Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 178:710 (Apr 2021)
Article: Paul’s Use Of An Ontological Metaphor In 2 Corinthians 6:16
Author: J. Michael McKay

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Paul’s Use Of An Ontological Metaphor In 2 Corinthians 6:16

J. Michael McKay

J. Michael McKay is Assistant Professor of Biblical Theology, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio.

Abstract

In this article, the argument is made that in 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 Paul did not state that the church is the eschatological fulfillment of the Old Testament temple promises. Instead, he used an ontological metaphor, which consisted of a vivid temple concept familiar to both Paul and his readers, to explain qualities of the abstract metaphysical entity which is the church (6:16). This claim is demonstrated exegetically by examining the Old Testament citations found in 2 Corinthians 6:16c–18, distinguishing the concepts of “fulfillment” and “ontological metaphor,” and discussing the rhetorical value of these citations.

Introduction

Second Corinthians 6:14–7:1 is a fascinatingly complex passage that even with the most sympathetic readings appears abruptly in Paul’s argument.1 There are several significant, outstanding questions related to this passage.2 For example, some

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have argued that due to the abrupt shift from verse 6:13 to verse 6:14 and the fact that 6:13 naturally seems to flow into 7:2, this section is not original to the letter. Rather, it is an interpolation inserted either by Paul himself or by a later redactor.3 Thus, not only authorship of the section, but also its role in the surrounding argument is questioned. However, even if Paul’s authorship is argued and continuity with Paul’s overall argument maintained, the task of explaining the contextual connections still lies ahead.4

Other questions involve the meaning of the passage within its clearly delimited parameters of 6:14–7:1.5 For example, who are the ἀπίστοις (v. 14)?6 Wha...