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2 Corinthians

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2 Corinthians 5

1For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.

1For 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.

Commentary · verse 1

There is a house in heaven for believers to look forward to: the new Jerusalem.

2For verily in this we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our habitation which is from heaven: 3if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4For indeed we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but that we would be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

5Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God, who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

2For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4For 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.

5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Commentary · verses 2-5

Paul explained that when we lose the physical house/tabernacle for our souls, God will provide an eternal house/tabernacle which is the new Jerusalem. The "earnest of the Spirit" was also referred to as a "seal," like an engagement ring. Believers have the Holy Spirit in their hearts as a down payment for what is to come: living in the new Jerusalem (Bride) that will be married to Jesus.

6Being therefore always of good courage, and knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord 7(for we walk by faith, not by sight);

6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Commentary · verses 6-7

Walking by faith implies actions and progress as a result. Faith requires walking "not by sight" because faith is a belief in something you cannot see. In the previous chapter, Paul showed that being a believer ought to result in being unveiled towards other believers in fellowship so that the glory of God manifests and the world responds by afflicting believers.

8we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.

8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Commentary · verse 8

Doctrine: Paul stated believers are willing to die in order to be with the Lord.

9Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him.

9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

Commentary · verse 9

Paul was focused on being well-pleasing to God, whether he was on earth or "at home with the Lord." Paul was focused on loving God (cause) regardless of his circumstances (effects). Paul stated believers ought to be focused on these things as well.

10For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

10For 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.

Commentary · verse 10

Doctrine: Everyone who ever lived, is living, and will live will appear before the Judgment-Seat of Christ. All of our works, good and bad, will be recompensed (Rewarded). Justice will be completely equaled out.

11Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

11Knowing 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.

Commentary · verse 11

Paul wanted his words and actions to persuade the consciences of those with which he interacted.

12We are not again commending ourselves unto you, but speak as giving you occasion of glorying on our behalf, that ye may have wherewith to answer them that glory in appearance, and not in heart.

12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

Commentary · verse 12

Paul started this verse by stating that believers should not seek affirmation from others. We've seen Paul stated believers ought to be unveiled towards other believers so God could flow through them towards other believers. Paul wanted to give the Corinthians an answer for those who gloried in appearance and not in heart/actions.

13For whether we are beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you.

13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

Commentary · verse 13

Paul continued to be about their best interest.

14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.

14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15And 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.

Commentary · verses 14-15

Doctrine: Believers should be living their lives for Him who gave His life for all.

16Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

17Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Commentary · verses 16-17

If any man is in Christ he is a new creature (born anew/from above). Old things are passed away (repented of). All things are become new (by the Holy Spirit). Believers ought to focus on getting to know the new repented spiritually-minded person, not the former sinner. This reinforced the idea that not forgiving and completely receiving a repentant believer was giving Satan an advantage over believers.

18But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; 19to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19To 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.

Commentary · verses 18-19

Paul supported the Doctrine of completely forgiving and receiving repentant believers. God had reconciled Himself to us all. He had given us the word/ministry of reconciliation. We are reconciled, through Justice, by Christ's sacrifice. Now we have this ministry. We ought to sacrifice ourselves for the Kingdom of God.

20We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Commentary · verse 20

Believers are ambassadors (messengers, representatives) of Christ. Christ completely forgives and receives repentant believers. Who are we to not forgive and receive others? Paul continued to reinforce this perspective.

21Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Commentary · verse 21

Christ was made sin so that we might be made Righteous of God in Christ. We have no right to not forgive and not completely receive repentant believers.

Theme of Chapter 5: Believers need to humble themselves. Believers ought to be willing to die to be with the Lord. Believers ought to realize everyone will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Believers ought to completely forgive and completely accept repentant believers because Jesus did this for us and for others. This was Jesus' ministry and He gave us this ministry. It would be prideful to do otherwise.

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