2 Corinthians 6:2
Verse
Context
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Compilations
Paul Washer
A.W. Tozer
David Wilkerson
Harry IronsideSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he saith - That is, God hath said it, by the prophet Isaiah, Isa 49:8; which place the apostle quotes verbatim et literatim from the Septuagint. And from this we may at once see what is the accepted time, and what the day of salvation. The advent of the Messiah was the עת רצון eth ratson, the time of God's pleasure or benevolence, of which all the faithful were in expectation; and the day of salvation, יום שועה yom yeshuah, was the time in which this salvation should be manifested and applied. The apostle therefore informs them that this is the time predicted by the prophet; and the ministry of reconciliation being exercised in full force is a proof that the prophecy is fulfilled; and therefore the apostle confidently asserts, Behold, Now is this accepted time, Now the Messiah reigns, Now is the Gospel dispensation, and therefore Now is the day of salvation; that is, the very time in which the power of God is present to heal, and in which every sinner believing on the Lord Jesus may be saved. I rather think that this second verse should be read immediately after the last verse of the preceding chapter; as where it now stands it greatly disturbs the connection between the first and the third verses. I will set down the whole in the order in which I think they should stand. Co2 5:20 : Now then we are ambassadors for Christ; as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, to be reconciled to God. For he hath made him a sin-offering for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him: for he saith, "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Immediately after this, the sixth chapter will very properly commence, and we shall see that the connection will be then undisturbed: - We then, as fellow workers, beseech you also, that ye receive not this grace of God in vain, giving no offense in any thing, that this ministry be not blamed. This change of the place of the second verse, which every one allows must, if it stand here, be read in a parenthesis, preserves the whole connection of the apostle's discourse, and certainly sets his argument before us in a stronger light. Let us review the whole: 1. God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, Co2 5:18. 2. He appointed the apostles to proclaim to mankind the doctrine of reconciliation, Co2 5:19. 3. The apostles, in consequence, proclaim this doctrine; and show that Christ was a sacrifice for sin, and that through him we may be perfectly saved, Co2 5:20, Co2 5:21. 4. They show also that all this was agreeable to the declaration of God by the prophet Isaiah, Isa 49:8, where he predicts the days of the Messiah, and the grace then to be communicated, Co2 6:2. 5. The apostle then, speaking in the person of all his fellow laborers, who had this ministry of reconciliation intrusted to them, exhorts them not to receive such a benefit of God in vain, Co2 6:1. 6. He exhorts those who had embraced the Gospel not to put a stumbling block in the way of others, by acting irreligiously, lest this ministry of reconciliation should be reproached on their account, Co2 6:3. 7. He shows what conscientious and scrupulous care he and his fellow apostles took to preach and walk so that this ministry might have its full effect, Co2 6:4, etc. This view of the subject, if I mistake not, shows a beautiful consistency throughout the whole.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--God's own promise is the ground of our exhortation. he saith--God the Father saith to God the Son, and so to all believers who are regarded as one with Him. heard thee--In the eternal purposes of my love I have hearkened to thy prayer for the salvation of thy people (compare Joh 17:9, Joh 17:15, Joh 17:20, Joh 17:24). accepted . . . accepted--The Greek of the latter is more emphatic, "well-accepted." What was "an accepted time" in the prophecy (Isa 49:8, Hebrew, "in the season of grace") becomes "the well-accepted time" in the fulfilment (compare Psa 69:13). As it is God's time of receiving sinners, receive ye His grace: accept (Co2 6:1) the word of reconciliation in His accepted time. in the day of salvation--"in a day of salvation" (Luk 4:18-19, Luk 4:21; Luk 19:42; Heb 3:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted,.... These words are a citation from Isa 49:8 and are spoken by the Father to Christ, declaring he had heard him, as he always did. He heard him when he put up that prayer to him, recorded Joh 17:1 for the glorification of himself, by strengthening him as man in his work, by raising him from the dead, setting him at his own right hand, and giving him the glory he had with him before the world was; for the good of his people, the preservation of those that were called, the conversion of them that are called, and the glorification of all the Father had given him: he heard him in the garden, and answered him; the will of God was done according to his desire, and his will was conformed to the will of his Father, and he was delivered from the fear of death; his ends in his prayer there were answered, which were to show the greatness of his sufferings, the impossibility of man's salvation in any other way, and that there could be no alteration made in the methods of obtaining it. He heard him on the cross with respect to the deliverance of him from man, with regard