The passage
[2 Cor] 6,14-7,1 is often considered to be an unpauline addition or at least a
later interpolation at this point (cf. Gnilka, “2 Kor. 6,14-7,1,” pp. 86ff.).
The main objection is that it is impossible that Paul would have interjected this
urgent appeal to be holy in the midst of his attempt to improve the relationship
of the Corinthians to himself. However, this objection loses its force if the
disturbing factor in the relationship is that they have considered him to be
too easy-going to be helpful in their attempts to achieve holiness. Then it is
evident that his openness toward them is based on the fact that they are holy
in Christ and that he can only expect them to fully reciprocate that openness
when they are fully aware of that fact. A second objection is that the theology
is not Pauline because it calls for the Christians to separate from unbelievers
in contrast with I Cor. 5,9f. (cf. ibid., p. 96). However, the exact
meaning of the call for separation is only clear from the context. Since the
whole appeal is summed up in 7,1 as an appeal to keep oneness holy, it is at
least possible that nothing more than keeping oneself holy is meant by the earlier
call for separation. If this is so, the passage clearly contains a Pauline
emphasis call for separation. If this is so, the passage clearly contains a
Pauline emphasis. A third objection is that many of the words are unpauline.
This argument proves nothing, but here it may be weighty enough to give some
grounds for supposing that Paul is using concepts of the opponents (Essene-Christians?
The striking parallels to Qumran’s language and ideas discussed by Gnilka, “2 Kor.
6,14-7,1” and Fitzmyer, “Qumran,” could point in this direction. For another possible
contact with Qumran cf. ch. III, n. 18.) and turning them into an argument based
against them by basing the need for holiness on God’s promises rather than on
the law. (Derk William Oostendorp, Another Jesus: A Gospel of
Jewish-Christian Superiority in II Corinthians [New Jersey: J.H. Kok N.V.
Kampen, 1967], 57 n. 17)
