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Gary Hampton Commentaries

2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5:1

VERSE 1. McGarvey and Pendleton see this as a comparison to the spirit of God dwelling in the tabernacle until the temple was built. By inspiration, Paul knew that if the fleshly body were destroyed, a spiritual body would replace it. The spirit would separate from the body at death and the body ret... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:4

VERSE 4 Paul did not long for death because it brought separation of soul and body (or nakedness). Rather, he was willing to face death because of the new body awaiting him on the other side.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:5

VERSE 5 God told us about the immortal body which awaits us and how to reach it. He gave us the Holy Spirit as a pledge that He would keep the promise of a new body (Hebrews 2:3-4).... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:9

VERSE 9 Though he had assurance, he did not grow lazy. Paul wanted to please God while in his physical body (absent) and when he was with the Lord (at home).... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:10

VERSE 10 To let down his guard would have been fatal since all deeds will be laid open before Christ's judgment seat. Each will be rewarded on the basis of those deeds, so Paul took aim toward heaven to avoid missing being at home with the Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:11

VERSE 11 Fearing the Lord because of his power to judge all deeds, Paul sought to please the Lord by persuading men. God would know his right intentions, since he saw all, and Paul hoped the Corinthians could now also see his good intentions and actions.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:12

VERSE 12 Paul did not say this to boast, but to give his friends full enough knowledge to compare his actions with those opposing him. While those opposing him gloried in outward show (like letters of recommendation), he, Paul, had spiritual facts to stand in his behalf.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:13

VERSE 13 Some opposing him might say he was mad. Yet, his madness was all directed in God's service. Even if they saw a sane part of him also, it was aimed at the strengthening of the church. So, they could not accuse him of building up himself.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:14

VERSE 14 Paul was devoted in his service to Christ who would have him serve man. Though the apostle might be tempted to neglect this service, the love of Christ caused him to continue in it. He especially felt compelled to serve since Christ had representatively died for all. Paul was thus dead to s... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:16

VERSE 16 After his conversion, Paul did not judge men in light of worldly thinking. This was true even thought Paul had judged Christ by that standard before his conversion. This verse might especially be directed to Jews and their genealogies.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:17

VERSE 17 Christians are spiritual and should be judged by spiritual standards. They should not be rejected because they are Gentiles or accepted because they are Jews. Fleshly desires are laid aside at baptism and a new life begun.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:19

VERSE 19 God gave us a means of having our sins forgotten and re-establishing our friendship with him. In turn, he wants us to tell others the terms of becoming God's friends.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 5:20

VERSE 20 As ambassador carries messages from the King. Because Christ's blood had cleansed him of sin, Paul carried the message of salvation to the world. As Christ's messenger, he pleaded with men to become God's friend through the washing away of sin.... [ Continue Reading ]

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