Summing up everything that has been said about the Kingdom, witness, and relationships between the inhabitants of the Kingdom, Paul concludes that he should not regret what he had previously said about some of the Corinthian brothers. Indeed, if, as the apostle learned, they were completely sincere in their concern for him when...
Summing up everything that has been said about the Kingdom, witness, and relationships between the inhabitants of the Kingdom, Paul concludes that he should not regret what he had previously said about some of the Corinthian brothers (vv. 1-4). Indeed, if, as the apostle learned, they were completely sincere in their concern for him when he faced serious difficulties in Macedonia (vv. 5-7), then they understood him correctly and did not take offence at reproaches that were entirely justified in this case. Paul can therefore rest assured that if there is no offence, then the problem has evidently been recognised and there is repentance for the sin to which the apostle had drawn the Corinthian church's attention.
Of course, no one can take pleasure in having such a thing pointed out to them, but the outcome can differ depending on the reaction of those whose sin is identified, and Paul is glad that on this occasion the reaction was appropriate (vv. 8-9). The point is probably not only that they listened to his words and followed his advice, but that in doing so the Corinthian brothers bore witness to their trust in the apostle, both spiritually and on the purely human level.
Indeed, one can heed criticism only if, first, one trusts the experience and knowledge of the person offering it, assuming that he can be relied upon in this regard, and second, which is no less important, one trusts him as a person, being certain that his advice and criticism are prompted neither by self-interest nor by a desire for self-assertion, but by concern for one's neighbours. The relationships formed between the inhabitants of the Kingdom certainly allow for criticism, but in every case they presuppose the sincerity, integrity, and goodwill of the person offering it. Thus for Paul, the appropriate response of the Corinthian brothers becomes a sign that they received his words as Christians receiving them from a Christian, in the manner proper to the inhabitants of the Kingdom.
6
6:16 What agreement hath the temple of God with idols - If God would not endure idols in any part of the land wherein he dwelt, how much less, under his own roof! He does not say, with the temple of idols, for idols do not dwell in their worshippers. As God hath said - To his ancient church, and in them to all the Israel of God. I will dwell in them, and walk in them - The former signifying his perpetual presence; the latter, his operation. And I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people - The sum of the whole gospel covenant. Lev 26:11, etc
6:17 Touch not the unclean person - Keep at the utmost distance from him. And I will receive you - Into my house and family. Isa 52:11; Zep 3:19-20.
6:18 And ye shall be to me for sons and for daughters, saith the Lord Almighty - The promise made to Solomon, Ch1 28:6, is here applied to all believers; as the promise made particularly to Joshua is applied to them, Heb 13:5. Who can express the worth, who can conceive the dignity, of this divine adoption? Yet it belongs to all who believe the gospel, who have faith in Christ. They have access to the Almighty; such free and welcome access, as a beloved child to an indulgent father. To him they may fly for aid in every difficulty, and from him obtain a supply in all their wants. Isa 43:6.
7
7:1 Let us cleanse ourselves - This is the latter part of the exhortation, which was proposed, Co2 6:1, and resumed, Co2 6:14. From all pollution of the flesh - All outward sin.And of the spirit - All inward. Yet let us not rest in negative religion, but perfect holiness - Carrying it to the height in all its branches, and enduring to the end in the loving fear of God, the sure foundation of all holiness.