2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul is building on his plea for believers to be reconciled to God, urging them to separate themselves from the corrupting influences of the world around them. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a direct command from God, echoing Old Testament calls to holiness, that promises a special place and acceptance for those who choose to live differently. The surrounding verses will delve into the practical implications of this separation and the incredible blessings that come with it.
God isn't asking us to blend in, but to stand out. What does it truly mean to 'come out' from a crowd?
Paul echoes a powerful command from the Old Testament prophets, especially Isaiah. This isn't about physical isolation, but a spiritual and moral distinction. God calls His people to separate themselves from practices and influences that are contrary to His holy character. It's a call to a distinct way of living, reflecting His light in a world that often dwells in darkness.
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Touching the 'unclean' can have profound consequences, but staying pure unlocks a beautiful promise. What defines 'unclean' for us today?
The concept of 'unclean' in Scripture often relates to anything that pollutes, defiles, or separates one from God. This could be anything from forbidden foods in the Old Testament to sinful actions and associations. By choosing to 'touch no unclean thing,' believers demonstrate their commitment to holiness and their desire for intimacy with God. The promise that follows – 'then I will welcome you' – is a profound assurance of God's acceptance and favor for those who strive to live in obedience.
Understand the original words
exerchomai · Greek Verb
To move away, depart, or withdraw, specifically used in a moral or religious sense to indicate withdrawal from sinful associations, corruption, or compromise with the world.
aphorizo · Greek Verb
To be set apart, consecrated, or sanctified for God's use; this involves a distinct way of living that rejects moral pollution and aligns with God's holiness.
akathartos · Greek Adjective
Ritual or moral impurity that defiles a person's standing before a holy God; it necessitates avoidance to maintain one's consecrated status.
pater · Greek Noun
One who provides care, protection, instruction, and authority in a relationship, specifically used of God as the head of His covenant family.
hyios / thygater · Greek Noun
In a theological sense, this refers to those who have been adopted into God's family through faith, enjoying the privileges, intimacy, and inheritance of His children.
Pantokrator · Greek Noun
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty, supreme authority, and boundless power over all creation and historical events.
This exhortation echoes the post-exilic period, where restoring Israel's distinct identity was paramount after their scattering. Paul calls believers to a similar separation from surrounding pagan culture to maintain their unique identity in Christ.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the Jewish population. This event marked a dramatic shift in Jewish identity and religious practice.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great overthrew the Babylonian Empire. His famous decree soon allowed exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
538 BC
First Return of Exiles to Jerusalem
Under leaders like Zerubbabel, a significant number of Jews returned to Judea to rebuild the Temple and re-establish their community. This was a monumental step in their national and religious restoration.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
After decades of struggle and opposition, the Second Temple was finally completed and dedicated. This was a crucial moment, symbolizing God's presence and the renewal of worship.
458 BC
Ezra's Reforms
The priest and scribe Ezra returned to Jerusalem with a commission to teach God's law and enforce religious reforms. He confronted issues of intermarriage with foreign women, urging the people toward greater holiness.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah led the effort to rebuild the defensive walls of Jerusalem, facing significant opposition from surrounding peoples. This physical rebuilding was tied to spiritual renewal and community identity.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent considerable time in Corinth establishing a church. He faced numerous challenges within the mixed community, which included both Jewish and Gentile believers, and dealt with external pressures.
This passage directly commands Israel to be holy and separate, just as God is holy, by not defiling themselves with the creatures they eat, echoing the call for separation from impurity found in 2 Corinthians.
Isaiah 52:11This Old Testament prophecy speaks of the exiles leaving Babylon, urging them to 'depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be pure.' This is a clear Old Testament precursor to Paul's exhortation.
1 Corinthians 10:14Paul tells the Corinthians to 'flee from idolatry,' which is a form of touching unclean things and participating in practices contrary to God, reinforcing the theme of separation from worldly contamination.
Romans 12:1-2This passage calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices and not to be conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewal of their minds, which is a call to internal and external separation from corrupting influences.
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Paul is building on his plea for believers to be reconciled to God, urging them to separate themselves from the corrupting influences of the world around them. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a direct command from God, echoing Old Testament calls to holiness, that promises a special place and acceptance for those who choose to live differently. The surrounding verses will delve into the practical implications of this separation and the incredible blessings that come with it.
Paul is building on his plea for believers to be reconciled to God, urging them to separate themselves from the corrupting influences of the world around them. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a direct command from God, echoing Old Testament calls to holiness, that promises a special place and acceptance for those who choose to live differently. The surrounding verses will delve into the practical implications of this separation and the incredible blessings that come with it.
"Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, say…" — { "studyTitle": "Called to Distinctiveness", "timeMinutes": 5, "concepts": [ { "title": "A Divine Invitation to Separate", "hook": "God calls us out of the crowd, not to be alon…
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