to his being forsaken by God, and for the forgiveness of his enemies. Now this period of time in which he was heard on account of these several things, is called a time accepted; or, as in the Hebrew text, , "a time of good will, or acceptance"; a season in which God expressed good will to the sons of men, by sending his own Son to work out salvation for them; this was good will to men, and not to angels, to such as were ungodly, enemies, sinners, and the worst of sinners: it was a time very grateful to him; it was "the accepted year of the Lord"; the sufferings, sacrifice, satisfaction, and righteousness of his Son were well pleasing to him; because his purposes, promises, and covenant transactions had their accomplishment, his perfections were glorified, and his people saved. And it was a time of acceptance, or an acceptable time to men, since it was the day of their salvation, and therefore must be exceedingly agreeable to all such who see their need of it, know the worth of it, and are sensible that there is no other way of salvation than by him. And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee. These words are still spoken to Christ, who whilst he was in human nature, working out the salvation of his people, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, was succoured, or helped by his Father. This help was promised to him as man, and he expected it, and exercised faith on God for it, and which was actually and punctually given him; and which is no instance of weakness in Christ, who is the mighty God, and was mighty to save; but an indication of the Father's regard to the human nature of Christ, and of his concern for the salvation of men; and also shows what power and strength were necessary to accomplish it. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. These are the words of the apostle, applying the former to the present Gospel dispensation; which he introduces with prefixing a "behold" to each sentence, in order to raise both attention to, and admiration at what is delivered: now is the accepted time; not that the Gospel dispensation is a milder dispensation of things, in which God will accept of an imperfect sincere obedience to his law, in the room of a perfect one; or in which Christ is now offered to sinners, and it is left to them whether they will accept of him or not: but it is so called, because God and Christ now testify their good will to the sons of men, and are ready to accept of, and embrace poor sensible sinners coming to them; and because the Gospel publishes salvation by Christ, which, as it is worthy of their acceptation, cannot but be acceptable to them: now is the day of salvation: now is salvation preached, as being done, already obtained by Christ for sinners, the chief of sinners; it is now brought home to their souls by the ministration of the Gospel under the influence of the Spirit of God; now sinners are convinced of their need of it, and that it cannot be had elsewhere; now they are made to submit to Christ, to be saved by him, and him alone, are encouraged to believe in him, and are by him actually possessed of it. "Now" is, and not yesterday was, the day of salvation; and "now", and that for ever, that is, as long as the Gospel dispensation continues; for it will be always now till all the elect of God are gathered in. This day of grace and salvation will never be over till that time comes; it is still "now is the day of salvation": though men may have long withstood the ministration of the Gospel, and notwithstanding their manifold sins and transgressions. There is no withstanding the "now" of grace when it comes with the power of the Holy Ghost.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:2 This quotation from Isa 49:8 clinches the point that God’s offer of salvation could secure reconciliation between Paul and the Corinthians; their reconciliation with Paul would follow naturally from their true acceptance of the Good News.
2 Corinthians 6:2
Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace
1As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill8.3K1:00:03Book ReviewsPSA 90:12PRO 29:18MAT 6:332CO 6:2EPH 2:6HEB 4:12HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past sins and the transformation he experienced when he realized his own depravity. He mentions going to jail multiple times and living a life of disbelief in heaven. The speaker also discusses the powerful sermon by Jonathan Edwards called "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and how it impacted the congregation. He emphasizes the need for preachers to weep over people going to hell and highlights the importance of studying the lives of great preachers and church history to be moved towards revival.
After This the Judgement (Compilation)
By Compilations4.0K06:14CompilationMAT 16:262CO 5:102CO 6:22CO 13:5HEB 3:15HEB 9:27REV 14:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for eternity and asks the listeners to examine their souls. He urges them to test themselves in the light of scripture and not rely on emotions or the opinions of others. The preacher warns that many who call themselves Christians are actually lost and highlights the gravity and uncertainty of life. He emphasizes the urgency of accepting salvation now, as there will be a judgment where everyone will be judged according to their works. The only way to be saved is to recognize one's sin, believe in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, repent, and surrender oneself to Him.
