2 Coríntios 5
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 5
Morris - If our earthly house is "dissolved" (2 Corinthians 5:1) before Christ returns, there will be an intermediate period "with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8) in which we shall neither wear our present body nor our future resurrection body. It was thus Paul's earnest desire and, surely ours as well, still to be living when Christ returns, and thus immediately to be "clothed upon" with our resurrection bodies. The latter would thus be put on over our old bodies as it were, and so still be recognizable (as was that of Christ after His resurrection), but with all aspects of their old "mortality" (pain, sin, etc.) immediately "swallowed up of life" (2 Corinthians 5:4). The period between one’s death and resurrection, even though a time of blessed fellowship with the Lord (2Co 5:8), is compared to a state of nakedness, since the spirit/soul system is without its body, or “spiritual clothing,” awaiting Christ’s return to earth. (clothed upon; found naked) Richard Pratt on naked - Nakedness here is a metaphor for being without a body. Literal nakedness brought shame to sinful Adam and Eve (Ge 3:7-10). God remedied their nakedness with clothing (Ge 3:21), covering their shame, and clothing remained a consistent requirement throughout the Scriptures. For this reason, Paul likened being without a body after death to the condition of nakedness. Ultimate salvation is not that disembodied souls enjoy eternal bliss in the heavenly realms, but that they are bodily resurrected (Ro 8:23; 1Co 15:12-57; Php 3:11; Heb 6:2) and inherit the new creation (2Pe 3:13; Rev 21:1-7). The Corinthians understood this so well that Paul did not even argue for it. He simply assumed they knew that the groaning of this life was a longing for glorified, resurrected bodies to be received on the day of Christ's return. The contrast here was not between physical and spiritual, but between present, mortal, physical bodies and future, immortal, physical bodies. (Commentary) QUESTION - What is the intermediate state? ANSWER - The “intermediate state” is a theological concept that speculates regarding what kind of body, if any, believers in heaven have while they wait for their physical bodies to be resurrected. The Bible makes it clear that deceased believers are with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). The Bible also makes it clear that the resurrection of believers has not yet occurred, meaning that the bodies of deceased believers are still in the grave (1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). So, the question of the intermediate state is whether believers in heaven are given temporary physical bodies until the resurrection, or whether believers in heaven exist in spiritual/non-corporeal form until the resurrection. WATCH THE VIDEO ON "THE INTERMEDIATE STATE" The Bible does not give a great amount of detail regarding the intermediate state. The only Scripture that specifically, but indirectly, speaks to the issue is Revelation 6:9, “… I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” In this verse John is given a vision of those who will be killed because of their faith during the end times. In this vision those believers who had been killed are under God’s altar in heaven and are described as “souls.” So, from this one verse, if there is a biblical answer for the intermediate state, it would seem that believers in heaven are in spiritual/non-corporeal form until the resurrection. The heaven that ultimately awaits believers is the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21-22). Heaven will indeed be a physical place. Our physical bodies will be resurrected and glorified, made perfectly fit for eternity on the New Earth. Currently, heaven is a spiritual realm. It would seem, then, that there would be no need for temporary physical bodies if believers are in a spiritual heaven. Whatever the intermediate state is, we can rest assured that believers in heaven are perfectly content, enjoying the glories of heaven and worshiping the majesty of the Lord. GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What does the Bible say about soul sleep? ANSWER: Soul sleep” is a belief that after a person dies, his/her soul “sleeps” until the resurrection and final judgment. The concept of “soul sleep” is not biblical. When the Bible describes a person “sleeping” in relation to death (Luke 8:52; 1Co 15:6), it does not mean literal sleep. Sleeping is just a way to describe death because a dead body appears to be asleep. The moment we die, we face the judgment of God (Hebrews 9:27). For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). For unbelievers, death means everlasting punishment in hell (Luke 16:22-23). Until the final resurrection, though, there is a temporary heaven—paradise (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4) and a temporary hell—Hades (Revelation 1:18; 20:13-14). As can be clearly seen in Luke 16:19-31, neither in paradise nor in Hades are people sleeping. It could be said, though, that a person’s body is “sleeping” while his soul is in paradise or Hades. At the resurrection, this body is “awakened” and transformed into the everlasting body a person will possess for eternity, whether in heaven or hell. Those who were in paradise will be sent to the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Those who were in Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not a person trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation. Present-day defenders of soul sleep include the Seventh Day Adventist church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, and others. (Source: Gotquestions?) QUESTION - What happens after death? ANSWER - Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to heaven or hell. Others believe that at the moment of death, people are instantly judged and sent to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” heaven or hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination. So, what exactly does the Bible say happens after death? WATCH VIDEO First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death believers’ souls/spirits are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 18, 36). For believers, death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” At the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified, and then reunited with the soul/spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the possession of believers for eternity in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21-22). Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means everlasting punishment. However, similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death. Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, are not sent to hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation. However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24). Therefore, after death, a person resides in a “temporary” heaven or hell. After this temporary realm, at the final resurrection, a person’s eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. Believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36). GotQuestions.org Related Resources: How does the Bible describe the glorified bodies we will possess in Heaven? | GotQuestions.org What kind of bodies will people have in hell? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that the bodies of some saints are incorruptible? | GotQuestions.org Will we have physical bodies in Heaven? | GotQuestions.org How will our resurrection body be different from our current body? | GotQuestions.org What will we look like in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Who will occupy the Millennial Kingdom? | GotQuestions.org 2 Corinthians 5:4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. we that: 2Pe 1:13 Groan: 2Co 5:2 but: 2Co 5:3 mortal: Isa 25:8 1Co 15:53,54 2 Corinthians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Cor 5:2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, Ro 8:23+ And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. FOR IN DEPTH COMMENT ON THIS VERSE CLICK 2 Corinthians 5:4 GROANS AND BURDENS Paul restates and adds to what he had said in 2Co 5:2. As
2 Coríntios 5
Morris - Even though being "absent from the body" is not as good as being in the future resurrection body, it is still something to be anticipated by the Christian with joy, for "to depart, and to be with Christ … is far better" (Philippians 1:23). "To die" for the Christian "is gain" (Philippians 1:21). In heaven with Christ, our spirits—though without physical bodies—will be distinct and recognizable, in some way still bearing our likenesses. This was true, for example, of the spirits of Samuel and Moses (1 Samuel 28:11-14; Matthew 17:3), and also, in Christ's parable, of the spirits of Abraham and Lazarus (Luke 16:22-25). Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord When shadows fall and breath does cease, Our souls find rest, eternal peace. No fear, no pain, no earthly cord— For we are present with the Lord. The body fades, its race is run, The spirit soars beyond the sun. A fleeting life, now fully restored, We’re absent here, but with the Lord. No more the weight of trials borne, No weary hearts, no spirits torn. A heavenly feast, a great reward, To dwell forever with the Lord. The veil is torn, the path made clear, Our Savior’s voice we’ll finally hear: “Well done, my child, come now aboard, Your home is here, with me, your Lord.” The hope we hold, the faith we keep, Awaits the day we wake from sleep. Eternal joy, in love outpoured, Forever present with the Lord. Let tears of sorrow turn to cheer, For heaven's gates are drawing near. From earthly strife to life's accord, We are with Christ, our risen Lord. QUESTION - What does it mean to be absent from the body? ANSWER - The phrase “absent from the body” is found in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8. Paul states that he is confident in his eternal destiny and longs for the day when he can be “absent from the body” and be present with the Lord he loves and serves. To be “absent” from one’s body simply means to die because, at death, the spirit is separated from the body and moves into its eternal abode—either heaven with the Lord or hell, separated from God for eternity. In the same way, Christians are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the presence of God. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. When a born-again believer dies, his soul goes immediately into the presence of the Lord. There, the soul consciously awaits the resurrection of the body. To the church at Philippi Paul wrote from a Roman prison: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24). Paul’s desire in life was to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. If he lived, he could continue to labor for the Lord. If he faced execution, he would depart this life and be with Christ. He desired to be with his Savior, but if he remained on earth, he could continue to minister to others. There are some who believe in soul sleep, meaning that when a person dies, his body and soul sleep in the grave, awaiting the resurrection. But if this were true, why would Paul not want to live to minister as long as possible, rather than sleep in a grave? And if it were true that the body and soul are never separated, it would be impossible to ever be absent from the body and present with the Lord. We conclude, then, that believers who die are indeed absent from their physical bodies and present with the Lord in conscious bliss awaiting that grand resurrection day! GotQuestions.org
2 Coríntios 5
Morris - It is not our love for Christ that constrains us, for our love is variable at best. But His great love for us, the love that took Him to the cross in our place, is the greatest motivating factor for our love and service for Him.. (Defender's Study Bible)
