2 Corinthians 6:14; What Communion Hath Light with Darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
The Apostle Paul uses 4 imageries to illustrate the distinct contrast between righteousness and unrighteousness or lawlessness as listed below:
Righteousness versus Lawlessness¹
Light Darkness
Christ Belial
Believer Unbeliever
Temple of God Idols
The imagery of light and darkness is the first. Jesus is called the Light, the Giver of eternal life as contrasted with the darkness of death by the Apostle John in John 1:4-7 In him (Jesus) was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. John the Baptiser was raised by God to bear witness of Jesus, called the Light. By Jesus, life is imparted to man. Jesus is the Giver of life. Light is symbolic of goodness and blessing – John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. Darkness is symbolic of wickedness – Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Light is symbolic of the truth – Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Light is also symbolic of God’s people as contrasted with those who do not know God, living in darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Light is symbolic of God who is contrasted as wholly Light and no darkness – 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
We are exhorted as God’s people, therefore, to walk in the light – John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Why? John 11:10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
May the Lord help us. Amen.
¹Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary – Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary – 1 & 2 Corinthians.