2 Corinthians 7:1

ταύτας οὖν ἔχοντες κ. τ. λ.: having therefore these (note the emphasis given to ταύτας by its position) promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all contamination of flesh and spirit (cf. 1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 3:3). We find the construction καθαρίζειν ἀπό again in Sir 38:10 and Hebrews 9:14 (see also Deissmann, Neue Bibelstud., p. 44). We have already pointed out (on 2 Corinthians 6:14) that μολυσμός is always used of the defilement which springs out of evil (and especially heathen) associations; this may affect the πνεῦμα (see on 2 Corinthians 2:13) as well as the σάρξ. ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην κ. τ. λ.: perfecting holiness in the fear of God, sc., the fear that man ought to feel towards God (see 2 Corinthians 5:11), which is, indeed, one of the gifts of the Divine Spirit (Isaiah 11:3), and which was repeatedly commended to the chosen people (Deuteronomy 6:2; Psalms 111:1). The practical issue of belief in the promises of the Old Covenant (which have a yet larger meaning under the New) is positive as well as negative, sanctification as well as separation. St. Paul's word for man's sanctification is ἁγιασμός, the result of which process is here expressed by ἁγιωσύνη (see reff.); this is especially an attribute of God in the O.T. (Psalms 95:6; Psalms 96:12; Psalms 144:5, Malachi 3:12).