The Power of God
By Paul Washer3.7K1:06:32PSA 5:5PRO 3:11MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 12:52CO 6:2HEB 12:7In this sermon, Brother Charles emphasizes the importance of being violent in our faith and seeking after God with fervor. He encourages listeners to prioritize their pursuit of holiness and to recognize that God is a greater reality than anything else in the world. Brother Charles warns against becoming accustomed to evil and urges believers to avoid places and things that do not promote godliness. He also highlights the significance of approaching God with childlike faith, referencing the story of King Isaiah and the angels' reverence in the temple.
Evils of Postponed Living
By A.W. Tozer3.3K49:54EvilPSA 119:11MAT 6:33LUK 11:28ACT 24:252CO 6:22TI 2:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is willing to give and be generous. He shares a story of a man who withheld his money from a missionary offering out of fear of not having enough for himself, but later had his money stolen. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the principle that if we don't give to God, the devil will take it. He then urges the listeners to not procrastinate in their spiritual growth and to take time out to prioritize their relationship with God. The sermon concludes with a warning about the consequences of losing one's soul and the importance of not delaying in accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Time to Get Right With God
By David Wilkerson3.0K36:43MAT 11:282CO 6:2HEB 3:15
This sermon emphasizes the urgency to get right with God, addressing sinners, backsliders, and those growing cold in their faith. It warns against hardening hearts and the consequences of rejecting God's mercy. The message highlights the need to respond to the call of Jesus, embrace His love and grace, and be prepared for His imminent return.
Boast Not Thyself
By Harry Ironside2.5K06:46SalvationPRO 27:1HOS 4:17MAT 24:36LUK 12:202CO 6:2HEB 9:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to accepting the gospel and becoming a Christian. He warns that many people in a land where the gospel is widely known are lost not because they are ignorant of the faith, but because they continually put off making a decision. The preacher quotes Proverbs 27:1, which advises against boasting about tomorrow because we do not know what the future holds. He also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting people of sin and urging them to repent, but warns that one can resist the Spirit's pleading for so long that it may eventually be too late. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to seize the present moment and turn to God in repentance and faith.
Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand (Compilation)
By Compilations2.2K08:07CompilationISA 40:3MAT 7:21ROM 10:132CO 6:22CO 6:17JAS 4:61JN 3:8In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal journey of being involved in church and Christian activities but realizing that they were still living in sin. They emphasize the importance of not just saying we love Jesus, but actually living a life that reflects it. The speaker also talks about John the Baptist, who came before Jesus to prepare the way for Him. They highlight the message of repentance and the need to turn away from sin and call upon the name of the Lord for salvation. The sermon concludes with an invitation for everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, to come out, be saved, and experience the joy and love of the kingdom of heaven.
Responsibility of Man
By Manley Beasley2.2K53:11Responsibility of ManSpiritual MaturityResponsibility of BelieversMAT 28:19ROM 10:141CO 3:11CO 6:192CO 6:2GAL 6:7EPH 4:142TI 2:2JAS 1:221PE 2:9Manley Beasley emphasizes the responsibility of man in relation to God's sovereignty, urging Christians to recognize that today is the day of salvation. He reflects on the immaturity within the Corinthian church, highlighting how their self-serving actions hindered the work of God. Beasley challenges believers to grow spiritually and to understand their role in sharing the gospel, stressing that the urgency of salvation should not be overlooked. He illustrates the importance of living a life that honors God rather than indulging in personal desires, as this impacts future generations. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to God that transcends mere religious activity, urging believers to actively participate in God's mission.
Eternity
By Andy Zelinski2.0K1:18:20EternityMAT 6:332CO 6:21TH 5:11HEB 3:13REV 22:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of spreading the word of God and the need to wake up from our complacency. He highlights the contrast between people engrossed in their electronics and a businessman working tirelessly to provide for his family. The speaker also mentions the cry of blood, symbolizing the suffering and injustice in the world, and calls for repentance and a focus on eternity. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the staggering number of people dying each day without knowing God, urging listeners to examine their priorities and set aside their distractions to actively participate in sharing the gospel.
