2 Corinthians 6:16-18
What is written? (ESV)
What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
What does it say?
God’s temple has nothing to do with idols. We are God’s temple, just as He said that He would make His dwelling among us and go with us as our God and His people. Therefore He says we must separate ourselves from idols/the world and touch nothing unclean in order that He will welcome us as a father welcomes his children.
What is its immediate context?
Paul has dealt with numerous issues that have sown division and discord among the Christians in Corinth. In this chapter/section, he addresses yet another problem — apparently, some have negatively influenced the church to the extent that they were false teaching. Paul cites several passages from the Law and Prophets and combines them together here to apply to first-century Christians (which he has every right to do as an inspired writer). The quotes and references include but are not limited to:
- Vs 16 – Leviticus 26:12, Exodus 6:7, 29:45, Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 11:20, Zechariah 2:10-11
- Vs 17 – Isaiah 52:11, Ezekiel 20:34, 3:20
- Vs 18 – Isaiah 43:6-7, Jeremiah 31:9-10, Hosea 1:10
How 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 is applied across Bible answers
Top 5: Images of the church?
The church is the 'temple of the living God' and as a result, Christians are to be holy.
What is sin?
Sin is likened to touching things unclean and the practice of sinning is how we jeopardize God welcoming us as a father does with his children.
What is the result of sin?
Walking in, or living a sinful life, causes one to be separated from God.
