2 Corinthians 6:17 is a verse within a passage where the Apostle Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to live a life separated from worldly influences and to embrace their identity as God’s people. The specific verse reads as follows in the New International Version (NIV):
“Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’”
Context
To fully understand the meaning of this verse, it’s important to consider its context within the letter to the Corinthians:
- Audience: Paul writes to the Christian community in Corinth, a city known for its moral laxity and cultural diversity. The Christians there faced pressures to conform to the surrounding pagan culture.
- Theme of Separation: Throughout the letter, Paul emphasizes the importance of holiness and living according to God’s standards. He contrasts the values of the Kingdom of God with those of the surrounding culture.
Historical Background
The verse is a quotation from Isaiah 52:11, which calls the Israelites to separate themselves from the influence of Babylonian captivity and to return to a life that is devoted to God. This call to separation involves both physical and spiritual aspects, urging believers to distinguish themselves from those who oppose God’s ways.
Detailed Meaning
“Come out from them and be separate”:
- Calls to Action: This is not merely a suggestion but a command from God. It’s about making a conscious choice to distance oneself from influences and relationships that could lead one away from faithfulness to God.
- Identity and Belonging: By coming out and being separate, believers affirm their identity as children of God, set apart for His purposes.
“Touch no unclean thing”:
- Holiness: This emphasizes the concept of purity and moral integrity. It aligns with the Jewish understanding of being ritually clean and avoiding things associated with sin or idolatry.
- Avoidance of Sin: It highlights the necessity for Christians to avoid sinful behavior and practices that reflect the values of a non-believing world.
“And I will receive you”:
- God’s Promise: This part of the verse contains a comforting assurance that if believers respond to God’s call to separation, He will receive them. It signifies acceptance, fellowship, and belonging in God’s family.
- Relational Aspect: It underscores the relational nature of faith — that being close to God involves a commitment to holiness and a willingness to abandon lifestyles contrary to His will.
Implications for Believers Today
- Cultural Engagement vs. Conformity: The verse challenges modern Christians to engage thoughtfully with contemporary culture without compromising their faith.
- The Importance of Community: It serves as a reminder of the importance of building a community that supports one another in living according to God’s ways.
- Personal Reflection: Believers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, identifying areas where they may be assimilating the values of the world instead of living out their faith authentically.
Conclusion
2 Corinthians 6:17 serves as both a warning and an encouragement for believers to live distinct lives that reflect their commitment to God. The call to separation is aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God and emphasizes the importance of holy living in a world filled with competing values.