The Last Call
By Alan Bartley1.8K45:10DEU 30:19PSA 32:5JHN 1:12JHN 8:12ROM 10:132CO 6:2EPH 3:17HEB 3:151JN 5:12REV 3:20
This sermon focuses on Revelation 3:20, emphasizing the urgency of responding to Jesus' call to open the door of our hearts to Him. It highlights the consequences of delaying or rejecting this call, the need to let go of sin, and the certainty of salvation when we invite Jesus into our lives.
'Son, Remember' Preached in 1879 Reading of d.l. Moody by Robert Wurtz
By Robert Wurtz II1.6K14:37PRO 27:1PRO 29:1MAT 25:13LUK 12:202CO 6:2HEB 3:15JAS 4:142PE 3:9REV 3:20
This sermon recounts a powerful story from Dwight L. Moody about a man who struggled with moral courage to publicly confess Christ, leading to tragic consequences due to procrastination and a hardened heart. It emphasizes the urgency of making a decision for Christ without delay, highlighting the danger of putting off salvation and the devastating outcome of rejecting God's offer of grace and forgiveness.
Teach Us to Number Our Days Part 2
By Keith Daniel1.5K31:10PSA 95:7ISA 55:6JHN 3:3JHN 3:16ROM 10:132CO 6:2HEB 3:151PE 1:23
This sermon emphasizes the crucial message of being born again, as illustrated through the encounter of Nicodemus with Jesus in John 3. It highlights the necessity of a spiritual rebirth, the urgency of responding to God's call for salvation, and the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. The preacher passionately urges the audience to seek God while they are still young and emphasizes the importance of making a decision to follow Christ without delay.
Election and Reprobation #13 Concerning Jacob and Esau
By John Calvin1.4K1:05:15GEN 27:31ISA 55:6MAT 6:33ROM 9:52CO 6:2GAL 1:8In this sermon, John Calvin focuses on the story of Isaac and his submission to the will of God. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good reputation and not being ashamed to change one's ways when necessary. Calvin warns against hardening oneself in obstinacy and urges listeners to abstain from doing any harm to those whom God has chosen. He also encourages believers to help and support the children of God, even if there is no worldly reward, as their ultimate reward is in heaven.
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (Compilation)
By Compilations1.2K12:58PRO 29:1ISA 55:6EZK 18:32MAT 3:10LUK 13:32CO 6:2HEB 10:312PE 3:9This sermon emphasizes the imminent danger unconverted individuals face, likening their situation to walking over the pit of hell on a fragile covering, with unseen arrows of death ready to strike. It warns of the wrath of God being held back but steadily increasing, highlighting the eternal consequences of rejecting salvation and the unimaginable suffering awaiting those who remain unrepentant. The urgency to seek salvation through Christ is stressed, urging listeners to heed the call of God's mercy before it's too late.
Dont Go Back to Your Sin, You May Die
By Tim Conway1.1K08:21PRO 29:1MAT 16:26LUK 13:3ROM 6:232CO 6:2HEB 3:15HEB 9:27JAS 4:142PE 3:9
This sermon emphasizes the urgency and importance of responding to the Gospel message and not hardening one's heart against the truth. It warns against the consequences of rejecting God's offer of salvation and highlights the reality of hell for those who refuse to repent. The speaker shares personal stories of individuals who heard the truth but chose to continue in sin, facing tragic outcomes as a result. The message calls for immediate repentance and surrender to God before it's too late.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
By Harry Ironside98107:09Christian LifePRO 27:1MAT 24:362CO 6:2HEB 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to accepting Jesus Christ as one's savior. He warns that many people in a land where the gospel is widely known will be lost not because they didn't know about Jesus, but because they kept putting off their decision to follow Him. The preacher quotes from the book of Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 27:1, which cautions against boasting about tomorrow because we do not know what the future holds. He also reminds the audience that Jesus promised to return and that the exact timing of His return is unknown to everyone, emphasizing the urgency of accepting Him now rather than waiting.
