2 Corinthians 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
who
G3588
τῆς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
are of
G1537
ἐκ
are of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
who
G3588
τῆς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῆς
who
G3588
τῆς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καταλλάξαντος
hath reconciled
G2644
καταλλάξαντος
hath reconciled
Strong's:
G2644
Word #:
8 of 20
to change mutually, i.e., (figuratively) to compound a difference
ἑαυτῷ
to himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
to himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
10 of 20
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δόντος
hath given
G1325
δόντος
hath given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
15 of 20
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῆς
who
G3588
τῆς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονίαν
the ministry
G1248
διακονίαν
the ministry
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
18 of 20
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
Cross References
1 John 4:10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.Romans 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:Romans 11:36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.1 Corinthians 8:6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Isaiah 52:7How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!Acts 10:36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Historical Context
Ancient diplomacy used ambassadors to negotiate peace between warring nations. Paul applies this political metaphor to gospel ministry—Christians are heaven's embassy on earth, announcing peace terms. This was bold: calling Rome's subjects to submit to higher King, offering amnesty to divine rebels. Early Christianity was political revolution cloaked in religious language.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely grasp that God initiated reconciliation while you were His enemy—how does this fuel evangelistic passion?
- How are you stewarding the "ministry of reconciliation" God entrusted to you—who needs to hear about restored relationship with God?
- Are you living as reconciliation's agent in your relationships—pursuing peace and restoration as God pursued you?
Analysis & Commentary
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ—Ta de panta ek tou Theou tou katalaxantos hēmas heautō dia Iēsou Christou (τὰ δὲ πάντα ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ καταλλάξαντος ἡμᾶς ἑαυτῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ). Ek tou Theou (ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ, "from God") identifies God as new creation's source—grace initiative, not human achievement. Katallassō (καταλλάσσω) means "to reconcile, restore relationship between estranged parties." Katalaxantos (καταλλάξαντος, aorist participle) emphasizes God's completed action. Reconciliation assumes prior alienation—sin made us God's enemies (Romans 5:10). God initiates and accomplishes reconciliation through Christ's mediating work.
And hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation—Kai dontos hēmin tēn diakonian tēs katallagēs (καὶ δόντος ἡμῖν τὴν διακονίαν τῆς καταλλαγῆς). Diakonia (διακονία) means "service, ministry." Katallagē (καταλλαγή, noun form) is reconciliation itself. God doesn't merely save us but commissions us—reconciled people become reconcilers. This ministry belongs to all believers (not just apostles)—we are reconciliation's agents, announcing what God accomplished and inviting others into restored relationship. This is evangelism's heart: not recruiting for religion but announcing peace treaty between God and humanity.