2Cor. 5:1 ¶ 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, eternal in the heavens.
This chapter starts with a declaration of a very precious promise—the believer has a future beyond this lifetime. Our earthly house/tabernacle is our body of flesh and blood that will eventually decay and be destroyed; it is only a temporary dwelling place for the true essence of who we are in soul/spirit. At the rapture, we look forward to dwelling in a “building” made by God, a permanent heavenly house of flesh and bone that will endure for eternity.
2Cor. 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
2Cor. 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
“in this” = our earthly house/tabernacle
I liked Webster’s definition for groan, “to strive after earnestly,” and from the Greek “to pray inaudibly.” It is truly my desire, and I am sure the desire of every child of God, to be in possession of our resurrection bodies and free of this body of flesh and blood and the sin nature that is part and parcel of it. Until then, we will continue to struggle with the flesh as so vividly expressed by Paul in his letter to the Romans.
Romans 7:15-23 “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”
Until that time we are to continue to strive earnestly to run our race with patience and work out our salvation as we pray without ceasing for God’s empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us….”
Philippians 2:12 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
1Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
Paul is very clear in stating that our future heavenly body is a reality. Other scripture affirms that our heavenly bodies will be clothed in white.
Revelation 3:5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
Revelation 7:9 “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands….”
Nowhere in scripture is there an indication that we exist as disembodied spirits for any amount of time. When the disciples saw Moses and Elijah with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, they saw them in bodily form.
Matthew 17:1–3 “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.”
2Cor. 5:4 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.
I think Paul is saying that the believer’s desire is to be focused beyond death. It’s not that we are so eager to die as we are eager to put on immortality. I talk so much about wanting to go to heaven that my family has accused me of having a death wish—and that is so far from the truth. I am just eager for what awaits me beyond death. I am eager for my mortality to be changed to immortality, for this body of corruption to be changed to one of incorruption, for this body of shame to be raised to glory, and for this body of weakness to be raised in power.
1Corinthians 15:51-54 “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
1Corinthians 15:42-44 “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”
2Cor. 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
I think Paul is saying that it is actually God that has planted this desire in us by allowing us to get a foretaste of that wonderful future through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through us. The Greek for earnest states specifically that the Holy Spirit is a pledge given in advance as security of the rest that is to come. This is actually another wonderful verse regarding the security of the believer. Paul affirms this truth in his letter to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 1:12–14 “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
2Cor. 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
2Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Paul is basically saying that it is confidence of what awaits us in heaven that motivates us in this lifetime. Once we get to heaven we will no longer be walking by faith; we will possess a new body and will “see” the LORD.
Much to the chagrin of those who want us to prove the truth of scripture using the flawed scientific method established by man, our faith is the only proof we need. No, we can’t show you visible evidence for every truth stated in God’s word, but God has affirmed it in our being through His Word and His Spirit. That faith is also rooted in the evidence that has been revealed in science, in history, and through the fulfillment of prophecy. The writer of the Hebrews actually defines our faith as “evidence,” and the excerpt that follows is from that journal.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
“faith” = persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher
“substance” = a setting under (support…assurance (objectively or subjectively):—confidence
“hoped for” = to expect; from a root that states “to anticipate, usually with pleasure”
“evidence” = proof, conviction
I thought it was important to understand these words as we prepare to understand the faith of the individuals that are singled out for reference in this “honor roll” of believers. Most of the words are used in a different context of understanding today. We think of substance as something that can be seen and touched. We use hope to indicate desire or something wished for, but not necessarily with confidence of attainment. As with substance, we think of evidence as tangible or discernible by sight or reason.
In the Greek these words are more rooted in a person’s being and state of mind. I’m not sure I’m saying it the right way, but the meanings of these words are not rooted in the tangible. To the person of faith, however, their persuasion or conviction of the truth as revealed in God’s word is the very foundation upon which he/she lives life—a foundation just as solid and firm as any tangible or material foundation for any structure can be. Their faith is rooted in what cannot be seen. This faith, however, is not blind faith. There is a wealth of evidence in God’s word, in history, and in the creation to support their faith.
2Cor. 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
In light of all that precedes this verse, the believer is confident and looking forward to being absent from the body and present with the LORD.
