2 Corinthians 6:16 – “What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his warning against forming close partnerships with unbelievers. He uses the strongest contrast yet—the temple of God versus idols—to drive home his point.

1. “What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?”
   • Paul is making it clear that God’s presence and false gods cannot exist in harmony. The temple of God is holy, set apart for Him, while idols represent false worship and rebellion against God.
   • In the Old Testament, Israel was repeatedly warned not to mix the worship of the true God with idolatry, but they often failed, leading to judgment and exile (Jeremiah 7:9-11).
2. “For we are the temple of the living God.”
   • Paul shifts the focus from a physical temple (like the one in Jerusalem) to God’s people. Christians are now God’s temple because His Spirit lives in them (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
   • This means that believers must remain pure and devoted to God, just as the temple was meant to be a holy place of worship.
3. “As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'”
   • Paul quotes multiple Old Testament passages (Leviticus 26:11-12, Jeremiah 32:38, Ezekiel 37:27) to remind the Corinthians that God has always wanted to dwell with His people.
   • This is a promise of deep relationship—God is not distant, but near, walking among His people.
   • Because of this special relationship, believers must separate themselves from anything that dishonors God.

Paul’s main point is that Christians are God’s holy dwelling place, and they must not compromise by mixing with sin and idolatry.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, which was located in a city filled with idol worship.

• Corinth had many pagan temples, including the famous temple of Aphrodite, where prostitution was part of the worship.
• Many Corinthian believers had come from pagan backgrounds and may have struggled to fully separate themselves from their old ways.
• Some false teachers were influencing the church, leading some to believe they could worship God while still participating in idol feasts or immoral practices (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).

Paul is warning them that Christianity and idolatry cannot mix. If they truly belong to God, they must reject anything that competes for His place in their lives.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several important truths:

1. Believers are God’s dwelling place – Just as the temple in Jerusalem was holy, Christians must live holy lives because God lives in them.
2. Idolatry and true worship cannot mix – Serving God means rejecting anything that takes His rightful place in our hearts.
3. God desires a personal relationship with His people – He promises to walk among them, meaning He is actively involved in their lives.
4. Separation from sin is necessary – Since believers belong to God, they must separate themselves from worldly influences that draw them away from Him.

This verse calls Christians to recognize their identity as God’s temple and live in a way that reflects His holiness.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses strong contrasts in this verse:

• “The temple of God” vs. “idols” – Two completely opposite realities.
• “Living God” vs. lifeless idols – God is active, personal, and real, while idols are dead and powerless.
• “I will live with them and walk among them” – An intimate picture of God’s closeness with His people.

Paul’s argument is both logical and emotional—he is calling believers to understand the truth and embrace their special relationship with God.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (Believers are now the temple of God.)
• Ezekiel 37:27 – “My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (A prophecy of God’s presence with His people.)
• Leviticus 26:11-12 – “I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you.” (God’s desire to be near His people.)
• Revelation 21:3 – “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.” (The ultimate fulfillment of God living with His people in eternity.)
• 1 John 5:21 – “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (A clear warning against idolatry.)

These passages confirm that God has always desired to dwell among His people and calls them to be set apart for Him.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder of our identity and calling:

1. You are God’s dwelling place. – Do you recognize that your body and life belong to Him?
2. Avoid anything that competes for God’s place in your life. – Idolatry today may not be statues, but it can be money, success, relationships, entertainment, or anything that takes God’s rightful place.
3. Live a holy life. – Since God walks with you, your life should reflect His presence and holiness.
4. Surround yourself with things that strengthen your faith. – Are you making choices that draw you closer to God or pull you away?

This verse challenges believers to live in a way that honors God’s presence within them.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God is not distant—He wants to be near His people.

• He chooses to live in believers. – His presence is not in a building, but in His people.
• He desires a close relationship. – “I will walk among them” shows His personal involvement in their lives.
• He calls His people to holiness out of love. – Just as a loving father wants the best for his children, God calls believers to separate from sin because He knows it will harm them.

This verse is not just a warning—it’s an invitation into a close, life-giving relationship with God.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus made this relationship with God possible:

• He became the true temple. – Jesus referred to Himself as the temple that would be destroyed and rebuilt in three days (John 2:19), pointing to His resurrection.
• He made a way for God’s Spirit to live in believers. – Through His death and resurrection, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in His followers (John 14:16-17).
• He fulfilled the promise of God walking with His people. – Jesus is called “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Paul’s words in this verse are only possible because of Jesus’ sacrifice, which made it possible for God to dwell in His people forever.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you truly see yourself as God’s temple? How does that impact your daily life?
2. Are there any “idols” in your life—things that compete for your devotion to God?
3. How can you ensure that your life reflects God’s presence within you?
4. Are there any areas of compromise where you need to separate yourself from worldly influences?
5. How does knowing that God “walks among” His people encourage you in your faith?