2 Corinthians 5:15
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2 Corinthians 5:15
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.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 5 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, mercy, covenant. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 5:15
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.
Analysis
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves—Kai hyper pantōn apethanen hina hoi zōntes mēketi heautois zōsin (καὶ ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν ἵνα οἱ ζῶντες μηκέτι ἑαυτοῖς ζῶσιν). Christ's death has purpose (hina, ἵνα, "in order that")—ending self-centered existence. Mēketi (μηκέτι, "no longer") marks decisive break. Heautois (ἑαυτοῖς, dative reflexive, "for themselves") describes autonomous self-direction—living as if you were your own.
But unto him which died for them, and rose again—Alla tō hyper autōn apothanonti kai egerthenti (ἀλλὰ τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι). Life's new orientation: the One who died and rose for us. Egerthenti (ἐγερθέντι, aorist passive participle of ἐγείρω, "raised") emphasizes God's action—resurrection validates substitutionary death. Paul links death and resurrection inseparably—Christ's death atones; His resurrection inaugurates new life. Believers no longer belong to themselves but to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Self-ownership is abolished; Christ's ownership is total. This is Christian ethics' foundation: radical Christ-centeredness replacing autonomous self-direction.
Historical Context
Ancient culture emphasized honor, family, and social duty—but ultimate allegiance to divine Lord was limited. Christianity's exclusive Christ-devotion appeared antisocial (Acts 17:6-7). Paul insists: Christ's death purchases total ownership. Believers are love-slaves (Romans 1:1), finding freedom in utter devotion to their Redeemer.
Reflection
- Are you still living primarily for yourself—your comfort, ambitions, preferences—or genuinely for Christ?
- What specific areas of life do you withhold from Christ's ownership, maintaining zones of self-direction?
- How would your daily schedule and spending patterns change if you truly lived "unto Him" rather than unto yourself?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 10:33, Galatians 5:25, Colossians 3:1, 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:10