Note that he did not say absent from the body and waiting in a sleep state for the resurrection. The believer is confident that he/she will go directly into the presence of the LORD at death. He is not concerned with having to go to purgatory to make our souls ready for heaven or to work out penance for sins that have already been covered by the blood of Jesus. Jesus has already clothed us in His righteousness (see verse 21 below); there is no further preparation needed.
2Cor. 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
“Wherefore” – In light of our future resurrection and life in the presence of God….
Paul is saying that what motivates him and those who serve with him is to be accepted of God, to bring Him pleasure (from the Greek). In fact, their desire is focused on pleasing the LORD for the rest of their existence—in their present lifetime and in the future throughout eternity. In context “present or absent” is a reference to life and afterlife.
2Cor. 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.
This verse goes on to clarify the motivation that drives Paul and his team. They understand that every believer is going to appear before the “judgment seat of Christ.” I believe this judgment is for determining rewards earned by believers; Jesus has already suffered the judgment of our sin. Paul wrote about this judgment in his first letter to the Corinthians.
1Corinthians 3:11-14 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
Every person’s eternal destiny is based on his works. Thankfully, the believer’s faith in Jesus Christ is the work that will result in a verdict of “not guilty” before God.
John 6:28-29 “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”
Romans 4:5 “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Unbelievers will face judgment based on their works as well.
Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
Revelation 20:12-13 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.”
This is a description of what we normally call the great white throne judgment at which every unbeliever will be judged according to their works in light of God’s law. Because they rejected the gift of salvation in Jesus, the verdict for each on will be “guilty.”
2Cor. 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
I like the CJB: “So it is with the fear of the Lord before us that we try to persuade people. Moreover, God knows us as we really are; and I hope that in your consciences you too know us as we really are.”
Paul states that his whole ministry is focused on spreading the gospel so that men might be saved through faith in Christ and not have to fear His judgment. Paul knows that God knows the motive of our hearts as we serve Him. I think the next part can be taken two ways:
He expects the Corinthian believers to recognize that his motives are pure as well.
He wants the Corinthian believers to have a clear conscience before the LORD concerning their own motives.
I think maybe the wording of this section reveals that Paul was thinking of both judgments—the one to determine the reward for believers and the one to determine eternal condemnation for the unbeliever. His desire is that men be saved so as not to have to face God’s judgment in terror, and he wants believers to strive to have works deemed worthy of reward because they were done in awe of the LORD with pure motives.
Guzik: “In truth, the terror of the Lord was targeted on Jesus, so it would not be directed at all those who trust in who Jesus is and what He has done for them.”
2Cor. 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.
As I read through the different translations, I think Paul is saying that the Corinthians can be proud of the example that Paul’s ministry team exhibits as they serve God. They are not looking to garner the admiration of men; they are serving to give God pleasure. They are focused on ministry, not on making a name for themselves. Oh that this would be the heart of all who profess to be serving God today! Sadly, many judge the success or effectiveness of a ministry by the world’s standards based on outward appearance. Paul is saying that the true success of ministry is found in the condition of the hearts of those who serve.
It seems that there were those who were criticizing Paul and his team as being insane or bewitched (from the Greek). So, he answers that charge in the next verse.
2Cor. 5:13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
“beside ourselves” = put out of wits, insane
After reading this verse through a few times, I think I might paraphrase it this way: We may be considered Jesus freaks, but our heart is to see people saved and growing spiritually through the ministry of the Spirit in their lives.
2Cor. 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
2Cor. 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.
I liked the CJB translation of these verses: “For the Messiah’s love has hold of us, because we are convinced that one man died on behalf of all mankind [which implies that all mankind was already dead], and that he died on behalf of all in order that those who live should not live any longer for themselves but for the one who on their behalf died and was raised.”
Everything we do in true service to the LORD is rooted in God’s love at work in us. His love is what constrains or compels us to show and tell others about His love.
1 John 4:19 “We love him, because he first loved us.”
I believe it is a significant issue to get man to realize that he is dead in sin, to understand that physical life and spiritual life are distinct from one another. “We,” every true believer, understands that Christ died for all who are/were spiritually dead; and the scripture clearly declares that all men are born sinners, spiritually dead through Adam.
