2Corinthians 5 - Outline of 2Corinthians (MENU page)

II. The Characteristics of Paul's Ministry. 1:8- 7:16
  A. Comforted and Comforting. 1:8- 2:14
  B. Triumphant. 2:14-17
  C. Accredited. 3:1-5
  D. Spiritual & Glorious - Not Legal. 3:6-18
  E. Honest. 4:1-7
  F. Suffering but Sustained. 4:8- 6:10
  1. Exposed to death, revealing Life to others. 4:8-12
  2. Believing God's promise of resurrection. 4:13-18
  3. Confident of future joy in the Lord's presence. 5:1-8
1. For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved,
we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
  We 'know' this with absolute certainty, because the Holy Spirit confirms the truth to our innermost being (v.5; Rom 8:16-18). We are not deceiving ourselves with wishful thinking, as we endure sufferings in the service of Christ (2Cor 4:8-18; cp. 2Tim 1:12; 1Joh 3:2; 5:19,20).
  'Our earthly house' refers to our physical bodies, which are like tabernacles {tents}.
  The ministers of the Gospel (and all true believers) know that when our temporary tents are 'dissolved' {loosed, taken down, cp. 2Pet 1:13,14}, God has promised and will provide permanent 'dwelling places' suitable for living forever in His presence. (Here, the heavenly 'house' refers to the believer's resurrection body. cp. 1Cor 15:42-53; Joh 14:1-3; 1Pet 1:4)
2 For in this we groan {are in distress, cp. Rom 8:23; 1Pet 1:6,7},
earnestly desiring to be clothed upon
with our house which is from heaven: {Php 1:23}
3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
4 For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan,
being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon,
that mortality might be swallowed up of life. {1Cor 15:53,54}
5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God,
who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. {2Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13,14}
6 Therefore [we are] always confident {ie., full of courage}, knowing that,
whilst we are at home {GK=endemeo} in the body,
we are absent {GK=ekdemeo} from the Lord: {cp. Psa 27:3,4}
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) {2Cor 4:18}
8 We are confident {ie., full of courage}, [I say],
and willing {lit., well pleased} rather to be absent {GK=ekdemeo} from the body,
and to be present {GK=endemeo, at home} with the Lord.
  ...absent {GK=ekdemeo, away from home, out of one's country} from the body...
  ...present {GK=endemeo, at home, in one's homeland} with the Lord...
    These terms imply...
    - Citizenship - See Php 3:20,21, where 'conversation' {GK=politeuma} refers to one's own 'community' or 'citizenship.'
    - Consciousness - The believer, being 'at home,' though out of the body, is aware of the Lord's presence. cp. 2Cor 12:2-4
  Upon the death of anyone who is 'in Christ,' believers rightly take comfort in the assurance that their departed friend or loved one is 'present with the Lord' (v.8).
  However, in the context of Paul's discussion, this assurance is applied to those who willingly risk their lives to proclaim the Gospel. The ministers of Christ can be confident {courageous} as they serve Him in a hostile foreign land (the world of unsaved men, eg., 2Cor 4:8-14), because they know that their enemies can do nothing worse than send them home to dwell permanently with their Lord. cp. Luk 12:4-9
II. The Characteristics of Paul's Ministry. 1:8- 7:16
  F. Suffering but Sustained. 4:8- 6:10
  3. Confident of future joy in the Lord's presence. 5:1-8
  4. Conscious of the Judgment Seat of Christ. 5:9-13
9 Wherefore we labour {ie., we make it our ambition},
that, whether present or absent, [See note above, at v.8.]
we may be accepted of {well pleasing to} him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;
that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body,
according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;
but we are made manifest unto God;
and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
  For we must all appear {GK=pheneroo, be manifested} before the judgment seat of Christ...
    At the 'Judgment Seat' {GK=bema, tribunal} of Christ (which will occur in heaven, after the Rapture of the church, 1Cor 4:5; 1The 4:16,17; Rev 22:12), born-again believers will be evaluated for the way they lived and served the Lord, during their days on earth. This judgment does not determine whether a person is saved, because that was determined when the believer placed his or her trust in Christ, who took our sin and judgment upon Himself, that we might be accepted before God in the righteousness of Christ (Eph 1:6,7). Having been given such a gift, each believer will be held accountable for how they invested their 'life in Christ' for Him. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, His servants will be rewarded for their service (what they had done, whether good or bad). cp. Rom 14:10; 1Cor 3:11-15; Gal 6:7; Col 3:23-25
    The word translated 'appear' in v.10, is twice translated 'manifest' in v.11. Verse 10 does not mean that every believer must 'make an appearance,' but rather that each must 'be made manifest' {thoroughly revealed in one's true character} before Christ at His Judgment Seat (cp. Jer 17:9,10; Heb 4:13).
