“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”– 2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)
“Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”– 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NLT)
“So we’re not to be like the world. Come out from them and be separate, says God. Don’t play it safe by touching their filth; I’ll welcome you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17 (MSG)
What Does 2 Corinthians 6:17 Mean?
This verse calls us to a significant and serious commitment to our faith in Christ. The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians to urge them to separate themselves from practices and behaviors that do not align with the teachings of Jesus. The phrase “come out from among them” indicates a need for intentionality in our choices and relationships. It is a reminder that we are to live differently from the secular world around us.
The connection between unity with Christ and separation from unclean things is crucial. Our relationship with the Lord comes with the responsibility to reflect His holiness. By choosing to live a life that is distinctly set apart, we invite God’s presence into our lives, creating a space where He can work in us and through us. This verse teaches us that holiness is more than just avoiding sin; it means forming a deeper relationship with the Lord by turning away from things that could potentially hinder our growth.
2 Corinthians 6:17 Explanation and Commentary
When Paul wrote this letter, he was addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and idolatry. His message was clear: God calls His people to be separate and distinct. So often, we see the pressure in our lives to conform to world standards. Whether through media, peers, or societal expectations, there is a constant tugging to be a part of the culture that surrounds us. Yet here, Paul finishes with a promise: “I will receive you.” This statement provides us with encouragement. God desires fellowship with us, but this requires our active participation in choosing to separate ourselves from unclean things.
As we engage with this verse, we should examine areas of our lives where we may have accepted what is deemed normal by the world. Are there habits or mindsets that do not align with God’s word? Are there relationships that lead us away from our priorities as followers of Christ? The journey of sanctification is ongoing, and we find grace and strength through the Holy Spirit to navigate these challenges.
Interestingly, this message is not limited to individual actions. It extends to our involvement in community and church life. We are encouraged to associate with fellow believers who share our commitment to living a holy life. It is essential to surround ourselves with those who uplift and challenge us in our faith. The directive to be separate isn’t meant to isolate us from others but to encourage us to shine brightly in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.
We can also reflect on Isaiah 52:11, which states, “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” This echoes Paul’s message, urging us to rise above the standards of this world. Embracing God’s call to be separate requires an attitude of humility and willingness to surrender our ways to Him. As we pursue holiness, we discover that it leads to deeper fulfillment, joy, and purpose in our lives.
Context of 2 Corinthians 6:17
Understanding the context of 2 Corinthians 6:17 is essential to grasping its full meaning. The apostle Paul addresses several issues in his letters to the Corinthians. He tackles topics related to morality, unity, and Christian conduct. In this particular chapter, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in our relationships with God and others.
Before Paul provides this call to separation, he discusses the nature of our relationship with God and the dangers of being “unequally yoked.” It is vital to recognize that this call is not isolated; it correlates with the overarching theme of maintaining integrity in our walk with Christ. God desires us to reflect His character and holiness in our lives, which requires disassociating ourselves from influences that contradict His nature.
When we look at the historical context, we see a community grappling with rapid cultural changes and pressures to conform. Corinth was a hub of trade and interaction, fostering a wide range of belief systems. This backdrop presents an excellent parallel to our lives today. We navigate varied influences that often seem at odds with our faith. By emphasizing the need for separation, Paul was not simply warning against bad influences; he was calling believers to a higher standard of living that glorifies God.
In examining the surrounding passages, we find that Paul speaks on the theme of reconciliation as well. It illustrates that while we are called to be separate, God’s desire for relationship with humanity remains unchanged. It emphasizes the balance between separation for purity and the call to love and engage with others in our community. The call to holiness aligns with our purpose to reflect God’s character to those around us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Corinthians 6:17
Breaking down this verse reveals profound truths packed into each phrase. “Come out from among them” signifies more than merely stepping away; it indicates a deliberate decision to refrain from engaging in behaviors and attitudes that undermine our spiritual growth. This call serves as a reminder for us to evaluate our environments and the influences we allow in our lives.
The phrase “be ye separate” speaks to the idea that our identity in Christ should set us apart. We aren’t meant to blend in with mainstream culture but to shine our light brightly. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Our uniqueness in Christ is our testimony to the love of God, demonstrating what it means to be transformed by His grace.
“Touch not the unclean thing” urges us to establish boundaries. It may seem drastic, but this level of commitment is crucial for spiritual integrity. We must define what is “unclean” in our lives, recognizing anything that could lead us away from our relationship with Christ. This includes toxic habits, negative relationships, and harmful thought patterns that do not align with God’s standards.
The concluding promise, “and I will receive you,” reinforces God’s love and willingness to welcome us into His presence. This promise reassures us that seeking separation from sin for his glory leads us to deeper fellowship with Him. It’s an invitation to experience the fullness of life and growth that comes from living according to His ways.
Lessons to Learn From 2 Corinthians 6:17
Through this verse, we glean important lessons essential for our spiritual journey. One lesson is the importance of discernment in our lives. Paul cautions us to evaluate the influences we allow to shape our beliefs. In our modern world, we have access to various philosophies and ideologies, and it is our responsibility to discern what aligns with Scripture. Seeking God’s guidance through prayer and studying His word provides us clarity as we make choices that honor Him.
Another significant lesson is to embrace our identity in Christ. We are called to live differently, and our choices should reflect that. Let us encourage one another to be lights in our communities. By actively seeking to be separate, we not only grow closer to God, but we also become vessels of His love, hope, and truth for those around us.
Furthermore, this verse invites us to practice integrity in our relationships. Integrity creates a solid foundation for how we interact with others, and being separate does not mean isolating ourselves. Instead, it encourages us to build relationships with fellow believers who inspire and challenge us in our faith journey. By engaging in community with others who share our values, we can encourage each other to take a stand against negativity.
Finally, God’s promise to receive us reassures us of His unwavering love and grace. The act of coming out from the world is not a punishment but a gift that leads us into closer fellowship with Him. Knowing that God cherishes our relationship should inspire us to make choices that honor Him wholeheartedly.
Final Thoughts
2 Corinthians 6:17 is a profound reminder of our call to holiness. As we reflect on this verse, let us strive to evaluate our lives, relationships, and priorities regularly. God’s invitation to separate ourselves from what does not honor Him leads to deeper fellowship with Him. We should confidently embrace our identity as chosen ones, making choices that reflect His character and love.
In a world that often challenges our faith, let us remember that we do not face this journey alone. We have the Holy Spirit guiding us as we navigate our spiritual walk. Together, let’s support each other in this commitment to holiness while actively shining our lights in a world that so desperately needs the hope found in Christ. For more insights into our identity and calling in Christ, consider exploring 1 Corinthians 13:13 and the beauty of love that should define our relationships.