Psalms 14:1 “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.”
Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned….”
1Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
In verse 15 Paul goes on to reference those that live; in other words, they had to experience a new birth to new life. This is just as Jesus taught Nicodemus.
John 3:3-7 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Jesus goes on to tell Nicodemus that this life comes through faith in Him. In other words, you cannot benefit from the death of Christ unless you put your faith in Him.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This leads directly to the truth Paul declares in verse 17 below. He also concludes that those who receive this new life would want to live that life in service to and giving pleasure to the One who died and rose victorious from the grave to give them that life. Everyone who truly recognizes the blessing that is theirs through God’s precious gift of salvation and the great sacrifice of His Son that made it possible should also feel compelled by God’s love to share that truth with others.
2Cor. 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.
“Wherefore” – Based on the preceding truth…
Paul is stating that from this time forward the believer should consider each person from a spiritual perspective—not according to the flesh, according to worldly perspective. The world looks at people from a perspective of rich or poor, ethnicity, position or influence, etc. That was part of the problem for Jesus during His ministry. Many, such as Saul/Paul, focused on Him as just a man and did not accept His declaration that His spiritual identity was in God. Since the resurrection, many more (along with Paul) now know Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah, their Savior. It is important to understand that every person has worth as a creation in the image of God, and that God is no respecter of persons when it comes to determining our spiritual destiny.
Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him.”
Acts 10:34 “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons….”
Our desire should be to share the gospel and to encourage every person to accept God’s gift of salvation.
2Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
“Therefore” – Since we are now looking at men through spiritual eyes….
Every person who has placed his/her faith in Christ as LORD and Savior is a new creature “in Christ.” While still serving in this body of flesh on planet earth as we await the coming of the Savior, we will continue to fight the sin nature that is part and parcel of this mortal, corrupt, natural body. However, “in Christ” we are empowered through the indwelling Holy Spirit to overcome sinful worldly fleshly desires and to see things anew with spiritual eyes of understanding.
1 Corinthians 6:19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
1 John 5:4-5 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Galatians 5:16-17 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
MacDonald: “The verse does not describe a believer’s practice but rather his position….As I progress in the Christian life, I desire that my practice may increasingly correspond to my position. One day when the Lord returns, the two will be in perfect agreement.”
2Cor. 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;
After reading through this several times, I think the “all things” is a reference in context to the things that the believer possesses as a new creation in Christ. Everything associated with our new life in Christ is “of God.” This new life is possible only because He chose to reconcile us to Himself through the gift of the willing sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
When I looked at the Greek for reconcile, it stated “to change mutually…reconcile.” That was a bit confusing, so I looked up the meaning of mutual; it stated, “…having the same specified relationship to each other.” That immediately clicked in my mind to the verses that declare believers to be sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ; we have a mutual relationship with Jesus before God the father.
1 John 3:1 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
Romans 8:16-17 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ….”
Reconcile is defined as “…to restore to friendship; to bring back to harmony; to cause to be no longer at variance….” This connected with my first thoughts upon reading this verse; our salvation restores the harmony and fellowship with God that was lost when sin became part of our nature. Through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ as the atonement for our sin, we are justified (just-as-if-I’d never sinned).
Romans 3:24-26 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
How do we as believers participate in the ministry of reconciliation? By sharing the gospel with others so that they too may turn to Christ in repentance and faith and become new creatures in Christ.
2Cor. 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 word of reconciliation.
It is important to note that though it was man that needed reconciliation, it was God that took the initiative to provide for that reconciliation before the foundation of the world. That provision was to come through the willing sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, God in flesh.
1 Peter 1:18-20 “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world….”
There are two truths embodied in this verse. God is in Christ; they are a part of one being. God the Father is also working in the person of Christ the Son to accomplish His work of reconciliation.
I think it is also important to note that this provision for reconciliation was made for the world, all of its inhabitants (from the Greek). Because Christ was our sacrificial lamb, His blood cleanses us from all sin and declares us innocent before God. The blood of Jesus is sufficient for every person, but one must receive the gift of salvation to benefit from that sacrifice.
Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
It is this good news of reconciliation, the gospel of salvation, that we are privileged to tell others; in fact, we are committed (appointed….ordained, purposed) to share this “word of reconciliation.”