Fit or Misfit? (Part 9): The Gift of Giving
By Richard Sipley97354:51JHN 12:3ROM 12:82CO 6:22CO 9:112CO 9:132CO 9:15JAS 4:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the motivational gift of giving, as mentioned in Romans 12:8. He shares a personal experience of encountering a church member with the gift of giving, who was wealthy and successful in his business. The preacher emphasizes the importance of giving with generosity, as instructed by God. He also references a parable told by Jesus about a man with the gift of giving, who showed compassion and took care of a wounded man. The sermon highlights the significance of recognizing and utilizing the gift of giving in serving others.
Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference - Part 2
By Manley Beasley64424:36EvangelismMAT 6:332CO 6:2In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a woman who witnessed people on a road heading towards a fire, unaware of the danger they were in. The woman desperately sought help from a church, but the people inside were too preoccupied with their own activities to assist her. The speaker reflects on the sincerity of these people who were willing to give their money to a statue that appeared to cry, yet they were still without Jesus and destined for hell. The sermon emphasizes the importance of true salvation through being born again and being filled with the Holy Spirit, rather than simply going through religious motions.
Trembling at God's Righteousness
By Joshua Daniel61950:49DEU 2:25PSA 99:1PRO 8:13ACT 24:252CO 6:2REV 22:20
This sermon focuses on the importance of not deferring obedience to God, using the example of Felix delaying his decision to follow Christ. It emphasizes the need for humility, righteousness, and temperance in our lives, urging listeners to prioritize their relationship with Jesus above all else and to be prepared for His return. The message highlights the significance of immediate obedience and the dangers of procrastination when it comes to responding to God's call.
The Challenge of Logos's Final Says
By George Verwer5081:09:28Missions2CO 6:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a news event that occurred in the Beagle Channel. The speaker heard the news while on a plane between New York and London and was relieved to learn that no one was injured. The speaker ponders the mysteries of life and acknowledges that there are both good and bad times. They emphasize the importance of being able to rejoice and praise God in times of blessing, but also to stand firm and fight during difficult times. The speaker also mentions the loss of two men in Bangladesh and expresses gratitude for the work that God has done.
Apostolic Foundations - Part 3
By Art Katz40259:26ApostolicMAT 6:33ACT 17:301CO 7:292CO 6:21TH 2:142PE 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and accepting God's truth. He explains that God overlooked the times of ignorance but now commands all people to repent. The speaker also highlights the significance of the resurrection of Jesus as assurance of God's judgment. He shares a personal experience of witnessing the power of God's spirit in action, leading to a powerful revival. The sermon concludes with a call to live in anticipation of Christ's return and to endure suffering for the sake of the kingdom.
Can America Survive (1969)
By Jack Van Impe5834:44Moral Decay in SocietyUrgency of SalvationMAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 14:21JHN 9:4ROM 13:122CO 6:21TI 2:4HEB 3:72PE 3:9REV 3:10Jack Van Impe emphasizes the urgent need for America to turn back to God amidst rising sin and moral decay, warning that without a revival, the nation faces imminent judgment. He cites biblical prophecies and current events to illustrate the potential for chaos and tribulation, urging listeners to accept Christ immediately for salvation. Van Impe stresses that the time for decision is now, as the coming of the Lord is near, and Christians must be prepared for the judgment of their works. He calls for a return to biblical truths and warns against the influences of secularism and immorality in society. The sermon concludes with an invitation for individuals to accept Jesus as their Savior.
Letter 1
By St. Athanasius1LEV 23:2ISA 58:5JHN 7:37ROM 13:111CO 2:91CO 5:71CO 10:161CO 13:132CO 6:2Athanasius preaches about the importance of observing the season of feasts, fasting, and trumpets, emphasizing the need to discern the time for celebrating the salvation of God. He highlights the significance of fasting with a humble soul, avoiding sinful behaviors, and nurturing virtues. Athanasius connects the Old Testament practices of feasts and sacrifices to the fulfillment in Christ, urging believers to keep the feast with sincerity, truth, and love towards God and others. He concludes with a call to remember the poor, show kindness to strangers, and love God and neighbor wholeheartedly, looking forward to the eternal blessings prepared for those who love Him.