    The Judgment Seat of Christ is very different from the Great White Throne Judgment (of Rev 20:11-15). At the Judgment Seat of Christ, Church Age believers will be rewarded for their works. At the appointed time, they will return and reign with Christ in His Millennial Kingdom on earth. After that, at the Great White Throne, the unsaved will be judged according to their works and "whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." This judgment does not pertain to born-again believers, because they are included in the Lamb's book of life.
    [To understand the various distinct judgments mentioned in the NT, see Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, Lesson #5 - The Five Judgments.]
  Knowing therefore the terror {GK=phobos, fear} of the Lord, we persuade men...
    The fear of the Lord affects the servants of Christ in two ways:
    - We know we will be held accountable for our obedience (or disobedience) to the Lord's commission (Eze 3:18; Mat 28:18-20; Mark 8:35-38; Rom 14:10-13).
    - We know the unsaved face fearful judgment under the condemnation of God. Eze 3:18; Joh 3:17-19,36; Rom 1:15-18
  but we are made manifest unto God; (eg., 2Cor 2:17)
  and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (eg., 2Cor 4:1,2)
    Paul and his co-workers were serving the Lord with their whole hearts, as they proclaimed His Word. The Corinthian church should have been very aware of his sincerity, for his heart was an open book before them, during his ministry among them and for them.
12. For we commend not ourselves again unto you,
but give you occasion to glory {boast} on our behalf,
that ye may have somewhat to [answer] them
which glory {boast} in appearance, and not in heart.
13 For whether we be beside ourselves, [it is] to God:
or whether we be sober, [it is] for your cause.
  ...we commend not ourselves again unto you,
  but give you occasion {GK=aphorme, a starting-point, a base of operations} to glory on our behalf...
    Paul and his co-workers were well known to the church in Corinth. Paul was describing the characteristics of his ministry, not to recommend himself to them (2Cor 3:1,2), but rather to provide them with a basis of comparison between the godly ministers (who had selflessly endured trouble to bring the Gospel to them), and the legalistic religious opportunists who had come to lead the church astray, in Paul's absence (2Cor 11:12-14).
    These false teachers boasted in their outward 'appearance,' as they presented themselves as the ministers of God. They selfishly sought the church's respect and support, even as they sought to discredit Paul and undermine sound doctrine. In contrast, Paul gave himself to the work, serving the Lord and nourishing His people, freely from the heart (2Cor 1:6; 4:5,15-16).
  ...whether we be 'beside ourselves' {ie., insane}, it is to God... (cp. 2Sam 6:20-22)
    Was Paul crazy for giving himself with such abandon to suffer for Christ? That is for God to judge (v.10). Later, in this letter, as Paul presents details concerning the cost of ministry, which he willingly paid, he will repeatedly apologize for 'boasting' like a fool. But he considered it necessary, to paint a vivid contrast between the true ministers of God and dangerous impostors.
  ...or whether we be sober {ie., of sound mind}, [it is] for your cause. (Col 1:24,25; 2Tim 2:10)
II. The Characteristics of Paul's Ministry. 1:8- 7:16
  F. Suffering but Sustained. 4:8- 6:10
  4. Conscious of the Judgment Seat of Christ. 5:9-13
  5. Constrained by the Love of Christ. 5:14-21
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us;
because we thus judge, that if one died for all,
then were all dead {ie., then have all died}:
15 And [that] he died for all, that they which live
should not henceforth live unto themselves,
but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
  For the love of Christ constraineth us {GK=sunecho, holds us fast, confines us}...
    It is true that Christ died for 'all,' because of His love for a world of men who 'were dead' in their trespasses and sins (Joh 1:29; 3:16; Eph 2:1-5; 1Joh 2:2). Yet, His death does not benefit 'all,' because it is only effective for "as many as received Him" (Joh 1:11-13; Mat 20:28). Sadly, many who were spiritually dead remain in that state, due to their unbelief.
    However, according to the GK verb tenses, in v.14, 'all' refers, not to the world at large, but rather to born-again believers. In this verse, "One died for all" (aorist indicative active tense), refers to Christ's death which was completed at a past point in time. The same tense is applied to the last line: "then have all died," referring to the believer's death, to sin and self, with Christ (Rom 6:3-11).
    Being constrained {held firmly} in the love of Christ who died for us, then we have died with Him, and consequently have been raised with Him into a new kind of life to serve God (Gal 2:20).
  ...that they which live should not henceforth {ie., no longer} live unto themselves,
  but unto him which died for them, and rose again. cp. 1Cor 6:20; 1The 5:10; Titus 2:14
16. Wherefore henceforth {from now on} know we no man after the flesh:
yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh,
yet now henceforth know we [him] no more {ie., we no longer know Him in that way}.
