2 Corinthians Chapter 5 — New Creation and Reconciliation
Paul describes the transition from earthly life to eternal glory and explains how being in Christ makes one a new creation with a ministry of reconciliation.
1For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
2For most certainly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,
3if indeed being clothed, we will not be found naked.
4For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened, not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
5Now he who made us for this very thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit.
6Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord;
7for we walk by faith, not by sight.
8We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
9Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.
10For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive the things in the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
11Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are revealed to God, and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences.
12For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
13For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God. Or if we are of sober mind, it is for you.
14For the love of Christ compels us; because we judge thus: that one died for all, therefore all died.
15He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.
16Therefore we know no one according to the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.
17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold,*“Behold”, from “ἰδοὺ”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. all things have become new.
18But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Corinthians 5:7
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
This verse succinctly captures the Christian approach to navigating life through trust in God rather than physical evidence.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”
It highlights the profound transformation and fresh start available to those who are united with Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
This verse defines the believer's role and mission as a representative of God's message to the world.
Chapter Summary
Paul begins by contrasting the temporary tent of our earthly bodies with the eternal building God has prepared in heaven. He emphasizes that while Christians groan in their current mortal state, they walk by faith rather than sight, aiming to please the Lord in all things. The text notes that everyone will eventually stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due for their actions. Paul then explains that the love of Christ compels believers to no longer live for themselves but for Him. This transformation results in becoming a new creation where old things pass away. Finally, Paul details the ministry of reconciliation, explaining that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. Believers are now called to be ambassadors for Christ, urging others to be reconciled to God because Christ, who knew no sin, took on sin so that people might become the righteousness of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul uses the metaphor of a tent to describe the human body, emphasizing its temporary and fragile nature compared to the eternal, heavenly building God provides after death.
It refers to a future moment where all people will appear before Christ to receive what is due for the things done while in their physical bodies, whether good or bad.
It describes the spiritual transformation that occurs when someone is in Christ, where their old way of life passes away and they are given a completely new identity and perspective.
Paul defines it as the work of sharing the message that God has reconciled the world to Himself through Christ, not counting people's sins against them, and inviting others to accept this peace.
Study Note
The Greek word for 'new' used in verse 17 is 'kainos', which refers to something new in quality or nature, rather than just new in time.
Related Chapters
Romans 8
Both chapters discuss the contrast between the flesh and the Spirit, as well as the hope of future glory.
1 Corinthians 15
This chapter provides further context on the resurrection body and the victory over mortality.
Ephesians 2
Relates to the theme of reconciliation and being made alive through Christ.
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