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
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the …
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 …
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, …
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, …
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and …
Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at …
I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.