Repentance and Conversion
By George Whitefield0GEN 25:22MAT 7:23MRK 16:16JHN 3:6ACT 3:192CO 5:172CO 6:2PHP 3:8George Whitefield emphasizes the importance of true conversion, highlighting the need for repentance and being converted to have sins forgiven and experience spiritual renewal. He points out that conversion involves a deep inner change, not just external reformation, and stresses the necessity of depending on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Whitefield underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion, stating that it is a divine work that cannot be achieved through human effort alone. He warns about the consequences of not being converted, emphasizing the urgency of seeking salvation and finding true rest for the soul before it's too late.
The Gospel Supper. (Luke 14:22-24)
By George Whitefield0PSA 34:8ISA 55:1MAT 22:9LUK 14:22JHN 6:352CO 6:2HEB 3:15REV 3:20REV 19:9George Whitefield preaches on the parable of the great supper, emphasizing the urgency and importance of responding to God's invitation to salvation. He highlights the excuses people make to avoid accepting the gospel call, such as being preoccupied with worldly matters or lacking spiritual awareness. Whitefield urges both sinners and believers to come to the feast of salvation, emphasizing God's abundant grace and the need for continual renewal of faith. He warns of the consequences of rejecting God's offer and encourages all to partake in the spiritual banquet prepared by Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he saith - That is, God hath said it, by the prophet Isaiah, Isa 49:8; which place the apostle quotes verbatim et literatim from the Septuagint. And from this we may at once see what is the accepted time, and what the day of salvation. The advent of the Messiah was the עת רצון eth ratson, the time of God's pleasure or benevolence, of which all the faithful were in expectation; and the day of salvation, יום שועה yom yeshuah, was the time in which this salvation should be manifested and applied. The apostle therefore informs them that this is the time predicted by the prophet; and the ministry of reconciliation being exercised in full force is a proof that the prophecy is fulfilled; and therefore the apostle confidently asserts, Behold, Now is this accepted time, Now the Messiah reigns, Now is the Gospel dispensation, and therefore Now is the day of salvation; that is, the very time in which the power of God is present to heal, and in which every sinner believing on the Lord Jesus may be saved. I rather think that this second verse should be read immediately after the last verse of the preceding chapter; as where it now stands it greatly disturbs the connection between the first and the third verses. I will set down the whole in the order in which I think they should stand. Co2 5:20 : Now then we are ambassadors for Christ; as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, to be reconciled to God. For he hath made him a sin-offering for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him: for he saith, "I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Immediately after this, the sixth chapter will very properly commence, and we shall see that the connection will be then undisturbed: - We then, as fellow workers, beseech you also, that ye receive not this grace of God in vain, giving no offense in any thing, that this ministry be not blamed. This change of the place of the second verse, which every one allows must, if it stand here, be read in a parenthesis, preserves the whole connection of the apostle's discourse, and certainly sets his argument before us in a stronger light. Let us review the whole: 1. God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, Co2 5:18. 2. He appointed the apostles to proclaim to mankind the doctrine of reconciliation, Co2 5:19. 3. The apostles, in consequence, proclaim this doctrine; and show that Christ was a sacrifice for sin, and that through him we may be perfectly saved, Co2 5:20, Co2 5:21. 4. They show also that all this was agreeable to the declaration of God by the prophet Isaiah, Isa 49:8, where he predicts the days of the Messiah, and the grace then to be communicated, Co2 6:2. 5. The apostle then, speaking in the person of all his fellow laborers, who had this ministry of reconciliation intrusted to them, exhorts them not to receive such a benefit of God in vain, Co2 6:1. 6. He exhorts those who had embraced the Gospel not to put a stumbling block in the way of others, by acting irreligiously, lest this ministry of reconciliation should be reproached on their account, Co2 6:3. 7. He shows what conscientious and scrupulous care he and his fellow apostles took to preach and walk so that this ministry might have its full effect, Co2 6:4, etc. This view of the subject, if I mistake not, shows a beautiful consistency throughout the whole.