“You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections” (2 Corinthians 6:12).
Paul the Apostle used an unusual turn of phrase in the passage quoted above: “…you are restricted by your own affections.” This raises an interesting question: how did the Corinthians’ affections limit the relationship they enjoyed with Paul? Well, one answer to that question might involve the objects of their affections.
For instance, the members of the Corinthian church may have loved the society and culture of first-century Corinth to an unhealthy extent. Given the idolatrous nature of Corinthian society in the New Testament era, a person who was immersed in the pagan culture of the city would naturally tend to alienate anyone (like Paul, for instance) who sought to live a God-honoring life.
We can apply this idea in a modern-day sense as well. For example, a look at our financial expenditures, leisure activities, or social media posts will all help to gauge our internal affections- and what’s inside will eventually find its way outside in any number of ways.
We should also remember that people demonstrate their depth of love and affection for Christ by their choices. Jesus discussed this reality in the New Testament gospel of John…
“‘Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.’ Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, ‘Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?’
Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me'” (John 14:21-24 NLT).
Finally, one commentator addresses this idea in terms of relationships: “Some of the Corinthians were not openhearted toward Paul, because they were doing things they knew he disapproved of. This evidently included maintaining inappropriate relationships with unbelievers.” (1) This will lead into a subject that Paul will go on to discuss over the final verses of this chapter and serve as the focus of our next few studies.
(1) Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 2 Corinthians 2017 Edition [6:14-16a]. Copyright © 2017 Thomas L. Constable http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/htm/NT/2%20Corinthians/2Corinthians.htm