2 Corinthians 5:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 5 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, obedience, grace. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 5:17
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Analysis
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature—Hōste ei tis en Christō, kainē ktisis (ὥστε εἴ τις ἐν Χριστῷ, καινὴ κτίσις). En Christō (ἐν Χριστῷ, "in Christ") is Paul's signature phrase (164x in epistles)—union with Christ through faith. Kainē ktisis (καινὴ κτίσις, "new creation") uses kainos (καινός, "new in quality") not neos (νέος, "new in time")—qualitatively different, not merely recent. Ktisis (κτίσις) means "creation, creature"—either "new creation" (cosmic renewal) or "new creature" (individual transformation). Context supports both: individual believers experience new creation that anticipates cosmic renewal (Romans 8:18-25).
Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new—Ta archaia parēlthen, idou gegonen kaina ta panta (τὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν, ἰδοὺ γέγονεν καινὰ τὰ πάντα). Parēlthen (παρῆλθεν, aorist, "passed away") is decisive—old order gone. Idou (ἰδού, "behold!") commands attention to marvel. Gegonen (γέγονεν, perfect tense of γίνομαι, "has become and remains") indicates completed action with ongoing state. Kaina ta panta (καινὰ τὰ πάντα, "all things new")—comprehensive transformation. This echoes Revelation 21:5, "Behold, I make all things new." Union with Christ brings eschatological newness into present experience—already/not yet tension.
Historical Context
Jewish eschatology expected God to create new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65:17, 66:22). Paul radically democratizes this: every believer in Christ experiences new creation NOW, not just at history's end. This inaugurated eschatology—already tasting the age to come while awaiting its consummation—distinguishes Christian theology.
Reflection
- What evidence of "new creation" exists in your life—what old patterns have genuinely passed away since coming to Christ?
- Do you still feel like the "old you" with minor improvements, or have you experienced qualitative transformation into someone fundamentally new?
- How can you live more fully into your identity as new creation, not letting old patterns define you?
Cross-References
- 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