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--God's own promise is the ground of our exhortation. he saith--God the Father saith to God the Son, and so to all believers who are regarded as one with Him. heard thee--In the eternal purposes of my love I have hearkened to thy prayer for the salvation of thy people (compare Joh 17:9, Joh 17:15, Joh 17:20, Joh 17:24). accepted . . . accepted--The Greek of the latter is more emphatic, "well-accepted." What was "an accepted time" in the prophecy (Isa 49:8, Hebrew, "in the season of grace") becomes "the well-accepted time" in the fulfilment (compare Psa 69:13). As it is God's time of receiving sinners, receive ye His grace: accept (Co2 6:1) the word of reconciliation in His accepted time. in the day of salvation--"in a day of salvation" (Luk 4:18-19, Luk 4:21; Luk 19:42; Heb 3:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted,.... These words are a citation from Isa 49:8 and are spoken by the Father to Christ, declaring he had heard him, as he always did. He heard him when he put up that prayer to him, recorded Joh 17:1 for the glorification of himself, by strengthening him as man in his work, by raising him from the dead, setting him at his own right hand, and giving him the glory he had with him before the world was; for the good of his people, the preservation of those that were called, the conversion of them that are called, and the glorification of all the Father had given him: he heard him in the garden, and answered him; the will of God was done according to his desire, and his will was conformed to the will of his Father, and he was delivered from the fear of death; his ends in his prayer there were answered, which were to show the greatness of his sufferings, the impossibility of man's salvation in any other way, and that there could be no alteration made in the methods of obtaining it. He heard him on the cross with respect to the deliverance of him from man, with regard to his being forsaken by God, and for the forgiveness of his enemies. Now this period of time in which he was heard on account of these several things, is called a time accepted; or, as in the Hebrew text, , "a time of good will, or acceptance"; a season in which God expressed good will to the sons of men, by sending his own Son to work out salvation for them; this was good will to men, and not to angels, to such as were ungodly, enemies, sinners, and the worst of sinners: it was a time very grateful to him; it was "the accepted year of the Lord"; the sufferings, sacrifice, satisfaction, and righteousness of his Son were well pleasing to him; because his purposes, promises, and covenant transactions had their accomplishment, his perfections were glorified, and his people saved. And it was a time of acceptance, or an acceptable time to men, since it was the day of their salvation, and therefore must be exceedingly agreeable to all such who see their need of it, know the worth of it, and are sensible that there is no other way of salvation than by him. And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee. These words are still spoken to Christ, who whilst he was in human nature, working out the salvation of his people, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, was succoured, or helped by his Father. This help was promised to him as man, and he expected it, and exercised faith on God for it, and which was actually and punctually given him; and which is no instance of weakness in Christ, who is the mighty God, and was mighty to save; but an indication of the Father's regard to the human nature of Christ, and of his concern for the salvation of men; and also shows what power and strength were necessary to accomplish it. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. These are the words of the apostle, applying the former to the present Gospel dispensation; which he introduces with prefixing a "behold" to each sentence, in order to raise both attention to, and admiration at what is delivered: now is the accepted time; not that the Gospel dispensation is a milder dispensation of things, in which God will accept of an imperfect sincere obedience to his law, in the room of a perfect one; or in which Christ is now offered to sinners, and it is left to them whether they will accept of him or not: but it is so called, because God and Christ now testify their good will to the sons of men, and are ready to accept of, and embrace poor sensible sinners coming to them; and because the Gospel publishes salvation by Christ, which, as it is worthy of their acceptation, cannot but be acceptable to them: now is the day of salvation: now is salvation preached, as being done, already obtained by Christ for sinners, the chief of sinners; it is now brought home to their souls by the ministration of the Gospel under the influence of the Spirit of God; now sinners are convinced of their need of it, and that it cannot be had elsewhere; now they are made to submit to Christ, to be saved by him, and him alone, are encouraged to believe in him, and are by him actually possessed of it. "Now" is, and not yesterday was, the day of salvation; and "now", and that for ever, that is, as long as the Gospel dispensation continues; for it will be always now till all the elect of God are gathered in. This day of grace and salvation will never be over till that time comes; it is still "now is the day of salvation": though men may have long withstood the ministration of the Gospel, and notwithstanding their manifold sins and transgressions. There is no withstanding the "now" of grace when it comes with the power of the Holy Ghost.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:2 This quotation from Isa 49:8 clinches the point that God’s offer of salvation could secure reconciliation between Paul and the Corinthians; their reconciliation with Paul would follow naturally from their true acceptance of the Good News.