What does 2 Corinthians 6:18 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 6:18 is a promise of divine adoption and inheritance.

The phrase "And will be a Father unto you" signifies God's commitment to taking on a parental role, offering guidance, protection, and nurturing to the believers.

The latter part, "and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty," confirms the believers' status as God's children, implying a deep familial bond and entitling them to the privileges of being part of God's family.

The deeper meaning of this verse extends beyond a simple filial relationship; it emphasizes the transformation of identity that comes with spiritual adoption.

It marks a shift from an existence separate from God to one that is intimately connected with the divine, signifying sanctification and setting the believers apart from the world's values and systems.

Historical Context

The verse is from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, written in the mid-first century AD.

Paul's epistles were meant to guide and instruct the early Christian communities that he founded or with which he was in correspondence.

The sociopolitical landscape of the time was under the Roman Empire, but early Christians often faced suspicion and persecution from both Roman authorities and traditional Jewish institutions because of their distinct beliefs.

In this particular passage, Paul is quoting from the Old Testament, referencing God's promises from books such as Leviticus, Jeremiah, and Isaiah.

Paul was addressing the concerns of Christians in Corinth regarding idolatry, purity, and proper conduct.

He encourages them to separate themselves from pagan practices and to embrace the Christian way of life wholeheartedly.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is imbued with the concept of "adoption as children of God." This is a central theme in Pauline theology which articulates the believer's new relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The doctrine of divine adoption is one of grace; it does not depend on natural descent or human effort.

Different denominations may emphasize various aspects of this relationship.

For instance, Catholics view the Church as the extension of God's family, while Protestants might focus on the individual's direct relationship with God.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity might stress the idea of theosis, or divinization, through which individuals partake in the divine nature.

Practical Applications

This verse offers comfort and assurance to believers, reminding them of their divine backing and heritage. Practical applications include:

• Living with an understanding of one's worth as a child of God.
• Striving for holiness and purity in accordance with one's status as God's offspring.
• Seeking a closer relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and fellowship.
• Demonstrating love and kindness to others, emulating the fatherly character of God.

Cross-References

• "I will be his father, and he shall be my son..." (2 Samuel 7:14)
• "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God..." (John 1:12)
• "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26)
• "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..." (1 John 3:1)

Language Study

The key words in this verse are "Father" (Greek: πατήρ, pater) and "sons" (Greek: υἱοί, huioi) and "daughters" (Greek: θυγατέρες, thygateres).

"Pater" does not just indicate a biological relationship but a position of authority, responsibility, and originator.

"Huioi" and "thygateres" suggest both filial relationship and legal standing; in the context of Roman law, adopted children had rights similar to those born into the family.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of adoption is found in various cultures and religious traditions.

In Roman society, adoption was a legal act conferring all the rights of a natural-born child to an adoptee.

In other ancient religions, such as the various Greco-Roman cults, the idea of becoming 'sons' or 'children' of a deity also existed, often involving initiation rites or mystery religions.

However, the Christian notion of divine adoption is distinct in its moral and spiritual implications and its emphasis on a personal relationship with God, rather than ritual incorporation into a community or a means to gain social status.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, the ideas of identity and relationship touched upon in the verse can find resonance in psychological studies of family dynamics and attachment theories.

Modern psychology recognizes the importance of parental figures and the role of nurturing in shaping an individual's life, echoing the spiritual adoption metaphor of providing love, guidance, and support.

Commentaries

Commentaries from renowned theologians such as Matthew Henry and John Calvin tend to focus on the profound nature of the believer's relationship to God, conveyed by "And will be a Father unto you." Matthew Henry speaks to the verse as an encouragement for separation from unholiness, as being children of a holy God requires personal sanctification.

John Calvin, on the other hand, views the promise as an inducement to reverence and piety. He notes the immense generosity of God to adopt us as his own, considering our state of sin, and therefore, how eagerly we should embrace His fatherly care.

Contemporary scholars often highlight the radical inclusivity of this statement within its cultural context since Paul directly addresses both "sons and daughters," affirming the equal standing of men and women as children of God.