2 Coríntios 5
Morris - Before our conversion and further enlightenment by the Holy Spirit through His Word, we judged men according to worldly standards, even including Christ in our worldly method of evaluation. Now, however, our concern and judgment is spiritually motivated and guided. Paul says this was true of himself, and it should be true of us as well. (Defender's Study Bible) W A Criswell - Paul's emphasis is placed upon his intention to know and to judge no man according to the flesh; i.e., he will not form opinions about a man based upon any outward distinctions (i.e., race, sex, or nationality), but rather his judgments will be based upon spiritual life and qualities. Once Paul had made his judgments about Jesus on strictly human bases. Now, however, his thinking focuses on spiritual realities. (Believer's Study Bible) Charles Swindoll Just as we all once regarded Jesus as any other man, “according to the flesh,” once we have accepted that He is the God-man who “died and rose again” on our behalf (2Co 5:15), our whole outlook changes and we view people as sinners who can be saved by the gospel of Jesus. This radically alters our perspective: we now view our own purpose in life as Christ-centered in response to divine grace. Michael Andrus - “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” What does he mean? Well, we all know how easy it is for us to measure people by worldly standards. If they are rich, powerful, beautiful, or popular, we have a great tendency to defer to them. On the other hand, if they are poor, weak, uneducated nobodies, we can easily dismiss them. Paul even admits he once treated Christ and His followers this way. Ray
2 Coríntios 5:9
Morris: There have always been preachers who have sought popular acclaim above all else, and there are some still. It is part of fallen human nature that even those charged with the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel can fall into the trap of trying to be popular rather than faithful. Grant Richison has a pithy comment/application: In the seeker service approach today, there is a danger in diluting the message so that the unchurched cannot decipher the true gospel. The seeker service methodology is biblical to the extent it is an accommodation to the culture of people in the 21st century. The methodology of the seeker service is not biblical if it modifies the message (Ed: cp 2Ti 4:2-+, 2Ti 4:3, 4-+). If we adapt the message to reach people, then we are in the business of currying favor with men. There is no biblical justification for flattering men to gain a following. If we trim the edges off the Gospel, we become religious shadow boxers. We are not in the business of winning a popularity contest when it comes to presenting the truth of the gospel. Truth is as rigid as the multiplication table and cannot be bent and adapted even to an unchurched culture. When we perform a religious toe dance with a gospel of latitude, we dance the gospel right out of God’s ballroom. The unadulterated gospel of grace is not popular for it is not easy to tell people that they are lost (Ed: And destined for an eternity of unimaginable torment and tragic separation from their Creator) and need a Saviour. People want to hear that they can do something about their salvation… Those who court popularity at the expense of truth will forfeit the message of Christ, the message of grace (Ed: And the context of 2Cor 5:9 they will emphatically NOT be pleasing to the Lord!). (Galatians 1:10 Verse by Verse Commentary) Kistemaker adds that "Whether believers are in or out of the body does not matter, for their aim (Ed: "ambition") is to please the Lord… Paul is not addressing those who have died and are with the Lord. He is speaking to the readers who are alive. He is exhorting us to serve the Lord in such a manner that both God and our fellow men always take pleasure in our conduct (Ro 14:18-+; Heb 13:21-+). (Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. NT Commentary Set -Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Baker Book) Spurgeon once describe his ambition "I know of nothing which I would choose to have as the subject of my ambition for life than to be kept faithful to my God till death." WRONGLY MOTIVATED AMBITION
2 Coríntios 5:10
Morris writes that "One's lot in this life, whether high or low, is merely a preparation for eternity. "Neither is there respect of persons" with God (Eph 6:9), and our position then is determined by faithfulness now, not eminence." (Borrow The Defender's Study Bible) Php 4:1+ Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. Comment: Paul is speaking of his converts who bring joy now (and in the future) and who will be his crown in the future at the Bema Seat and throughout eternity (just as in 1Th 2:19) Col 3:23+ Whatever you do, do your work heartily, (and here is the key to fruit that will stand the test of Christ's Bema Seat judgment) as for the Lord rather than for men; 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Ps 62:12+ And lovingkindness is Thine, O Lord, For Thou dost recompense a man according to his work. Ps 103:2+ Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits (rewards); Isa 3:10 Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, For they will eat the fruit of their actions.11 Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, For what he deserves will be done to him. Daniel 12:3+ "And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (cp Pr 3:35, 11:30, Jude 1:22, 23) Hebrews 6:10+ For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. Hebrews 10:35+ Therefore (see their "good deeds" in Heb 10:32, 33, 34), do not throw away (don't throw away as worthless) your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance (Patient endurance is the key response needed in the face of persecution), so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. Comment: In the context of Hebrews the writer presents this true as a deterrent to apostasy by Jews who were wavering. God will reward their endurance, but the reward cannot come without their perseverance. Some interpret the "great reward" as salvation which is reasonable, but in context of their "good deeds" in the preceding verses, others (Vine, Morris) interpret it as applying to rewards at the Bema Seat. Barton [Life Application Bible Commentary] combines these two ideas writing that persevering faith "will bring great reward—joy today and heavenly possessions in the future—the greatest of which is eternal life." Nelson Study Bible - "For the recipients of Hebrews to return to the safety of Judaism would mean a loss of eternal reward at the judgment seat of Christ." Steven
