2 Corinthians 6:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 6:15
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 6 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 6:15
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
Analysis
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? (τίς δὲ συμφώνησις Χριστῷ πρὸς Βελίαρ; tis de symphōnēsis Christō pros Beliar?)—Symphōnēsis means harmony, agreement, or concord (root of 'symphony'). Beliar (Hebrew בְּלִיַּעַל, beliya'al, 'worthlessness' or 'wickedness') appears in the Old Testament for wicked or lawless people (Deut 13:13; Judg 19:22; 1 Sam 2:12). By New Testament times it became a name for Satan or demonic powers. Paul personifies ultimate spiritual antithesis: Christ versus Satan. The answer: zero concord, absolute incompatibility.
Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (ἢ τίς μερὶς πιστῷ μετὰ ἀπίστου; ē tis meris pistō meta apistou?)—Meris means share, portion, or part—what they have in common or can share together. Pistos (believer, faithful one) versus apistos (unbeliever, unfaithful one) represents the fundamental divide of humanity: those who trust Christ and those who don't. In ultimate spiritual realities, they have no common ground, no shared inheritance, no mutual spiritual life.
Paul escalates from abstract concepts (righteousness/unrighteousness, light/darkness) to personal embodiments (Christ/Satan, believer/unbeliever). This isn't merely philosophical incompatibility but personal, relational impossibility. Attempting to unite opposites doesn't create synthesis but compromise—the holy is polluted, not the profane sanctified, when wrongly mixed.
Historical Context
Belial appears in Jewish apocalyptic literature (Dead Sea Scrolls, Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs) as a leader of demonic forces opposing God. Paul uses this familiar Jewish concept to express absolute spiritual antithesis. The Corinthians' tolerance of pagan entanglements amounted to attempting harmony between Christ and Satan—spiritual adultery against their covenant Lord.
Reflection
- How does recognizing that unequal yoking attempts 'concord between Christ and Belial' help you see the spiritual stakes of compromising partnerships?
- In what areas of life might you be trying to maintain 'fellowship' between your faith and practices fundamentally opposed to Christ?
- How does the believer/unbeliever distinction affect your closest relationships, especially regarding marriage, business, or ministry partnerships?
Word Studies
- Messiah: Χριστός (Christos) G5547 - Christ, Anointed One
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Kings 18:21