2 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God's invitation isn't just for a distant, future "saving day," but for right now. The emphasis on "now" isn't just urgency; it's about recognizing that every present moment, when we choose to listen and accept His help, becomes a "day of salvation."
Paul is passionately pleading with the Corinthians not to waste God's grace, urging them to embrace salvation now. He’s just detailed the immense hardships he and his fellow ministers endure for the sake of the gospel, and here he calls them to respond to this message of reconciliation, emphasizing that this moment of divine opportunity is urgent. This isn't a promise of some future chance, but a direct call to seize the present, God-given season for turning to Him.
Has God ever felt distant or slow to answer? This verse reminds us that His timing is perfect, and His patience is profound.
Paul quotes Isaiah here, painting a picture of God's consistent desire to hear and help us.
God's 'Favorable Time'
This refers to any moment when God opens the door for us to approach Him, where His grace is readily available.
God's 'Day of Salvation'
This is the opportune moment when He intervenes, offering rescue and deliverance. It's not just a general sense of well-being, but a specific point of divine action.
Paul emphasizes that these 'favorable times' and 'days of salvation' aren't past events; God is continually making Himself accessible.
Why does Paul use the word 'now' twice, with such urgency? What's at stake when we delay responding to God?
The second part of the verse is Paul's direct application of the prophecy:
The Present Opportunity
'Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.' This isn't a vague promise for the future. It's a bold declaration about the present moment.
The Danger of Delay
By emphasizing 'now,' Paul warns against procrastination in spiritual matters. Sin and rebellion thrive in the delay. God's offer of salvation is immediate and requires an immediate response. Missing the 'favorable time' can mean missing the 'day of salvation' entirely.
Understand the original words
sōtēria · Greek Noun
God's decisive act of deliverance from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin, accomplished through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Paul powerfully echoes Isaiah 49:8, reminding the Corinthians that God's offer of salvation is immediate and urgent, not a future possibility. The 'acceptable time' and 'day of salvation' are not distant hopes but present realities they must embrace now.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport many Judeans, marking a catastrophic turning point and a period of spiritual crisis.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great overtakes the Babylonian Empire, creating a new political landscape and allowing for the return of exiled peoples.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus allows Jewish return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, offering a chance for restoration.
c. 458-444 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah's Reforms
Ezra and Nehemiah lead further waves of returnees and implement significant religious and social reforms to re-establish Jewish identity and practice.
This Old Testament passage is the direct source Paul is quoting, showing that God's promise of help and acceptance has been present throughout history.
Hebrews 4:7This verse echoes the urgency of seizing the 'favorable time,' warning against hardening one's heart and missing out on God's promised rest.
Luke 4:19Jesus himself quotes from Isaiah 61, declaring 'the year of the Lord's favor' – the very time Paul emphasizes as the day of salvation being present.
Acts 17:30-31Paul told the Athenians that God overlooked their past ignorance but now commands repentance, highlighting a shift to a time of accountability and salvation.
God's invitation isn't just for a distant, future "saving day," but for right now. The emphasis on "now" isn't just urgency; it's about recognizing that every present moment, when we choose to listen and accept His help, becomes a "day of salvation."
Paul is passionately pleading with the Corinthians not to waste God's grace, urging them to embrace salvation now. He’s just detailed the immense hardships he and his fellow ministers endure for the sake of the gospel, and here he calls them to respond to this message of reconciliation, emphasizing that this moment of divine opportunity is urgent. This isn't a promise of some future chance, but a direct call to seize the present, God-given season for turning to Him.
Paul is passionately pleading with the Corinthians not to waste God's grace, urging them to embrace salvation . He’s just detailed the immense hardships he and his fellow ministers endure for the sake of the gospel, and here he calls them to respond to this message of reconciliation, emphasizing that this moment of divine opportunity is urgent. This isn't a promise of some future chance, but a direct call to seize the present, God-given season for turning to Him.
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c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes a church in the bustling Roman city of Corinth during his second missionary journey, facing significant opposition and challenges.
c. AD 55-56
Writing of 2 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter to the Corinthian church, addressing issues of division, his apostolic authority, and urging reconciliation and renewed commitment.
"For he says,
“In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." — God's invitation isn't just for a distant, future "saving day," but for *right now*. The emphasis on "now" isn't just urgency; it's about recognizing that every present moment, when we choose to list…