Guzik: “If God sets aside His wrath or His justice to save sinners, then the cross, instead of being a demonstration of love, is an exhibition of unspeakable cruelty and injustice, and of one man’s misguided attempt at do-goodism. If sin could just be excused, then it never needed to be satisfied.”
2Cor. 5:20 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.
That we are ambassadors follows naturally with the truth that we are committed or appointed to share the gospel message. An ambassador is a “minister of the highest rank sent to a foreign court to represent there his sovereign….” according to Webster. We are sons of God, ambassadors of the highest rank, sent to the lost world to testify of the truth of God and His kingdom. We are God’s personal representatives to plead with sinners, the lost world, to turn to Him in repentance and faith to become new creatures in Christ, to be restored to fellowship with God the Father.
2Cor. 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.
“For He” = God the Father
“hath made Him”= Jesus Christ His Son
“sin for us” – As carefully taught throughout the Old Testament, Christ became the innocent sacrifice for our sin. He bore our sin and suffered the judgment of God that we deserved.
“who knew no sin” = Jesus Christ, the innocent lamb without blemish or spot as stated in the verses from 1Peter above.
“that we might be made….in Him.” – In Christ we have been declared righteous and just as stated in the verses from Romans 3 above. That is just an amazing truth! By grace through faith, I, with all my sin, am seen as innocent and pure by God through the shed blood of His Son.
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith….”
1 Peter 2:21–24 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Isaiah 53:5–6 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Philippians 3:9 “And be found in him [Christ], not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith….”
Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ….”
2Cor. 6:1 ¶ We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
I really liked the CJB translation of this verse: “As God’s fellow-workers we also urge you not to receive his grace and then do nothing with it.”
The first thought that came to mind as I read this verse was of Paul’s words in his first letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
It is possible to accept God’s gift of salvation and then have no evidence of the grace of God working in your life to the benefit of eternal reward. James tells us that “faith without works is dead,” (2:26). Works are an outward expression of one’s faith that give us an opportunity to earn rewards. However, one can possess a gift or gifts of the Spirit and choose not to work in a manner that qualifies for reward. One can serve with the wrong motive(s).
The KJV added the words “with him,” and most of the other translations support this wording. Again, in his first letter to the Corinthians Paul supports this understanding of working with God.
1 Corinthians 3:9 “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”
The Greek for the “grace of God” makes reference to His divine influence upon one’s heart through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. In that regard Paul and his team were working with God as they begged those in the Corinthian church to evidence their faith by how they lived. The grace of God is evidenced by the gifts of the Spirit. To not use the gifts of the Spirit with the desire to honor God is to have received them in vain.
2Cor. 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
“He saith….” Where? Isaiah 49:8 “Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee….”
In context, Isaiah is declaring the future blessing that will be Israel’s through the Messiah. Paul is using this quote to emphasize that salvation through faith in the Messiah is available NOW. Implied—you may have no tomorrow.
I like this quote from Ray Stedman, “The devil's time is always tomorrow. That is why we never get around to it. God's time is always today, now.”
Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
“Succoured” is a term that means to give aid, relief or help. God desires to relieve us of the curse of sin, to relieve us from difficulty, want and distress. First, however, we must accept His gift of salvation.
2Cor. 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
At this point Paul begins to address the ways that he and his fellow workers have given evidence of their faith and the power of the Spirit in their lives. He states that they are striving to live and minister in a way that causes no one to stumble and provides no grounds for criticism.
I think we need to remember that every believer is involved in ministry because others are watching how you live. We should all be striving to live in a way that causes no one to stumble and provides no ground for criticism.
Scripture reveals that men made false accusations against Paul as God’s servant, but Paul knew that he was innocent before the LORD in light of these accusations. He expressed this thought well in his letter to the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 2:4-11 “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children….”
2Cor. 6:4-5 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
Paul is saying that they are striving in every way to present themselves in a way that is commendable by God and man as they work to spread the gospel message. They’ve demonstrated patience (cheerful endurance) in (referencing the Greek):
Afflictions – anguish, persecution and trouble.
Necessities – constraint and distress.
