Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 7:1

"Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." — 2 Corinthians 7:1 (ASV)

In his chain of OT quotations Paul has stressed both the privilege of being a temple of God (v.16) and the benefits of compliance with the divine will (vv.17d–18). As recipients of such promises of fellowship with God, all Christians should avoid every source of possible defilement in any aspect of their lives. “Body and spirit” here denotes a Christian in his or her total personality in relations with other people and with God (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:34).

Paul is probably implying that the Corinthians have become defiled, perhaps by occasionally sharing meals at idol-shrines or by continuing to attend festivals or ceremonies in pagan temples (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:10; 10:14–22), or even by maintaining membership in a local pagan cult. If they make a clean break with pagan life in any and every form, they will be bringing their holiness nearer completion by this proof of their reverence for God.