their God: and they shall be my people.

17Wherefore: Go out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing:

18And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Important Verses in 2 Corinthians 6

“And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain.”

2 Corinthians 6:1

“In the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left:”

2 Corinthians 6:7

“Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness?”

2 Corinthians 6:14

“And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ”

2 Corinthians 6:18

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, 2 Corinthians was written with the Corinthian church, reconciled to its apostle and to God in view. Chapter 6 of 13 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain." The chapter ends with: "And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. " In terms of historical background, Paul's most personal letter, written after a painful crisis with the Corinthian church and attacks on his authority. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 57, from Macedonia.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 57, from Macedonia

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 436). Here, Paul's suffering models participation in Christ's passion (CIC 618). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims 2 Corinthians Chapter 6 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in 2 Corinthians Chapter 6. At the moral level, repentance and the mercy of God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 26).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 265).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Corinthians Chapter 6 about?

2 Corinthians 6 contains 18 verses. It opens with "And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain." and closes with "And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 2 Corinthians 6?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote 2 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 57, from Macedonia.

Related Chapters

Deuteronomy 26Shares people and themes with this chapterJob 24Shares people and themes with this chapterIsaiah 50Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family

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