Understanding 2 Corinthians 6:16

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Summary of Meaning

This verse from 2 Corinthians serves as a profound reminder of the sacred relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes the incompatibility of the divine nature with idolatry and serves to strengthen the call for holiness among believers.

Key Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry highlights the importance of the Church as the temple of God, stressing that believers harbor the Holy Spirit within them. He urges all followers to maintain their purity and to avoid associations that may compromise their dedication to God.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates on the contrast between the temple of God and idols. He states that since believers contain the living God, any partnership with idolatry is inherently damaging to their spiritual integrity and should be shunned. He emphasizes God's promise to dwell among His people as a fundamental support to their faith.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke draws attention to the covenant relationship established between God and His people, suggesting that true believers are distinguished by their relationship with God. He emphasizes that the promise of divine presence is a central theme in the life of the believer.

Connections to Scripture

This verse can be understood in relation to several other biblical passages. Here are some that further illuminate its meaning:

• Leviticus 26:12: "And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people."
• 1 Corinthians 3:16: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"
• 1 John 4:4: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
• Acts 7:47-48: "But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet."
• Revelation 21:3: "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people."
• Isaiah 52:11: "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord."
• John 14:23: "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

Applying the Message

The message of 2 Corinthians 6:16 reminds believers to carefully examine their relationships and associations. Here are some thoughts to consider:

• Seek Holiness: Reflect on what it means to be the temple of God and to live a life that honors that identity.
• Avoid Idolatry: Identify anything in life that may rival God’s place in your heart, recognizing it as a form of idolatry, whether it be materialism, relationships, or cultural influences.
• Embrace Divine Presence: Acknowledge the importance of God's presence in daily life and seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, knowing that He desires to dwell within His people.

Conclusion

2 Corinthians 6:16 intricately weaves themes of holiness, divine presence, and the believer's identity as God's temple. Embracing these truths leads to a life reflective of God's holiness, empowered by His presence, and detached from anything that might compromise this sacred relationship.

Tools for Further Study

If one desires to dive deeper into the connections between Bible verses, consider utilizing the following:

• Bible Concordance: Great for finding specific verses and their references.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Helps in identifying verse relationships and thematic connections.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study Tools: Tools that help facilitate deeper explorations of related scripture.

Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 6:16 and its related verses can enhance understanding of biblical teachings and enrich one’s spiritual journey.