2 Corinthians 7:1

Context

This verse belongs to 2 Corinthians, which Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. In 6:14 Paul exhorts, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers." Then in verses 16–18 he weaves together Old Testament promises that God will dwell among his people and be their Father. The quotation is usually understood as a composite drawing on Leviticus 26:12, Isaiah 52:11, 2 Samuel 7:14, and other passages.

"These promises" in 7:1 refers to these quotations. The verse therefore serves as the conclusion of the exhortation that begins in 6:14. Notwithstanding the chapter division, many commentaries treat it, on the basis of its content, as the closing sentence of chapter 6. Because 6:16, just before it, contrasts "the temple of God" with "idols," many commentators hold that "filthiness" refers primarily to involvement in idolatry and pagan cultic practice.

Interpretation

• Common reading: Many interpreters agree that the promises God has already given form the basis for the exhortation "let us cleanse ourselves." "Flesh and spirit" is commonly taken to mean outward conduct and the inner life—that is, the whole person. "Fear" is understood not as terror but as reverent awe.
• Reformed reading: The Reformed tradition, including Presbyterians, reads this verse as a key text on sanctification, the process by which those who have been saved grow progressively in holiness. Chapter 13 ("Of Sanctification") of the Westminster Confession of Faith borrows the verse's language, stating that the saints go on "perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This tradition holds that sanctification is lifelong growth and is not completed in this life.
• Wesleyan tradition reading: Methodist and Holiness traditions read "perfecting holiness" as one of the grounds for the teaching that entire sanctification, or holiness, may be hoped for and pursued in this life. The perfection spoken of in this tradition is not a state free of mistakes; rather, it is described as a state in which love for God and neighbor has been made perfect.

Debates and Issues

• Placement of the passage: "Be ye also enlarged" in 6:13 flows naturally into "Receive us" in 7:2. Because this flow is interrupted by 6:14–7:1, some scholars regard the passage as a later interpolation or as a fragment of the earlier letter mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9–10. They also point out that the idea of the "spirit" being defiled is rare in Paul's other letters. On the other hand, no manuscript lacking the passage is known. Many commentators therefore regard it as an exhortation Paul deliberately included for emphasis and read it in its present position.
• Scope of application: Together with 6:14, this verse has been widely cited as grounds for cautioning against marriage to unbelievers or for keeping one's distance from worldly culture. Others counter that, because the original context concerns participation in idolatry, the verse should not be extended to mean withdrawal from society. This objection appeals to 1 Corinthians 5:9–10, where Paul clarifies that he did not mean believers should avoid all association with the people of this world.

Related Passages

• 2 Corinthians 6:14–18
• 1 Corinthians 3:16–17
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7
• Hebrews 12:14
• 1 Peter 1:15–16