2 Corinthians 5:11-21

The Christian Ministry one of Reconciliation

11. the terror of the Lord i.e. "His to-be-dreaded judgment." Beza. This translation is due to the Geneva Version, following Beza and Calvin (Wiclif, drede). Tyndale (whom Cranmer follows) renders more correctly - how the Lorde is to be feared" (literally -the fear of the Lord," timorem Domini, Vulg.). It is not the terrorwhich God inspires, but the fearwhich man has of Him that is meant, -knowing what it is to fear God."

we persuade men Rather, perhaps, we win over men. Compare the use of the Greek word here used in Acts 12:20. The Apostle is still keeping in mind his object of clearing himself from the unjust accusations brought against him (cf. ch. 2 Corinthians 2:17). That the digressions in ch. 3, 4, 5 have not caused him to lose sight of his main object, the vindication of the purity of his motives from the aspersions cast upon them, may be seen by comparing 2 Corinthians 5:12 with ch. 2 Corinthians 3:1. Having the fear of God's judgment continually before his eyes, he persuades men to obey the Gospel of Christ.

but we are made manifest unto God Literally, we have been made manifest, i.e. we are and have been all along. He knows the purity of our motives, and will one day bear witness to them before all men. See note on last verse.

and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences Literally, have been made manifest, with the same meaning as above, either (1) -by the change (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) which our ministry of Christ has produced in your hearts and lives," or (2) -in your conscientious conviction of our integrity." Ch. 2 Corinthians 4:2 makes the former the more probable interpretation. See also chap. 2 Corinthians 11:6.