Distresses – narrowness of room, calamity, anguish and distress
Stripes – Wounded by beating
Imprisonments
Tumults – instability, commotion, confusion
Labours – toil, pains, trouble, weariness
Watchings – sleeplessness
Fastings – Going without food.
Obviously, some of these seem to overlap as we read them, but I am sure that Paul had in mind specific times of testing associated with each word he used.
Frankly, as one reads through the book of Acts, you can’t help but be amazed at Paul’s faithfulness in light of all that he had to endure.
Paul provides more detail in chapter 11.
2 Corinthians 11:23–27 “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.”
I think the only way one can “cheerfully endure” through the trials and testings with which we are confronted in this life is through the knowledge that God is always with us and working good through allowing such trials and/or testing.
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me….”
Matthew 28:20 “lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
JFB categorized this listing as a group of triplets that described affliction in general, affliction as a result of the violence of men, and things he brought upon himself. I can identify with being so intent on accomplishing a certain objective that you push yourself to the limit and forego sleep and sustenance. If one can experience that regarding the things of this world, how much more should we be willing to experience such in serving God.
2Cor. 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
Not only did Paul and his team endure testing with patience, but they also exhibited evidence of the following traits as they ministered through the power of the Spirit.
Pureness – clean and blameless
Knowledge – From a Greek root that associates this with the ability to understand spiritual truth and explain it to others.
Longsuffering – A disposition to bear injuries a long time; not easily provoked.
Kindness – usefulness, moral in character, gentle
The Holy Ghost – Evidencing the power of the Holy Spirit in their ministry.
Love unfeigned – Showing sincere love; without hypocrisy in their expression of love.
I am far from being able to say the same thing concerning my life, but I am making progress. Father, grow me to the point that I am yielded to Your Holy Spirit in every area of my life at all times—whatever it takes.
2Cor. 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
In this section of verses Paul continues to describe how they minister the gospel. From Paul’s perspective, using the word of truth is a reference to the word of God as recorded in the Old Testament and from personal revelation. I think it clearly includes the New Testament for us today.
Psalms 119:41-43 “Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.”
Galatians 1:11-12 “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Paul also emphasized that he ministered by the “power of God,” not in his own power. The LORD specifically declared that without Him we can accomplish nothing (of spiritual good or benefit implied), and that the Holy Spirit would indwell the believer and empower him/her for effective ministry.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
The Greek for the word armour makes reference to an offensive weapon. God makes these weapons of righteousness available to each of His children. I couldn’t help but think of the section in Ephesians regarding the spiritual armour for the Christian.
Ephesians 6:13-17 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…”
In light of these verses I would think that the weapons on the right and left hands would be a reference to the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. Though we generally think of a shield as defensive, it is a necessary part of offensive equipment as well when pressing forward to do the LORD’s work in the enemy’s territory. And this world is currently the enemy’s domain.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
Ephesians 2:2-3 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
2Cor. 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
This verse seems to be a declaration that Paul and his team are not worried about what people might think about them; they are intent on serving God in obedience. Sometimes they are appreciated and honored by the people to whom they minister; other times they are disgraced and persecuted because of their message. Sometimes they are described with slander and vitriol; other times they are praised. Sometimes they are accused of deceiving the people with the gospel message; other times they are recognized for their sincere message of truth. I think it is reasonable to conclude that those who praised them, spoke well of them and believed them would come from the ranks of those who became believers, true followers of God. Those who slandered them, spoke evil of them and called them deceivers were from the ranks of those who rejected the gospel message.
2Cor. 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
It seems that sometimes their reputation preceded them, while at other times they had to establish connections. Paul records being beaten to the point of death, yet experiencing supernatural strength to carry on according to God’s will.
This reference to chastening was intriguing to me. Is he just emphasizing the previous statement, or was he acknowledging that God allowed some things in his life as a chastening or instructional experience regarding his personal sanctification? I tend to think that to be so. Scripture is clear that the Lord chastens those He loves, and He certainly loved Paul.
Hebrews 12:6 “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
2Cor. 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Paul was very transparent about how his service to God affected his life. He was often sorrowful, but not without hope; he could always rejoice in his eternal future. He was often poor and worked hard to provide what was needed; yet he knew he was spiritually rich and rejoiced in bringing many others to salvation so that they too could be spiritually rich. It would seem that he did not have much to call his own, and how could he with the amount of traveling he did; yet he knew he was a joint-heir with Christ, “possessing all things.”
