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2 Corinthians Chapter 5

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) 21 Verses

What is 2 Corinthians 5 about?

Paul's defense of his apostleship and the theology of the ministry of reconciliation through weakness and suffering. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.
2For verily in this we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our habitation which is from heaven:
3if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
4For indeed we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but that we would be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.
5Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God, who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
6Being therefore always of good courage, and knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord
7(for we walk by faith, not by sight);
8we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.
9Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him.
10For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things [done] in the body, according to what he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.
11Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.
12We are not again commending ourselves unto you, but [speak] as giving you occasion of glorying on our behalf, that ye may have wherewith to answer them that glory in appearance, and not in heart.
13For whether we are beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you.
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;
15and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.
16Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know [him so] no more.
17Wherefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.
18But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;
19to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech [you] on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.
21Him who knew no sin he made [to be] sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
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What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“For we know, that if our earthly house, etc..] By this house is meant the body, so called from its being like a well built house, a curious piece of architecture; as an house consists of a variety of parts fitly framed and put together in just symmetry and proportion, and with an entire usefulness in all, so is the body of man; which shows the power and wisdom of God the architect: likewise, because it is the dwelling place of the soul, which makes it appear, that the soul is more excellent than the body, is independent of it, and capable of a separate existence from it: it is said to be an “earthly” house,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“THE HOPE (Co2 4:17-18) OF ETERNAL GLORY IN THE RESURRECTION BODY. (2Co. 5:1-21) For--Assigning the reason for the statement (Co2 4:17), that affliction leads to exceeding glory. we know--assuredly (Co2 4:14; Job 19:25). if--For all shall not die; many shall be "changed" without "dissolution" (Co1 15:51-53). If this daily delivering unto death (Co2 3:11) should end in actual death. earthly--not the same as earthy (Co1 15:47). It stands in contrast to "in the heavens." house of this tabernacle--rather, "house of the tabernacle." "House" expresses more permanency than belongs to the body; therefore the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“For we know - We who are engaged in the work of the gospel ministry. Paul is giving a reason why he and his fellow-laborers did not become weary and faint in their work. The reason was, that they knew that even if their body should die, they had an inheritance reserved for them in heaven. The expression “we know” is the language of strong and unwavering assurance. They had no doubt on the subject. And it proves that there may be the assurance of eternal life; or such evidence of acceptance with God as to leave no doubt of a final admission into heaven. This language was often used by the Saviour in reference to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“Our earthly house - Which is only a tabernacle, or tent, not designed for a lasting habitation. 2 Corinthians 5:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“5:1-10 The prospect of eternal hope is bright, with heavenly bodies replacing the dying bodies of this present life. The God of resurrection will also raise us and present us to himself with all believers (4:14). The immediate stimulus for this statement of resurrection hope was what Paul had to face in Ephesus (1:8-11). The frailty of his body reminded him of what lies beyond death, when this earthly tent we live in—that is, our body—will be taken down in death and dissolution (see 1 Cor 15:42-57; Phil 3:20-21).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“we know: Job 19:25, Job 19:26; Psa 56:9; Ti2 1:12; Jo1 3:2, Jo1 3:14, Jo1 3:19, Jo1 5:19, Jo1 5:20 our: Co2 5:4, Co2 4:7; Gen 3:19; Job 4:19; Co1 15:46-48; Pe2 1:13, Pe2 1:14 dissolved: Job 30:22; Pe2 3:11 a building: Joh 14:2, Joh 14:3; Co1 3:9; Heb 11:10 an: Col 2:11; Heb 9:11, Heb 9:24; Pe1 1:4 2 Corinthians 5:2”
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