Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 6:17

"Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you," — 2 Corinthians 6:17 (ASV)

Paul’s next quotation (Isaiah 52:11) stresses God’s demand for purity of life and separation from evil. In Isaiah, the call was for separation (or departure) from Babylon with its pagan idolatry. In Paul, the call is for separation from unbelievers with their pagan way of life. This verse may not be used to defend separation from believers on the ground of doctrinal differences.

“And I will receive you” stems from Eze 20:34, 41. God’s acceptance and approval of his people is dependent on their obedience to his commands. Separation from the world leads to fellowship with God (cf. James 4:4).