Romans 8:16-17 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Hebrews 1:1-2 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things….”
I couldn’t help but think of the LORD’s words to the church at Smyrna.
Revelation 2:8-9 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)….”
Paul embraced the truth wholeheartedly that every child of God needs to understand. God’s perspective on wealth and the world’s perspective on wealth are two entirely different things. The LORD Jesus was very clear in stating that the treasures of this world would pass away and that we should concentrate on accumulating eternal treasure in heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
2Cor. 6:11 ¶ O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
2Cor. 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
Paul is declaring that they have been completely open and honest in their ministry to the Corinthian church, and they desire to enjoy close fellowship with them. He is declaring his/their love for the Corinthians believers even as he feels that they are withholding their love from him and those who serve with him.
I am reminded that love is a choice and is not dependent upon being loved in return. The LORD commanded us to love one another; to love each other as He has loved us. That means unconditionally.
John 15:12 “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”
In spite of their many weaknesses, Paul loved this body of believers. They were his spiritual children.
2Cor. 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
Paul is asking the believers in Corinth to respond in like manner by opening up their hearts to them in return. He wants them to hear the tone of his request as that of a father speaking to his children. He knows that the more they open their hearts, the more blessing they will be able to receive and the more blessing they will be to others.
2Cor. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Cor. 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Cor. 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Being “yoked together” is definitely speaking of forming a partnership regarding life ventures. We should not form personal partnerships (such as marriage or a business) with unbelievers. However, Paul is not saying that we are to avoid contact with unbelievers; contact is necessary to sharing the gospel and showing God’s love. Jesus is our best role model, and his enemies classified Him as a friend of sinners.
Matthew 11:19 “The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.”
As long as we are in the world, we are to be salt and light.
Matthew 5:13-16 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
We are to be in the world, but not of it.
I think it is important to recognize that the success of a partnership—be it in the marriage relationship or in business—is largely dependent upon those involved having vision, goals, ethics and character traits that complement each other. The goal for Christians in every relationship should be to honor the LORD.
Those who call themselves Christian have chosen to yield their lives in submission to the authority of God and His truth as declared in His word. He is to be a part of every decision, and His truth is to serve as the guide by which we function as marriage or business partners. Christians who choose to link themselves with unbelievers are asking for trouble, because the unbeliever is functioning with worldly wisdom and according to the leading of the flesh. The Christian, however, is supposed to be living according to spiritual wisdom and the leading of the Holy Spirit. These are totally at odds with one another. Paul stated this truth very clearly in his letter to the Romans.
Romans 8:5-8 “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
I think the truth of verse 16 is a very needful warning to those in the “church” today. Many more “Christian” leaders are aligning themselves with unbelievers in a misguided effort toward establishing peace through joint humanitarian efforts. I believe this section of scripture to give direct counsel against such ventures. God’s word is clear that we can accomplish nothing of spiritual value without Him.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
As stated in the verses above, those who work “in the flesh,” in their own strength and in the wisdom of the flesh, cannot please God. Leaders who promote such ventures are playing into the hand of the enemy; they are making compromises to the detriment of the spiritual future of those they are seeking to help.
Personally, I think this principle applies in all areas of service-oriented clubs or agencies. The believer should be working as part of and/or in support of Christian organizations dedicated to sharing the truth of God’s word as they minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.
2Cor. 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Cor. 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
This chapter closes with an admonition to stand out as unique and different when compared to the world. It is still in context of establishing an “unequal yoke.” It was interesting to look at the Greek for “touch” and “unclean”; touch states “to attach oneself to” and unclean makes reference to that which is “impure, morally (lewd) or (demonic).” It actually emphasizes his statement in verse 14 to avoid being unequally yoked. The Greek for “receive” states “to take into one’s favor.” To be in God’s favor is to be positioned as His child.
All through scripture emphasis is given to the importance of cleanliness and purity of those dedicated to the LORD’s service. Verse 17 is actually a quote from one such verse in Isaiah.
Isaiah 52:11 “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.”
David Guzik made a good comment, “…this is not only a separation from evil, but also a separation unto God.”