1. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 6: Christ’s Life & Ministry is Separated from the World Part 1
2 Corinth 6:11 – “O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.”
In this verse, why does Paul so vivaciously (!) address the Corinthian church?
Let’s revisit hardship - 2 Corinth 6:3-10.
In what ways have ‘we’ spoken to them?
Who is we?
Timothy (delivered 1st letter to the Corinthians)?, Titus (2 Corinth 7:13)?
Why are their hearts wide open?
An atmosphere of benevolence.
Of interest this is in the passive tense, thus the source is from where?
2 Corinth 6:12 – “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.”
Restricted – cramped, compressed. 1
July 23, Bob Eckel 1

2. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 6: Christ’s Life & Ministry is Separated from the World Part 1
2 Corinth 4:8 - We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Is there any restriction in God’s truth?
John 8:36 - “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Free from what?
What does it mean to be restricted by your own affections?
Usually means deep-seated tender mercies but here, not so.
The term can be translated bowels, and is so here in some versions including the Interlinear Greek.
Some commentators feel that this reflects distress brought by some who are with them and are misleading them, not in fellowship or communion.
Their affections are misplaced.
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;
Whatever, what is the source of our own affections? 2
July 23, Bob Eckel 2

3. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 6: Christ’s Life & Ministry is Separated from the World Part 1
2 Corinth 6:13 – “Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.”
Now in return for the same – refers to a reward given in compensation.
Are they paying Paul back?
But affection can be given but not taken – do you agree?
Why is Paul writing as to children (teknon)?
As a father to a son or daughter?
‘My’ precedes children in the Interlinear version.
So how does this all happen?
you also need to be open or enlarged
Notice again here that the tense is passive – why?
2 Corinth 6:14 – “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness 3
July 23, Bob Eckel 3

4. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 6: Christ’s Life & Ministry is Separated from the World Part 1
with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”
Yoke - a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of 2 animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull.
A close working relationship between the beasts.
What does the metaphor being unequally yoked together with unbelievers mean?
Do not be - present imperative!
McCalley - The principle is in Lev 19:19 that certain things do not mix.
Lev 19:19 - You shall keep My statutes. You shall not let your livestock breed with another kind. You shall not sow your field with mixed seed. Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you.
Deut 22:10 - “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.
What does being yoked here in context mean?
Isn‘t this closely connected to verse 13 and if so how?
Eph 5:11 - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 4
July 23, Bob Eckel 4

5. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 6: Christ’s Life & Ministry is Separated from the World Part 1
Why?
For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?
Eph 5:6,7 - Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.
And what communion has light with darkness?
2 Corinth 6:16 - And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”
1 Thess 5:5 - You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
Does this mean no association with unbelievers?
This verse is often used for marriage as an example of being unequally yoked; but is that an appropriate application here?
Deut 7:3 - “Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son.
Even if so what about one who is married to an unbeliever?
1 Corinth 7:10-16; 39,40! 5
July 23, Bob Eckel 5