In chapter five he says he appeals on behalf of Christ. Chapter six begins with an appeal. Now is the acceptable day. Today is the day of salvation. If you know you are not at peace with God, why would you delay? Especially if you know Jesus completely satisfies all God's expectations for you (2 Cor. 5:21). Don't delay.
What follows is Paul's attempt to not put a stumbling block in front of people and the lengths to which he will go so people will see Jesus. He wants his life to commend his message.
I notice a continuity between plagues, hunger, prison, trouble and the like on the one hand and the word of truth, Holy Spirit, love and power on the other. This chapter does not have two separate lists. Christian service includes both parts of the list, not just the good parts.
He argues aggressively against believers being mismatched (Gk: heterozygote) with unbelievers. He doesn't say what kinds of partnerships these would be, but assumes that a large chasm exists between Christ-followers and non-Christ-followers. He bases this on the New Covenant promises from the Old Testament (Ezekiel 36:25-26).
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