What does 2 Corinthians 6:2 mean?

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(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 2 Corinthians 6:2

Explanation

2 Corinthians 6:2 is a verse that emphasizes the immediacy and urgency in responding to God’s offered salvation. The passage highlights the concept of an “accepted time” and a “day of salvation,” both references to the appropriate moment to embrace God’s grace, indicating that this moment is ‘now.’ It implies that divine help or assistance comes at a designated moment, which Paul the Apostle interprets as the present. Paul is echoing a sentiment from Isaiah 49:8, where God promises to answer and help His people. The phrase, “I have heard thee” suggests that God is responsive, while “in a time accepted” and “in the day of salvation have I succoured thee” imply that God provides aid at a critical and appropriate time, which Paul argues is the immediate present.

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the context of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Paul wrote this epistle to address certain issues in the Corinthian church and to defend his apostleship against critics. At the time, the early Christian communities were navigating their faith amidst a complex intersection of Roman authority, traditional Jewish customs, and the emerging Christian doctrines. During Paul’s ministry, the message of “now” was using the current time to preach about salvation through Christ, in contrast to an indefinitely deferred hope or expectation.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse is seen as an invitation to participate in the grace that God offers. The insistence on the current moment (“now”) reflects a soteriological urgency—a belief that salvation must be received without delay. From a Calvinist perspective, this verse may be interpreted as God’s effectual call to those He has chosen. An Arminian viewpoint might see this as a universal call to anyone who might hear and respond to the gospel message. Liberation theology may interpret the “accepted time” as a divine endorsement for immediate action towards social justice and liberation.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can inspire believers to value the present moment as the right time for spiritual decisions and actions. It serves as encouragement not to postpone important commitments, particularly regarding one’s relationship with God and acceptance of salvation. This can also be applied more broadly to moral and ethical decision-making, as well as seizing opportunities to perform good deeds, spread kindness, and engage in community service.

Cross-References

Isaiah 49:8: “Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;”
Hebrews 3:15: “While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.”
Ephesians 5:16: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text for this verse include:

“Heard thee” (ἐπήκουσά σου): This implies attentive listening and responding.
“Time accepted” (καιρῷ δεκτῷ): “Kairos” refers to a special or opportune time rather than chronological time (chronos). “Dekto” connotes acceptance or favor.
“Succoured” (ἐβοήθησά): This word means to aid or help, suggesting an active support.
“Salvation” (σωτηρίας): This commonly translates to “salvation,” denoting deliverance and preservation.

Understanding these terms in their original context can deepen the comprehension of the urgency and availability of God’s salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of an opportune time for divine intervention can be compared to similar ideas in other ancient religions. For instance, in various pagan traditions, there are notions of kairotic moments when the gods intervene in human affairs. In Judaism, there is a concept of an appointed “time of favor” (Isaiah 49:8) that resonates with the message in 2 Corinthians 6:2.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of “time” is understood in both quantifiable and qualitative terms. While science predominantly views time as measurable and linear (chronos), the verse introduces the notion of kairos, which aligns more with qualitative, subjective experiences of time that are not easily measurable but are significant for decision-making. Modern psychology might interpret the urgency to act within the “accepted time” in light of decision-making processes and how individuals perceive and value time in relation to their actions.

Commentaries

Commentaries generally concur that Paul is emphasizing the immediacy of God’s grace and the opportunity for salvation. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for instance, reflects upon the kindness of God in the invited times of grace and the duty of those who hear the call to respond without delay. John Wesley’s Notes comment on the day of salvation as being an extension of God’s favor. The Pulpit Commentary suggests that Paul is alluding to the urgency for the Corinthians to be reconciled to God. Most commentaries underscore the important shift from a future perspective of salvation to an immediate and present-focused call to action.