Naturally the principle of being unequally yoked sprang to mind. Freeman's paper is one of the better constructed that I found. His conclusion is:
In most evangelical circles this passage is not cited for any other reason than as a proof-text for why Christians should not marry non-Christians. However, the challenge Paul lays before the Corinthians is much greater. They are to cleanse themselves “from every defilement,” pursuing perfect holiness in the fear of God, in light of the promises of his presence. Their refusal to give their whole hearts and lives to God had constrained their affections for God’s minister-Paul-and had greatly damaged earthly relationships.
Earthly relationships, however, for their own sake are not Paul’s goal. Rather, he needs to be reconciled to the Corinthians because the whole defence of his apostolic ministry as that of the new covenant depends on their partaking of the Spirit, since they themselves are his “letter of recommendation.” This passage is nothing short of a passionate plea for holiness from the people who were called apart to be holy. They must separate themselves from the cult worship and all defilement because they are the temple where God dwells; God is their Father, and they are his children, the heirs of all his promises.
Surely, his children are to in a manner appropriate for being in his presence. This includes respecting their covenant relationship with God by not joining with outsiders in covenantal-type relationships, but surely it is even broader. We must see that this passage teaches us, just as it did the Corinthians, that in opening our hearts to God, the proper response is absolutely exclusive. [1]
[1] Freeman, J (undated). An exegetical analysis of 2 Cor 6:14-7:1. Julian Freeman. Retrieved from http://julianfreeman.ca/articles/exegetical-analysis-2-cor-61471 on 31/5/2011.
