What does 2 Corinthians 6:17 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 6:17 is a call to purity and separation from the idolatry and corruption that surrounded the early Christian communities.

The Apostle Paul is urging believers to differentiate themselves from the practices and values of non-believers, highlighting the importance of holiness in the life of a Christian.

Paul emphasizes the need for followers of Christ to avoid any association with things that are "unclean" – a term that could allude to moral impurity, pagan practices, or anything contrary to the teachings of Christ.

"Unclean things" could also be symbolic of sin in general or specific sinful activities prevalent in Corinthian society.

The promise that follows this command stresses God’s readiness to accept and welcome those who comply, “I will receive you.” This reflects the relationship of a holy God wishing to dwell among a holy people.

Historical Context

The historical context of 2 Corinthians is Paul's relationship with the church in Corinth, which he had founded. Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with a blend of Roman, Greek, and local traditions, including various religious practices.

It was known for its wealth, intellectualism, and moral laxity.

Given this background, the new Christian converts were susceptible to being influenced by the surrounding pagan culture.

The challenge for Paul was to encourage them to hold on to their Christian identity and moral standards in a city of diverse and often conflicting values.

This verse, therefore, served as a means to reinforce the commitment of the Corinthian believers to the Gospel, by separating themselves from pagan practices.

Theological Insights

Theologically, 2 Corinthians 6:17 provides insight into the concept of sanctification, the process of being made holy.

From a Christian perspective, sanctification is the transformative process of becoming more like Christ.

This verse supports the idea that Christians are called to live holy lives, distinct from the world around them.

From the Reformed viewpoint, it could be interpreted as God's sovereignty in setting apart a people for Himself through the inner working of the Holy Spirit.

The Wesleyan tradition might focus on this verse as a call to personal holiness and the pursuit of perfection in love through one's actions and choices.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, 2 Corinthians 6:17 can guide Christians on how to navigate their relationships with the broader secular culture.

It suggests that they need to establish clear boundaries about what is acceptable in terms of behavior, lifestyle, and interactions. This doesn't mean absolute withdrawal from the world, but rather the thoughtful recognition of what aligns with Christian teaching and what compromises one's faith.

The verse encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions and to pursue a life that is marked by godliness and the ethical teachings of Jesus.

Cross-References

• Revelation 18:4 – "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."
• Isaiah 52:11 – "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."
• 1 John 2:15 – "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• ἀφορίζω (aphorizō) – Translated as "come out from among" or "separate," which means to mark off by boundaries, to set apart.
• ἀκαθάρτου (akathartou) – Meaning "unclean," typically referring to something impure religiously, morally, or ceremonially.

The imperative mood of the verbs underlines the urgency and necessity of action by the readers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of separation from impurity and being set apart is not unique to Christianity.

In Judaism, the concept of being clean or unclean is pervasive in the Torah, with clear regulations about what made someone unclean and the necessary rituals for purification.

In other ancient religions, there were often rituals and practices aimed at maintaining ritual purity and appeasing the gods.

The Christian concept differs in that it focuses on moral and spiritual purity as a response to a holy and loving God, rather than appeasing angry or capricious deities.

Scientific Perspectives

While 2 Corinthians 6:17 does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, the concept of separating from what is "unclean" may find a loose analogy in epidemiology and the practice of quarantine to prevent the spread of diseases.

Just as there's a practical aspect to avoiding contaminants to maintain physical health, the verse metaphorically suggests avoiding moral contaminants to maintain spiritual health.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have provided insights into 2 Corinthians 6:17:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes that God's promises to receive and be a Father to His people are conditional upon their separation from the world and their striving for purity in their own lives.
• John Wesley notes that this separation is a call to the church not to form any close connections, partnerships, or friendships with non-believers which might tempt Christians to stray from their commitment to God.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that Paul's imperative to "come out and be separate" must have resonated deeply in a city like Corinth, where Christians found themselves pressured by a multitude of pagan practices and societal norms that were at odds with their faith.