2 Corinthians 5 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 2 Corinthians 5

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul reflects on the nature of Christian faith and the hope of eternal life in this chapter.

Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that our earthly bodies are temporary, but we have the promise of a new, eternal dwelling with God. He encourages them to walk by faith, not by sight, as they await the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s plan. Importantly, Paul also emphasizes the ministry of reconciliation, urging the Corinthians to be ambassadors for Christ and to spread the message of forgiveness and new life.

This passage connects to other key themes in Paul’s writings, such as the contrast between the flesh and the spirit (Romans 8:5-8) and the transformative power of the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:18). May these words inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, sharing the love of Christ with a world in need of reconciliation as we reflect on them.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

The Apostle Paul addresses the concept of the resurrection of the body and the longing for our heavenly dwelling in 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. Let’s break down this verse into important sections for a detailed commentary:

1. **”For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Paul uses the analogy of our physical bodies as temporary dwellings or tents while here on earth in this section. He contrasts this with the eternal, permanent dwelling that God has prepared for us in heaven. This points to the Christian belief in life after death and the hope we have in the resurrection of the body. Our earthly bodies are subject to decay and mortality, but through Christ, we have the promise of a new, imperishable body in eternity.

2. “Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.”
   Paul acknowledges the struggles and challenges that come with living in our mortal bodies. We, as Christians, yearn for the fulfillment of God’s promise of our heavenly bodies. This sense of longing and groaning for our heavenly dwelling reflects the tension between our current earthly existence and the eternal hope we have in Christ. It speaks to the deep desire for completeness and wholeness that can only be found in our future resurrection.

3. “For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.”
   This section emphasizes the idea that our earthly lives are marked by struggles, burdens, and groaning as we await our heavenly bodies. The desire to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling signifies the transformation from mortality to immortality, from temporary to eternal life. This transformation is made possible through the victory over death that Christ achieved on the cross and the hope of resurrection that is central to Christian belief.

4. “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
   Here, Paul reminds the Corinthians that it is God who has prepared and purposed us for this future glory. The Holy Spirit, given to believers as a deposit or guarantee, serves as a seal of our inheritance in Christ and a promise of what is to come. This assurance of the Spirit reaffirms our hope and confidence in the resurrection and eternal life that awaits us. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 speaks to the tension between our current earthly existence and the future hope of our resurrection and heavenly dwelling. It underscores the temporary nature of our physical bodies and the assurance of our eternal bodies in Christ. Through this passage, Paul encourages believers to find strength in the promise of new life and to persevere through the challenges of this world with the hope of what is to come. This verse aligns with other passages in the Bible that emphasize the resurrection of the dead, such as 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 which speaks of the imperishable and glorious nature of our resurrected bodies.

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Several important sections that hold deep theological significance are found in 2 Corinthians 5:6-10.

Firstly, let’s look at verse 6 which states, “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.” This verse speaks to the tension that exists for believers while living in this earthly body. The apostle Paul, who wrote 2 Corinthians, often contrasted the earthly life with the eternal life to come. Here, Paul is highlighting the believer’s confidence in the hope of being with the Lord while acknowledging the temporary separation that exists as long as they are bound to their mortal bodies. This notion encourages believers to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, reminding them that their true home is with the Lord.

Moving on to verse 7, it says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” This verse underscores the central role of faith in the Christian life. Believers are called to trust in God and His promises even when circumstances seem uncertain or when they cannot physically see the fulfillment of those promises. This parallels with Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Paul is reminding the Corinthians, and all believers, to prioritize spiritual truths over the temporary realities of the physical world by emphasizing living by faith and not by sight. Paul continues by saying in verse 8, “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”” Here, Paul expresses a longing for the ultimate homecoming with the Lord, where believers will be in His presence for eternity. This echoes Paul’s sentiment in Philippians 1:23 where he expresses his desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. This deep yearning for the closeness of the Lord reflects the pinnacle of the believer’s hope – to be united with Christ in a state of perfect communion, free from the limitations and struggles of this world.

Verse 9 states, “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” This verse encapsulates the believer’s purpose and mission in both life and death – to please God. Whether they are living in their earthly bodies or transitioning to be with the Lord, the overarching goal remains constant: to live a life that is pleasing to God. This aligns with the exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 to live in a way that pleases God and to excel in that even more. Pleasing God should be the driving force behind all actions and decisions, serving as a guiding principle for believers as they navigate their journey of faith.

Finally, in verse 10, Paul concludes with, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” This verse highlights the reality of the coming judgment that all believers will face. The judgment seat of Christ, also mentioned in Romans 14:10, is where believers will give an account of their lives and be rewarded accordingly. This underscores the importance of living a life that honors God, as our actions and motives will be evaluated before Him. It serves as a sobering reminder of the accountability that believers have for their choices and deeds, both in the present life and in the eternal realm. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 offers profound insights into the Christian’s journey of faith, emphasizing the themes of living by faith, longing for eternal communion with the Lord, striving to please Him in all things, and facing the future judgment with a sense of accountability. Paul’s words in these verses resonate across time, guiding believers to fix their eyes on the eternal realities rather than the transient circumstances of this world, ultimately pointing them towards a life lived in faithful anticipation of the glorious future promised by God.

