2 Corinthians 5

     5:1.  (Note that this is a continuation of the paragraph begun at 4:16.)  According to the margin, this verse could be literally translated, “For we know that if our earthly house of the tent is torn down,” etc.  I think Paul is making an analogy with the OT tabernacle, which was covered over by an outer tent (see Ex.26:1,7,14; 40:19.  Cf. 2 Cor.6:16, where we are said to be the temple of the living God; cf. John 14:2,17).

     5:4-5.  We hope not to be unclothed of a body, but of this body burdened with mortality, and to be clothed, swallowed up by life.  God has prepared us for this, and the pledge (earnest) of it is the Spirit within us (just as the glory of the LORD settled upon the OT tabernacle, swallowing it up, as it were, with his glory, Ex.40:34; cf. Is.25:7-9; 1 Cor.15:49).  (Cf. Rev.3:4-5,18; 6:11; 7:14; 19:8.)

     5:6-7.  Cf.4:16-18.

     5:9-10.  All in v.10 is all the elect (we).  It is the judgment of the redeemed that is in view here (cf.Mt.7:2,12; 1 Cor.3:14-15; James 2:12).

     5:12.  Those who take pride in appearance; cf.4:7.

     5:14-15.  Once again, the all is not universal, but limited to the elect, those for whom Christ died; i.e., those whom the love of God controls (14), and who live no longer for themselves (15).

     5:16.   Christ in the flesh appeared to be merely a man (cf. Is.53:2-3).

     5:17.  Just so, we judge those who are in Christ wrongly if we judge only by appearances, seeing only that which is passing away.  In him we are a new creation.

     5:18-19.  Who knew, seeing Jesus suffering on the cross, that through this man, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself?  The whole elect world, not just Jews, but people from every nation and sort of humanity who were appointed to life, had the wrath of God turned away from them by what God did in Christ.   This reconciliation is for all without distinction of merit or birth who hear and believe, no matter what their transgression. Jesus paid it all.

     “Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse.  What a flood of wrath behooved then to come on him when he stood in the stead of a whole elect world!”  Thos. Boston, WSC Com., Vol.II, p.392.

     5:20-21.  “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Mt.11:29).  How God humbles himself to reconcile those who have wronged him.  First he sent his own son, whom we killed. Then he entreats us through Christ’s ambassadors, begging us on behalf of Christ to accept his gracious gift!