2 Corinthians 6:1
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Study Note
Study Note
'Working together with him, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain' — the appeal draws on Isaiah 49:8 (quoted in verse 2), applying the 'acceptable time' and 'day of salvation' to the present moment of Paul's ministry, making the now of apostolic proclamation the eschatological 'now.' The phrase 'receive the grace of God in vain' (eis kenon) implies that grace, though freely given, can be 'received' in ways that do not produce the transformation it intends — a pastoral warning against nominal participation in covenant grace. Paul's 'working together with him' (synergountes) describes apostolic ministry as divine-human collaboration — a formulation that preserves both divine primacy and genuine human co-agency. The verse initiates 2 Corinthians 6:1–10's remarkable catalogue of apostolic hardships endured without abandoning the ministry, modeling grace received 'not in vain.'
Other Translations
And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain
And working together also we call upon <FI>you<Fi> that ye receive not in vain the grace of God--
We then, working together with God, make our request to you not to take the grace of God to no purpose.
Cross References
How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us? Lo, certainly in vain …
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I …
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and …
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable …
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us …
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s …
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the …
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, …