2 Corinthians 6:1 kjv
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:1 nkjv
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:1 niv
As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:1 esv
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:1 nlt
As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it.
2 Corinthians 6 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 5:20 | Now then we are ambassadors for Christ... | Diplomatic Ministry |
| Rom 15:16 | ...as a priestly service in the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. | Sacrificial Offering |
| Eph 2:8-9 | For by grace you have been saved through faith... | Salvation by Grace |
| Gal 2:21 | I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. | Danger of Nullifying Grace |
| Heb 12:15 | See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. | Seeking and Maintaining Grace |
| Acts 14:42 | Now the brethren continued to testify to these things, and went on to speak the word of the Lord with all boldness. | Bold Preaching |
| John 1:16 | For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. | Abundant Grace |
| Acts 11:23 | When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and urged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their heart. | Encouraging Perseverance |
| 1 Cor 15:10 | But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. | Grace Not in Vain |
| Rom 6:1-2 | What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! | Law vs. Grace |
| 1 Thes 5:19 | Do not quench the Spirit. | Resisting the Spirit |
| Eph 4:30 | And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. | Grieving the Spirit |
| Heb 10:26 | For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. | Deliberate Sin |
| Matt 13:18-23 | Hear then the parable of the sower... | Parable of the Sower |
| James 2:17, 26 | So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. ... For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. | Faith Without Works |
| Phil 2:12 | Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. | Working Out Salvation |
| Gal 5:4 | You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. | Falling from Grace |
| Col 1:28 | Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. | Presenting Mature |
| Acts 20:24 | But I do not account my life of any value nor as preceding my own joy, so that I might finish my race with joy and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. | Finishing the Race |
| Acts 2:41 | So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day three thousand persons were added to them. | Reception of the Word |
| Rom 8:28 | We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. | God's Work in Believers |
2 Corinthians 6 verses
2 Corinthians 6 1 Meaning
"We then, as workers together with him, urge you also not to receive God's grace in vain." This verse is a direct appeal from Paul and Timothy to the Corinthians. They are fellow laborers with God, emphasizing their shared mission and authority. The core message is an exhortation not to treat God's grace superficially. Grace, as a gift from God, is precious and potent, designed for transformation and eternal significance. To receive it in vain means to experience it without the intended positive results, such as repentance, spiritual growth, and fruitful living, ultimately rendering its reception hollow and ineffective in one's life.
2 Corinthians 6 1 Context
2 Corinthians chapter 6 continues Paul's defense of his apostleship and his ministry. He has been facing opposition and questioning from some within the Corinthian church. In the preceding verses (5:20-6:1), Paul powerfully states his role as an ambassador for Christ, urging the Corinthians to be reconciled to God. This verse is a direct continuation of that plea, connecting his ministerial role with the imperative for the Corinthians to properly respond to God's offer of grace. The immediate context is Paul’s fervent appeal to the Corinthians not to let the transformative power of God’s grace, extended through his ministry, be wasted or prove to be ineffectual in their lives. The historical context is Paul's third missionary journey, during which he likely wrote this letter to address ongoing issues and affirm his authority and love for the church in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 6 1 Word analysis
We: Refers to Paul and Timothy, partners in ministry.
then: Indicates a consequence or a natural follow-up to what was just stated.
as: Denotes role or capacity.
workers: (Greek: sunergoi) Literally "co-workers." It signifies a partnership and active collaboration with God.
together: (Part of sunergoi) Emphasizes shared effort.
with him: Refers to God.
urge: (Greek: parakaleo) A strong plea, exhortation, or encouragement.
you: The recipients, the Corinthian believers.
also: Implies a further point or encouragement.
not: A strong negation.
to receive: Implies an active acceptance or appropriation.
God’s grace: The undeserved favor and unmerited assistance of God.
in vain: (Greek: eis kenon) Meaning for nothing, to no purpose, empty, fruitless, or wasted.
workers together with him: This phrase underscores the divine-human partnership in the work of reconciliation and spiritual building. It's not solely human effort, nor solely divine intervention, but a joint enterprise where humans are mobilized by and co-labor with God.
urge you also: Paul doesn't command but appeals strongly, reflecting the affectionate yet authoritative nature of his apostleship. The "also" suggests this is an additional but vital exhortation building upon their identity as reconciled people.
not to receive God’s grace in vain: This is the central prohibition. Receiving grace "in vain" suggests it is apprehended but not effectively utilized, leading to no genuine change or spiritual fruit. It implies a dangerous spiritual apathy or resistance that negates the very purpose of God’s gift. This relates to the concept of prevenient grace and operative grace not being followed by cooperative grace.
2 Corinthians 6 1 Bonus section
The concept of receiving grace "in vain" echoes warnings found throughout Scripture about disobedience and the hardening of hearts. It implies a possibility of rejecting or neglecting the intended impact of God's goodness. This isn't about losing salvation once given, but about rendering the experience of God’s grace ineffective for further spiritual growth and testimony, akin to seed falling on rocky ground. The urgency conveyed by "urge" is deeply pastoral, stemming from a genuine concern for the Corinthians’ spiritual welfare and the integrity of the Gospel message.
2 Corinthians 6 1 Commentary
Paul and Timothy, identifying themselves as partners with God in His redemptive work, implore the Corinthian believers. They strongly encourage them not to receive God's gracious offer of reconciliation and salvation as something empty or useless. This means that the divine enablement, the spiritual gifts, the forgiveness, and the power provided through Christ must be embraced with a responsive heart and life. To receive grace in vain is to experience it superficially, allowing it to bypass the essential transformation it is meant to effect, ultimately nullifying its purpose and the profound implications of Christ’s sacrifice for them. It is a call to live out the reality of God’s grace in tangible ways, producing fruit for the Kingdom.