17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ,
[he is] a new creature: {a new creation, Gal 6:15; Eph 2:10}
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
  Having died to himself, and risen in newness of life in Christ, the believer is a new creation. His perspective on everything has changed. 'From now on, we know {GK=eido, see, perceive} no man after the flesh.' The old life, including its ways and relationships has passed away. The believer, as a new creation (born of God's Spirit), perceives a spiritual dimension to the world and people around him. He has become painfully aware of the lost condition of unsaved family and friends. eg., Mat 10:37; 12:48-50; 1Pet 4:1-4
  Some of Paul's contemporaries (eg., the other apostles) were familiar friends with Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry. But now, the humble teacher, whom they had known, has been exalted as the Lord of all. Even John, the beloved disciple who leaned on Jesus' breast at His last supper, fell at the feet of his Lord, when he saw Him in His glory (Rev 1:17). Yet, the glorified Christ communicated with John, concerning matters which his disciple could not have comprehended previously. Likewise, it is the Lord's desire to commune with every believer on this higher plane, as He opens His Word, that they might personally know His heart (Rev 3:20).
  Like John and Paul, all, who are in Christ, have a new life and a new purpose: to live for "Him who died for them, and rose again" (v.15).
18 And all things [are] of God,
who hath reconciled us to himself by {GK=dia, through} Jesus Christ,
and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ,
reconciling the world unto himself,
not imputing their trespasses unto them;
and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
  ...behold, all things are become new (v.17). And all things are of God...
    Everything about our new life is according to God's initiative, provision, and purpose. Eph 2:8-10; 1Cor 1:30; 8:6
  ...who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ...
    The word 'reconcile' {GK=katallasso} means 'to change for mutual compatibility.'
    In our natural state, our sin separated us from the Holy God, our fleshly nature was unable to please God, and our thoughts and actions displayed hostility toward God, His will and His Law. In short, we were His enemies. Therefore, although God loved us, we were condemned and worthy of His righteous wrath. He, being perfect in holiness, is rightly changeless. We, while dead in our trespasses and sins, were incompatible with Him, and unable to change ourselves to be like Him.
    But God, in great love, extended mercy and grace toward us, by sending His Son to do what was necessary, to make undeserving sinners compatible with Himself. cp. Rom 5:10,11 (where 'atonement' should read 'reconciliation'); Eph 2:16; Col 1:20-22
  ...and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation...
    Not only has God reconciled us to Himself, but also He has given us a ministry. cp. 2Cor 3:6; 4:1
    What is this "ministry of reconciliation"?
  To wit {ie., Namely}, that in Christ, God was reconciling the world unto himself...
    {Note: The word order, above, more accurately conveys the meaning of v.19a.}
    The ministry of reconciliation is God's work.
    In Christ, God was reconciling the world (of fallen mankind) unto Himself. He was not reconciling Himself to the world. He is eternally right. The world was wrong, out of order, and in need of change.
  ...not imputing {reckoning, counting} their trespasses {offences} unto them... (cp. Rom 4:6-8)
    In Christ, God made the way to erase the ledger of man's sin and guilt, thereby removing the offence to His holiness, which had prevented our reconciliation with Him. The price Christ paid was sufficient to cover the debt of all mankind (Joh 1:29; 1Joh 2:2).
  ...and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
    The ministry of reconciliation is God's work.
    But, to 'us' (whom He has reconciled to Himself by faith in Christ, v.18), He has committed the proclamation of the 'Word' concerning the reconciliation which He has provided through Christ. (cp. 1Cor 1:18, where 'the preaching...' is lit., 'the word' of the cross.)
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,
as though God did beseech {GK=parakaleo, personally call} [you] by us:
we pray [you] in Christ's stead {ie., behalf}, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
  ...be ye reconciled to God...
    Someone may ask: If in Christ, God has done all that was necessary to reconcile the world to Himself, why does He call me to be reconciled to Him?
    Because you must agree to His terms, recognizing your need to be made right with Him, and accepting the means of reconciliation which He has provided. Do you believe God's Word? Then, turn to Him, confessing your sinful condition, and placing your trust in His Son, who died for your sins and arose for your justification.
  For he hath made him, who knew no sin... sin for us...
    {Note: The word order, above, more accurately conveys the meaning of v.21a.}
    Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God and Son of man (Luk 1:35; Heb 4:15; 7:26; 1Pet 2:22; 1Joh 3:5), was made sin for us. He, bearing our sin in Himself, died to put our sin away.
    Isa 53:6; Joh 1:29; Rom 3:25-26; 4:25; 8:3; Gal 3:13
  ...that we might be made {might become} the righteousness of God in him.
    Rom 1:16,17; 3:21-26; 10:9-11; 1Cor 1:30; 1Pet 2:24
    The word 'might' is disturbing. God has made reconciliation for you, by putting your sin upon Jesus, so that His righteousness 'might' be put on your account. But all that He has done will be of no benefit to you, unless you put your trust in Him (Heb 2:3; Joh 3:36).
    Hear, again, God calling to you, in v.20-21.
    His call is echoed by His servants, in the next chapter (2Cor 6:1,2).

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