CHAPTER 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. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly
desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3
If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 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. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is
God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6
Therefore we are always confident, 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:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing
rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9
Wherefore we laboura, that, whether present or absent, we
may be accepted of him. 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. 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.
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 appearanceb, and not in heart. 13
For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be
sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ
constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all
dead: 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.
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. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is
a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
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; 19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committedc unto us the word
of reconciliation. 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. 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.
The
Holy Bible : King James Version. 1995. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems,
Inc.
a
labour: or, endeavour
b
in appearance: Gr. in the face
c
committed...: Gr. put in us
COMMENTARIES:
A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible
The People’s New Testament
COMMENTARIES:
A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible
The People’s New Testament