Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 6:13

"Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto [my] children), be ye also enlarged." — 2 Corinthians 6:13 (ASV)

Now for a recompence, in the same. "By way of recompense, open your hearts in the same manner toward me as I have done toward you. It is all the reward or compensation that I ask of you; all the return that I desire. I do not ask silver or gold, or any earthly possessions. I ask only a return of love, and a devotedness to the cause that I love, and that I endeavor to promote."

I speak as unto my children. I speak as a parent addressing children. I sustain toward you the relation of a spiritual father, and I have a right to require and expect a return of affection.

Be also enlarged. Do not be restricted in your affections. Love me as I love you. Give me the same proofs of attachment that I have given you.

The idea in this verse is that the only compensation or remuneration that he expected for all the love that he had shown them, and for all his toils and self-denials on their behalf (2 Corinthians 6:4–5), was that they would love him and yield obedience to the laws of the gospel requiring them to be separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14–18).

One ground of the claim that he had to their affection was that he sustained toward them the relation of a father, and that he had a right to require and to expect such a return of love.

The Syriac renders it well, "Enlarge your love toward me." Tindal renders it, "I speak to you as to children, who have like reward with us; stretch yourselves therefore out; do not bear the yoke with unbelievers."