2 Coríntios 5:10
Morris notes that "Anything sincerely done in the name of Christ (thereby indicating faith in all His name implies), even if not done with the structure of an approved church or other organization, merits the approval of Christ." (Morris,
2 Coríntios 5:11-13
Morris: "A crown of rejoicing" awaits those who will be greeted by people won to Christ, in part through their witness, in the day when Christ returns (compare 1Thessalonians 2:19 "For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you [Thessalonian believers\, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming [cp "day of our Lord Jesus" in 2Co 1:14]?"). Take pride (2744)(kauchaomai akin to aucheo = boast + euchomai = pray to God <> auchen = neck which vain persons are apt to carry in proud manner) means to boast over a privilege or possession. The idea is to take pride in something (in a bad sense - Ro 2:23-+, in a good or legitimate sense - Ro 5:2-+, Ro 5:3-+; Ro 5:11-+) Kauchaomai - Boasting is a key word in the Corinthian letters - 27 of 37 uses of kauchaomai are in these two epistles! = 1Corinthians 1:29, 31; 3:21; 4:7; 2Corinthians 5:12; 7:14; 9:2; 10:8, 13, 15 16 17; 11:12, 16, 18, 30; 12:1, 5 6, 9 1 Corinthians 1:29 so that no man may boast before God....31 so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD." 1 Corinthians 3:21 So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, 1 Corinthians 4:7 For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 1 Corinthians 13:3 If I give away everything I own, and if I give over my body in order to boast, but do not have love, I receive no benefit. 2 Corinthians 7:14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. 2 Corinthians 9:2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 2 Corinthians 10:8 For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame 2 Corinthians 10:13 But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you....15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men's labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD. 2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 2 Corinthians 11:16 Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 2 Corinthians 11:18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also. 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord....5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me....9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Fallen men have no grounds for boasting in the presence of God (1Co 1:29, James 4:16) but instead should boast in God (1Co 1:31, from Jer 9:23, 24, cp 2Co 10:17). And so Paul writes that... that no man should boast before God, but by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST (present imperative = command to continually boast) IN THE LORD." (1Cor 1:29, 30, 31) Paul however did want the Corinthians to boast in the work of God in and through him (2Co 5:12). Paul himself boasted about the readiness (readiness of mind, eagerness) of the saints at Corinth to contribute to the fiscal needs of the saints at Jerusalem (2Cor 9:2 - his boasting in them here had as its object the calling of the Corinthians back to their original readiness to participate in the offering project.) As noted in the list of NT uses below, kauchaomai is frequent in the letters to the Corinthians. Notice that Paul emphasizes what it is we as saints should genuinely boast about in regard to ourselves... 2Co 10:30 If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. 2Co 12:1 Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord...5 On behalf of such a man will I boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to boast I shall not be foolish, for I shall be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one may credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me-- to keep me from exalting myself!8 Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Appearance (4383)(prosopon from prós = implies motion, direction = toward, to, at + ops = the eye or face) is literally the eye toward, the front part of one's head, the countenance (Latin ~ con = with + teneo = to hold, literally the contents of a body and then the outline which constitutes the whole figure, the face as expressing a person's character or mood). Paul's adversaries focused on the externals, but as he goes on to say, it is the internals that is important (the heart of the matter that matters!). When God takes the measure of a man or woman, He doesn't put a tape around their head to see how much they know (1Co 8:1b), but around their heart to see how much they love and obey (cp Jn 14:15, 14:21, 23, 24, 15:10, 1Jn 2:5, 5:3, Jude 1:21)! God is more interested in our character (heart) than our reputation (appearance)! Pride in appearance and not in heart - Paul denounced his accusers as hypocrites whose external "religiosity" did not match their internal depravity. They prided themselves on the outward, "showy" things, those things which would impress others, but lacked a genuine heart for God and His glory. It was all "about them". And they undoubtedly knew that the Corinthians