In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul gave the Corinthians this instruction.

Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you” (emphasis added).

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)

What does Paul mean by “Come out from them and be separate”?

People have used this verse to justify many things, from dissociating themselves from non-Christians to not attending a church where they didn’t agree with everything people said. Therefore, let’s see what Paul meant when he said to be separate.

Remember that we should always examine the context of a verse to help us understand what it means.

The immediate context for 2 Corinthians 6:17 can be found in verse 14.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)

This verse means we shouldn’t enter into intimate relationships with non-Christians. Dating, marriages, business partnerships, and close friendships could all fall within the realm of not yoking (or tying) ourselves with unbelievers. The following two verses are rhetorical questions to confirm Paul’s argument that believers and unbelievers shouldn’t be in intimate relationships. Therefore, when we get to verse 17, Paul’s still talking about not getting into intimate relationships with unbelievers.

Thus, verse 17 means we’re to separate ourselves from intimate relationships with those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as their savior. Does this mean we must shun all relationships with those who don’t believe? Consider what Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians about sexual immorality.

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people- not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.

1 Corinthians 5:9-10 (NIV)

Although Paul talks about sexual intimacy in these two verses, we can apply what he said to emotional intimacy. Indeed, in a healthy sexual relationship between a husband and wife, emotional intimacy is essential and will increase sexual intimacy. Without emotional intimacy, sexual intimacy is superficial and shallow.

Therefore, we can apply what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:10, not separating ourselves from the world because we’d have to leave this world, to 2 Corinthians 6:17 to understand that Paul was talking about specific intimate relationships, not all relationships.

For a moment, consider the absurdity of thinking we’re to have no relationships with unbelievers. Would we have churches for believers and separate churches for unbelievers? Would there be Christian-only communities, schools, businesses, countries, etc? Within the greater context of the Bible and Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations, it’s unreasonable and a bit silly to think that Paul was telling us to separate ourselves from all unbelievers.

Considering those relationships that we should keep separate, following this doctrine isn’t easy. Indeed, I find it challenging because my ex-wife was a Christian when we met, and I was unsaved. I believe I was saved because of my relationship with her. Yet, because of my devotion to my faith, I’ve been single for years and very rarely date because I find it very difficult to find a woman who loves Jesus like I do. Still, I’m keeping my eyes open because I know God has the right person for me.

Thus, we can see that Paul wasn’t telling us to separate ourselves from the world but to avoid entering into intimate relationships that could jeopardize our relationship with Christ and damage our witness.