Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Corinthians 5

The idea of eternal hope is promising, with heavenly bodies replacing our dying ones. The God of resurrection will raise us and present us with all believers (4:14). Paul faced challenges in Ephesus, which inspired this statement about resurrection hope (1:8–11). His body's weakness reminded him of life after death, when our earthly body will be taken down in death and decay (see 1 Corinthians 15:42–57; Philippians 3:20–21).

longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling: This is not a wish for death. Paul longed for the Lord's return, when he would give new bodies to his people (1 Corinthians 15:51–58; Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

We know about our future resurrection through faith (see Hebrews 11:1, 3, 27). However, the resurrection of Jesus and the Holy Spirit's presence serve as evidence of what is to come (1 Corinthians 15:1–9; Ephesians 1:14).

The goal of life is to please him (see also Romans 12:1–2; 14:18; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1). This goal will be tested when we stand before Christ for judgment. The judge is also our advocate, so we are confident of being found not guilty (Romans 8:1, 33–34). However, actions done in this earthly body will be evaluated and held accountable (Acts 17:31).

Paul explains the main theme of his message: reconciliation. This means turning enemies into friends and restoring relationships. Paul's ideas are based on what God did through Christ to reconcile sinners to Himself (5:18–21). He presents this explanation while defending his own ministry (5:11–17) and applying his message to the situation in Corinth (6:1–7:4).

One reason for Paul's ministry is his respectful responsibility to the Lord. It is not a fearful dread, but a healthy respect (see Proverbs 1:7).

Paul's opponents boasted about their impressive outward ministry, but they lacked sincerity in their hearts (compare 1 Samuel 16:7; Romans 2:28–29).

If we are out of our mind: This statement might suggest that during Paul's previous visit to Corinth (2:1–2), people accused him of being out of his mind when he shared the simple good news about Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Paul's teaching on reconciliation comes from his beliefs that:

1. Christ died for all believers;

2. in Christ, believers also die to sin and self; and

3. now all believers should live for Christ.

This new life in Christ leads to a new way of seeing others and Christ.

Christ’s love compels us: This could mean either believers’ love for Christ or, more likely, Christ’s love for us. This love motivates believers to spread the message of Christ through their service (see 1 Corinthians 9:16).

• From a human perspective, Paul might recall his past belief as a Pharisee that the Messiah would free the Jews from political oppression.

• Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer: Christ rose from the dead, began the new creation (5:17), and became the redeemer from sin and Lord of the universe (Romans 1:3–4; Philippians 2:6–11; Colossians 1:15–20).

• God gives his servants the message and ministry of reconciliation through Christ.

• God has given us the task of reconciling people. Paul speaks of his own ministry, but sharing this message is the responsibility of all believers. Christ’s ambassadors call people to accept what God has done so they can be made right with God through Christ.

• Christ paid the penalty for people’s sins to remove all barriers between God and humans and to make us right with God.

• The great privilege of believers is to be Christ’s ambassadors (compare Ephesians 6:20).

• as though God were making His appeal through us: Paul does not claim to speak for God. Instead, God speaks through us.

• Christ’s redeeming work for sinners allows them to "Be reconciled to God" (see Romans 5:1–11; Ephesians 2:11–22; Colossians 1:15–23). Christian witness centers on this appeal. Paul also urged the rebellious Corinthians to join his side (see 2 Corinthians 6:1).

Christ became the offering for our sin on the cross by taking the penalty of sin upon himself and dying a criminal's death. He did this even though he never sinned (John 8:46; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5), so we might be made right with God. That is, we are set in a right relationship with God and accepted by him (see Galatians 3:13).