“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 unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NLT)
“So, leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good,” says God. “Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17 (MSG)
What Does 2 Corinthians 6:17 Mean?
When we read 2 Corinthians 6:17, we come across a powerful message from God that stands out to us as believers. This verse calls us to action, urging us to separate ourselves from those who do not share our faith. But what does it mean to “come out from among them”? It means that we are encouraged to set ourselves apart from any influences, associations, or behaviors that do not align with God’s teachings. This does not mean we should completely isolate ourselves from the world, but rather we must be cautious about the company we keep and the influences we allow into our lives.
We live in a time where distractions and temptations come at us from every angle. It becomes vital for us to evaluate our relationships and the environments we immerse ourselves in. The Apostle Paul is reminding us that our faith and walk with God require of us a level of purity that demands we choose wisely who we associate with. When we align ourselves with those who do not honor God, it can lead us away from His path. Thus, we must remain vigilant and committed to our faith and summon the strength to distance ourselves from influences that can harm our relationship with Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:17 Explanation and Commentary
The context of this verse is quite significant. Paul expresses the importance of holiness in our walk with God. He encourages us to be mindful of our choices and emphasizes that God has chosen us to be His people, and in return, we must choose to honor Him through our living. This verse is about discernment. It’s about taking a stand for what is right, pure, and godly. We often feel pressure to conform to societal norms or to keep friendships at any cost. However, Paul reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God. We need to embody the values we cherish in our relationships and our lives.
Being separate isn’t just about being distanced from people; it is about being transformed. Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation equips us to recognize unclean things and not “touch” them. It means living with integrity and standing by our values no matter the cost.
Paul’s exhortation resonates deeply with us. It prompts us to reflect on our surroundings and consider our influences. Are we surrounding ourselves with people who uplift our spirits and strengthen our faith? Or do we find ourselves in situations that draw us away from our values? Instead of mingling with those who promote negative qualities, we should strive to engage with those who inspire us to grow closer to God and encourage us to reach our highest potential.
Context of 2 Corinthians 6:17
In understanding this verse, we must grasp the context in which it was written. This letter was addressed to the Corinthians, who faced numerous challenges in their faith. They were surrounded by a culture that often contradicted Christian values. Paul’s intention with this letter is to guide them on how to remain steadfast amid such distractions.
This letter highlights the importance of maintaining a pure relationship with God and one another. Paul speaks to multiple aspects of the Christian life, and 2 Corinthians 6:17 stands as a reminder that our spirituality is deeply intertwined with our social connections. If we desire to receive God truly and wholly, we must be willing to make sacrifices, which can include stepping away from unproductive relationships and environments.
It’s essential also to note that the call to separation is not about withdrawal for the sake of avoiding others. It’s about creating an authentic community built around our shared faith. By actively making choices that reflect our beliefs, we create spaces for growth and fellowship among believers. When we surround ourselves with sincere individuals seeking Christ with pure hearts, we help enrich the body of Christ and encourage one another in love and good deeds.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Corinthians 6:17
Breaking down the key components of the verse, we notice a series of instructions. “Come out from among them” calls for us to step away from influences that do not serve the purpose of growing in our relationship with God. The next part, “be ye separate,” signifies taking a stand for our faith and makes it clear that our identity in Christ is paramount. Being separate implies remaining untainted by worldly distractions.
We also have the charge not to “touch the unclean thing.” This command signifies abstaining from actions or environments that compromise our values. The unclean things could include sinful behaviors or ideologies that conflict with God’s teachings. By choosing to protect ourselves from these, we arm ourselves with the strength to remain faithful to our convictions.
The conclusion of the verse brings with it a beautiful promise: “and I will receive you.” God reassures us that when we make the effort to separate ourselves from harmful influences, He embraces us back with open arms. This is a powerful reminder of His love and acceptance. It encourages us that while we strive for purity, we are never alone; God is always there to welcome us back as we take steps toward aligning ourselves with His heart.
Lessons to Learn From 2 Corinthians 6:17
There are many lessons for us to glean from this powerful verse. The first is the importance of making conscious choices about our relationships and interactions. God calls us to seek relationships that promote growth, love, and support in our spiritual journeys. It challenges us to reflect on our current friendships and environments. Are they fostering our faith or hindering it?
Another lesson we learn is the value of accountability. When we surround ourselves with fellow believers, we create opportunities for accountability and encouragement. We can share our challenges and support each other in living out our faith. This aspect is crucial in helping us navigate difficulties and reminding us of God’s promises and truths.
We also recognize the call to personal responsibility. God asks us to actively pursue a lifestyle that separates us from what pulls us away from Him. We cannot blindly follow the ways of others and expect to remain aligned with God’s will. We must remain vigilant and dedicated to living lives that reflect our commitment to Christ fully.
Final Thoughts
2 Corinthians 6:17 is a powerful reminder of the foundations of our faith. We have a responsibility to guard our hearts and minds in a world that often veers away from God. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that when we decide to separate ourselves from influences that do not serve our relationship with Him, He welcomes us eagerly into His embrace. We can connect with one another in genuine communities that promote faith and love. By living out God’s teachings and encouraging one another in our walk with Him, we further grow in our understanding and love for Christ.
For an even deeper exploration of faith, consider visiting Bible Repository for additional resources and insights. Engaging with Scripture not only strengthens our relationship with God but also equips us with wisdom as we navigate our walks in faith.