2 Corinthians 6:11-16

C. Appeal for restoration of the Corinthians’ confidence in Paul 6:11-7:16

The apostle now turned to a direct appeal for the Corinthians to reconcile with him in their hearts.

"The call for reconciliation with Paul, therefore, stands in parallel with the call for reconciliation with God [2 Corinthians 5:20]. While it would be too much to say that these two forms of reconciliation are equally important, for Paul they are directly linked with one another." [Note: Beverly R. Gaventa, "Apostle and Church in 2 Corinthians," in Pauline Theology. Vol. II: 1 & 2 Corinthians, pp. 193-94. This essay points out the strong connection that bound Paul as an apostle to the Corinthian church, his children in the faith.]

". . . in Roman politics and ancient Mediterranean culture in general, friendship included accepting the friend’s friends as one’s friends and his enemies as one’s enemies (e.g., Iamblichus Pyth. Life 35.248-49). How then can the Corinthians be reconciled with God if they mistrust his agent (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16; Matthew 10:40; Exodus 16:8)?" [Note: Keener, p. 186.]

Paul made this appeal to stimulate the Corinthians to accept him and his ministry so they would continue to experience all the blessings that God wanted them to have.