Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Corinthians 6:1
What does 2 Corinthians 6:1 mean?
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2 Corinthians 6:1
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The real punch here is in "working together with him." It's not just that we're asking you to take God's grace seriously, but that we're doing it alongside God. This shifts the focus from a mere human plea to a divine partnership, making the urgency of not receiving His grace in vain even more profound.
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is passionately urging the Corinthian believers to fully embrace God's reconciliation offered through Christ. He's just described the incredible ministry of the new covenant, emphasizing its glory and power, and now he's calling them not to let this amazing gift be wasted on them by turning away from God. This plea directly sets up his explanation of how he and his companions have lived in integrity, enduring hardship to show they are truly servants of God.
Paul doesn't say we receive God's grace, but that we are working together with Him. What does that partnership look like in our daily lives?
Paul kicks off this section with a powerful image: "Working together with him." This isn't about us earning God's favor or trying to impress Him. It's a cooperative effort. God initiates, God empowers, and God is at work, and He invites us to join Him.
Think of it like an incredible artist inviting you to help paint a masterpiece. The art is His vision, His skill, His materials, but He gives you a brush and a place to contribute. Our role is to be active participants in the unfolding work of God in our lives and in the world.
Paul's appeal is urgent: don't receive God's grace 'in vain.' What does it mean for something so precious to be wasted?
The 'grace of God' is His unmerited favor, His divine help, His saving power. To receive it 'in vain' means to nullify its effect, to let it pass by without yielding the intended results.
It's like being given a priceless gift and leaving it unopened, or worse, discarding it. God's grace is meant to transform us, to empower us for holy living, and to reconcile us to Himself. When we ignore it, resist it, or fail to act upon it, we render this incredible gift ineffective in our lives. It's a serious warning – the grace of God deserves our utmost attention and response.
Understand the original words
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synergeō · Greek Verb
Refers to the state of laboring alongside another; in a theological context, it signifies the believer's participation in God's mission, not as an equal partner, but as a subordinate instrument through whom God works.
charis · Greek Noun
The unmerited favor and divine enablement of God, provided through Jesus Christ for salvation and sanctification, which empowers the believer for life and service.
kenos · Greek Adjective
A term describing something empty, without purpose, or devoid of its intended result; in this context, it warns against professing faith without the accompanying fruit or transformation.
Paul's appeal in 2 Corinthians 6:1 comes after a period of intense conflict and reconciliation with the Corinthian church, highlighting the urgency of their response to God's grace amidst ongoing challenges.
c. AD 48-49
First Jerusalem Council
The early church leaders debated and decided that Gentile converts did not need to follow all Mosaic Law, a crucial step for church unity and mission.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent significant time in Corinth, establishing the church and facing considerable opposition. This was a foundational period for the community he addresses.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Later Missionary Journeys
Paul continued his extensive missionary work across the Roman Empire, facing trials and seeking to strengthen the churches he had founded, including Corinth.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Writing of 1 and 2 Corinthians
During this turbulent period, Paul wrote at least four letters to the Corinthian church to address divisions, doctrinal errors, and personal attacks.
c. AD 57
Paul's Reconciliation with Corinth
Following difficult communications, Paul aimed to restore his relationship with the Corinthian believers and solidify their spiritual maturity and commitment.
Paul emphasizes that his own tireless efforts were only possible because of God's enabling grace, echoing the idea of 'working together with Him' here.
Hebrews 12:15This passage warns against 'falling short of the grace of God,' directly connecting to the plea not to 'receive the grace of God in vain.'
Galatians 2:21Paul declares that if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ's death was useless. This strongly supports the idea that accepting God's grace means it shouldn't be nullified by other means.
Romans 6:1-2This text asks if we should continue in sin so that grace may abound, answering with a resounding 'By no means!' It highlights the serious implication of treating grace lightly, much like receiving it in vain.
The real punch here is in "working together with him." It's not just that we're asking you to take God's grace seriously, but that we're doing it alongside God. This shifts the focus from a mere human plea to a divine partnership, making the urgency of not receiving His grace in vain even more profound.
Paul is passionately urging the Corinthian believers to fully embrace God's reconciliation offered through Christ. He's just described the incredible ministry of the new covenant, emphasizing its glory and power, and now he's calling them not to let this amazing gift be wasted on them by turning away from God. This plea directly sets up his explanation of how he and his companions have lived in integrity, enduring hardship to show they are truly servants of God.
Paul is passionately urging the Corinthian believers to fully embrace God's reconciliation offered through Christ. He's just described the incredible ministry of the new covenant, emphasizing its glory and power, and now he's calling them not to let this amazing gift be wasted on them by turning away from God. This plea directly sets up his explanation of how he and his companions have lived in integrity, enduring hardship to show they are truly servants of God.
"Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain." — The real punch here is in "working together with him." It's not just that we're asking you to take God's grace seriously, but that we're doing it alongside God. This shifts the focus from a mere…
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Last reviewed October 2026