2 Corinthians 5

21 verses

TL;DR

Paul contrasts the temporary earthly body with the eternal heavenly dwelling, urging believers to live by faith, trust in God’s reconciliation, and act as ambassadors for Christ.

Summary

In 2 Corinthians 5:1‑7 Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that their bodies are merely tents, awaiting a heavenly house. He expresses longing to be clothed in this eternal dwelling, urging them to live in faith rather than sight and to desire a future meeting with the Lord. Verses 8‑15 shift to Christ’s redemptive death, highlighting that those united with Christ are new creatures, no longer bound by fleshly concerns. Paul emphasizes that all things are reconciled through Jesus, who died for all and restored humanity to God. In verses 16‑21 he declares that believers are ambassadors for Christ, called to reconcile others to God through the message of grace. Thus the chapter calls believers to hope, faith, and active ministry in light of the eternal covenant.

Outline

1. The temporary nature of earthly life and the desire for heavenly dwelling (v. 1‑7)
2. Christ’s death and the new creation of believers (v. 8‑15)
3. The ministry of reconciliation and ambassadors for Christ (v. 16‑21)

Themes

The contrast between earthly and heavenly dwellingsThe redemptive work of Christ and new creationThe role of believers as ambassadors of reconciliation

Keywords

heavenly dwellingearthly bodyfaithreconciliationambassadornew creaturejudgment

People

PaulCorinthians

Places

HeavenEarthCorinth

Things

heavenly dwellingearthly bodyspiritjudgment seatreconciliationambassadorship

Key Verses

2 Corinthians 5:1: Introduces the metaphor of earthly bodies as tents and the promise of a heavenly house.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Affirms the transformation of believers into new creatures through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20: Highlights the call to be ambassadors for Christ, presenting the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:21: Summarizes the purpose of Christ’s atoning death and believers’ participation in God’s righteousness.

Questions

How does Paul describe the relationship between the temporary earthly body and the eternal heavenly dwelling?
In what ways does the concept of being an ambassador shape the Christian’s daily life?
What is the significance of believers being called ‘new creatures’ in relation to their former fleshly concerns?
How does the ministry of reconciliation function within the community of believers and the wider world?
What implications does Paul’s emphasis on faith rather than sight have for contemporary Christian practice?

Sentiment

positive
The chapter conveys hope, confidence, and a proactive mission, reflecting a generally uplifting tone.