2 Corinthians 5:11-15

1. Breakdown of the verse:
2. “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others.” This section implies that knowing and understanding the fear of the Lord, which can be seen as a deep reverence and awe for God’s holiness and power, motivates believers to share the message of the gospel with others.
3. “What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.” Here, the apostle Paul is emphasizing the transparency of his motives and actions before God and hopes that the Corinthians recognize this integrity.
4. “We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.” Paul clarifies that his intent is not to boost his own reputation but to provide the Corinthians with the chance to defend him against those who focus solely on outward appearances rather than genuine inner transformation.
5. “If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” This part highlights the willingness of Paul and his companions to endure criticism or be misunderstood for the sake of serving God and bringing the message of salvation to the Corinthians.

6. “For Christ’s love compels us because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” This segment emphasizes the foundational truth of Christianity: Jesus died for all, offering salvation and reconciliation with God. This sacrificial love of Christ motivates believers to live for Him and to share His message of redemption with others.

7. The apostle Paul lays out the motivation and driving force behind his ministry in this passage from 2 Corinthians 5:11-15. Paul’s understanding of the fear of the Lord – a profound reverence for God’s majesty and holiness – compels him to share the message of salvation with others. This fear is not about being terrified of God but recognizing His greatness and living in a way that honors Him. This fear leads to a desire to persuade others about the truth of the gospel.

Paul’s sincerity is evident as he clarifies that his actions are not meant to impress the Corinthians or seek their validation but to provide them with an opportunity to take pride in the transformative work God is doing through him. This honesty and transparency in ministry are qualities that all believers should aspire to emulate, focusing on inner authenticity rather than external appearances.

The apostle Paul acknowledges that his dedication to the ministry might seem extreme or “out of his mind” to some, but he does so out of love for God and his commitment to sharing the message of Christ. This selflessness and unwavering devotion to the gospel are characteristics that followers of Christ are encouraged to cultivate in their own lives.

The crux of Paul’s message lies in the sacrificial love of Christ, which compels believers to live not for themselves but for the One who died and rose again for their salvation. This radical transformation from self-centered living to a Christ-centered life is a core aspect of Christian faith, emphasizing the call to mission, service, and love towards others. Believers are challenged to examine their motivations for serving Christ in this passage, which emphasizes the importance of sincerity, selflessness, and a deep love for God and others. It underscores the transformative power of the gospel and the profound impact it should have on the way believers live and interact with the world around them.

1. Other relevant verses:
2. Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse echoes the sacrificial love of Christ mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:15, highlighting the central tenet of Christianity – Christ’s death for the salvation of humanity.
3. Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse echoes the sentiment in 2 Corinthians 5:15 about no longer living for oneself but for Christ who died and was raised again, emphasizing the transformation that occurs in a believer’s life through faith in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

The verse in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 can be broken down into several important sections that convey significant messages about the Christian faith.

Firstly, in verse 16, Paul states, “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.” This section emphasizes the transformation that occurs in a person’s perspective when they become a follower of Christ. It highlights the shift from seeing things purely through a worldly lens to viewing them through a spiritual perspective. This transformation is crucial in understanding the new identity and purpose that believers have in Christ. The verse points to the importance of seeing others not just in a worldly context but as fellow souls in need of redemption and grace.

Secondly, in verses 18-19, Paul discusses the reconciliation that believers have received through Christ. He writes, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” This section underscores the central theme of reconciliation that runs through the entire Bible. It alludes to the concept of atonement and how through Christ, humanity is brought back into a right relationship with God. This passage echoes the message of John 3:16, highlighting God’s love for the world and His desire to reconcile with His creation. Paul talks about believers being ambassadors for Christ in verse 20, saying, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” This section emphasizes the role that Christians have in spreading the message of reconciliation to the world. They are called to be representatives of Christ, embodying His love and grace in all they do. This concept of being Christ’s ambassadors ties into the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, where believers are instructed to go and make disciples of all nations.

Lastly, in verse 21, Paul explains the essence of the gospel message, stating, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This powerful statement encapsulates the heart of the Christian faith – the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. It highlights the incredible exchange that took place on the cross, where Jesus took on our sinfulness so that we could be clothed in God’s righteousness. This verse echoes Isaiah 53:5, which foretells the suffering of the Messiah for the sake of humanity’s redemption. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 provides profound insights into the transformative power of Christ, the message of reconciliation, the role of believers as ambassadors, and the core of the gospel message. It underscores the themes of redemption, grace, and the call to proclaim the good news of salvation to all. Paul’s words serve as a reminder of the profound impact that embracing the message of Christ can have on an individual and the world at large, urging believers to live out their faith boldly and compassionately.

After 2 Corinthians 5

Beloved, as we reflect on the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5, we are reminded of the transformative power of Christ’s love. Through Him, we are made new, our old selves passing away to make room for the light of His grace. We should hold fast to this truth, knowing that in Christ, we are reconciled to God and called to be ambassadors of His message of reconciliation.

Therefore, let us walk boldly in the assurance of our faith, knowing that the challenges we face are temporary, but the glory that awaits us is eternal. Let the love of Christ guide us as we journey forth, shining as beacons of hope in a world that is in desperate need of His light. In the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the mysteries of faith and the call to live as children of God. We should prepare our hearts to receive His word and let His truth transform us. Amen.