like all men look "at the outward appearance" but Paul reminds them that these men had a "heart deficiency", the very place where God looks for integrity and character (1Sa 16:7b). Paul does not state specifically in this passage what the "showy" things were but he does give us some insights in chapter 11 and 12... But even if I am unskilled (Greek = idiotes = plain in speech, common man as opposed a man of education) in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge; in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things. (2Co 11:6) Comment: Compared to most of us, Paul undoubtedly a good speaker. However compared to the erudite, polished presentations of his adversaries, he may have appeared as "unskilled in speech" and he certainly was accused of being unimpressive (cp 2Co 10:10). Paul's point is that he might not be a refined rhetorician or a polished orators like his well-trained adversaries, but in contrast to them, he had a genuine knowledge of the Gospel. Furthermore he states that his ministry had been one of transparency which all could see and know, which was something his opponents could not claim. In short one of their "pride in appearance" attributes was that they were eloquent speakers with oratorical skills, which would have been very "impressive" to lay folk. Such men still exist - mighty in speech but minimal in sound doctrine! Beware (cp Acts 20:30)! Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. (2Cor 11:22) Comment: Paul's adversaries attempted to claim that they were true Hebrews (Jews), true Israelites, true descendants of Abraham in order to impress the laity with their spiritual "credentials". Paul counters with "So am I." Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable (Ed: It is never easy or comfortable to have to defend one's self to others, but in the present case it is necessary to refute the false apostles); but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. (2Co 12:1) Comment: Paul's adversaries undoubtedly claimed great visions and revelations (taking "pride in appearance") in order to impress the Corinthians. This "forced" Paul to defend himself with a genuine vision/revelation which he had heretofore kept to himself for 14 years! Now he found it necessary to bring out this spiritual "ammunition" in order to defend his ministry and equip the saints at Corinth to be able to refute the false teachers. The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. (2Cor 12:12) Comment: Apparently the false teachers came with signs and wonders and miracles, but Paul counters their emphasis on externals with the truth that he was a true apostle and came with true signs and wonders and miracles (cp Acts 5:12, 14:3, 8, 9, 10, 15:12, 16:18, 19, 19:11, 12). Jesus strongly denounced the religious Pharisees whose external proud appearance did not match their internal "putrid" heart... Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful (Ed: They looked religious), but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (Mt 23:27, 28). Paul issued a similar castigation against his adversaries in Galatians writing... Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast (kauchaomai) in your flesh. (Ga 6:12, 13) Heart (2588)(kardia) does not refer to the physical organ but is always used figuratively in Scripture to refer to the seat and center of human life, the center of the personality which controls the intellect, emotions, and will. No outward obedience is of the slightest value unless the heart turns to God. While kardia does represent the inner person, the seat of motives and attitudes, the center of personality, in Scripture it also includes thinking process. For example, Jesus asked a group of scribes, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?” (Mt 9:4). In short, the heart is the control center of the mind and will as well as the emotions.
2 Coríntios 5:17
Morris says that new creature describes… The miracle of regeneration--being born again and baptized by the Holy Spirit into the spiritual body of Christ (1Co 12:13)--is a true miracle of special creation, not psychological redirection, or anything of that sort. It is comparable in quality, though not quantity, to the creation of the universe. No natural process can accomplish or explain such a miracle. Student's Life Application Bible writes that… Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same any more. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated—we are new creations, living in vital union with Christ (Col 2:6, 7-+). We are not merely turning over a new leaf; we are beginning a new life under a new Master. (Student's Life Application Bible) In following up his great affirmation in Gal 6:14 (+) Paul explained that… neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new (kainos) creation (ktisis). (Galatians 6:15ESV) Comment: Paul says that as a result of the Cross (Gal 6:14-see commentary), physical circumcision is of no value to gain God's favor and bring about salvation. The external ritual effects only an external, temporal change. The co-crucifixion of the believer effects an internal, eternal change, a soul change if you will. And this change begins immediately and is progressive and as we learn to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, we will experience spiritual victory over the world, the flesh or the devil. There is no power in any legalistic ritual to give a man victory over self, the flesh, and the Law.
2 Coríntios 5:20-21
Morris - The marvelous truth is that God has already reconciled sinners to Himself by virtue of the sacrifice of His Son. The problem now is that sinners are not yet reconciled to Him. Therefore, He has committed to us "the ministry of reconciliation" and "the word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18,19), as His ambassadors, to beseech men to accept His Son and His great work of salvation. This is "the Great Commission."