2 Corinthians 5

Our Heavenly Dwelling

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, eternalEternal: αἰώνιος (Aiōnios). The Greek aiōnios (αἰώνιος) denotes eternal or everlasting—unending duration. Believers possess 'eternal life' (John 3:16) now and will dwell with God eternally, while the impenitent face 'eternal punishment' (Matthew 25:46). in the heavens. References God: 2 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Peter 3:11, 1 John 3:2. Creation: Colossians 2:11, Hebrews 9:11, 9:24. Temple: 2 Corinthians 5:4. Parallel theme: Genesis 3:19, Job 4:19, 1 Peter 1:4 +5

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heavenHeaven: οὐρανός (Ouranos). The Greek ouranos (οὐρανός) denotes heaven—God's throne and the believer's eternal home. Jesus taught His disciples to pray 'Our Father which art in heaven' (Matthew 6:9) and promised to prepare a place there (John 14:2).: Parallel theme: Romans 8:23, Philippians 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. Temple: 2 Peter 1:13. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:2, Isaiah 25:8

5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the SpiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers.. References God: Isaiah 29:23, Ephesians 2:10. Spirit: 2 Corinthians 1:22, Isaiah 61:3, Romans 8:23, Ephesians 4:30, 1 John 3:24. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:17 +3

6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.: Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:1, Hebrews 11:13

7 (For we walk by faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1)., not by sight:) Faith: 2 Corinthians 1:24, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 10:38, 1 Peter 1:8, 5:9. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:18, Deuteronomy 12:9, 1 Corinthians 13:12 +3

8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. References Lord: 2 Corinthians 5:6, Luke 2:29. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:9, Psalms 16:11, 17:15, John 14:3, 17:24, 1 John 3:2 +3

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. Parallel theme: Genesis 4:7, Isaiah 56:7, Acts 10:35, Romans 14:8, 14:18, 15:20, Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 1 Timothy 4:10, 2 Peter 3:14 +5

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. Judgment: Psalms 98:9, Ecclesiastes 12:14, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Peter 4:5. Good: Ephesians 6:8. Parallel theme: Job 34:11, Psalms 62:12, Matthew 16:27, Revelation 2:23, 22:12 +5

The Ministry of Reconciliation

11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally.; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. References God: 2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:1, Job 31:23, Acts 18:13, Hebrews 10:31. Parallel theme: Psalms 76:7, 90:11, Nahum 1:6, Jude 1:23, Revelation 20:15 +5

12 For 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. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:14, 3:1, 10:18

13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. References God: 2 Corinthians 11:1, Romans 12:3. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:6, 12:11

14 For the loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate. of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: References Christ: Romans 5:15. Love: 1 Corinthians 16:22, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 6:10, 1 Peter 1:8. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 3:9, Matthew 20:28, John 1:29, 1 Timothy 5:6, Hebrews 2:9 +5

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. Parallel theme: Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 10:33, Galatians 5:25, Colossians 3:1, 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:10, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 4:6, 1 John 4:9, Revelation 1:18 +5

16 Wherefore 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. References Christ: Galatians 5:6, Colossians 3:11. Parallel theme: John 6:63, 15:14, James 3:17

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. References Christ: Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 2:10. Parallel theme: Psalms 51:10, Ezekiel 11:19, 18:31, 36:26, John 3:3, 15:5 +5

18 And all things are of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; References Jesus: Acts 10:36, Romans 5:1, 1 Corinthians 8:6. References God: Isaiah 52:7, John 3:16, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 4:10. Parallel theme: Luke 24:47, Romans 11:36, 1 John 2:2 +5

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 wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). of reconciliation. References God: Matthew 1:23, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 John 4:10. Parallel theme: Isaiah 43:25, 44:22, John 14:20, 17:23 +3

20 Now 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. References God: 2 Corinthians 5:11, 6:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:8. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 3:6, Job 22:21, Malachi 2:7, Luke 10:16, 14:23, John 20:21, Ephesians 6:20 +5

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. Righteousness: Romans 1:17, 4:25, 5:19, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Philippians 3:9, 1 Peter 3:18. Creation: Galatians 3:13. Sin: Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:17 +5