2 Coríntios 5

Tony Garland · Citado em PreceptAustin

2 Coríntios 5

2 Coríntios 5:1-3

Garland has an interesting thought on the phrase “Not made with hands” stating that it "contrasts something that is temporary, impure, and incomplete (made with hands) with something enduring, incorruptible, and finished—something made by God. In Scripture something “made with hands” is connected to idolatry and implies impurity (Lev 26:1, 30; Isa 2:18; 10:11; 16:12; 19:1; Da 5:4, 23; 6:26; Acts 7:48; 17:24; Col 2:11). (New American Commentary - 2 Corinthians) Here are the only other NT uses of acheiropoietos... Mark 14:58+ "We heard Him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands (the physical building in Jerusalem), and in three days I will build another (anther of a different kind) made without hands (figurative description of the "temple" of His resurrection body - cp Jn 2:19, 20, 21+).'" Colossians 2:11+ and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands (i.e., a spiritual circumcision - see Excursus on Circumcision Of the Heart), in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ Eternal in the heavens - This description of our future glorious body presents a strong contrast with our present temporary tent on earth. Does this striking contrast not make you yearn for your heavenly clothing? Brian Bell asks - Is it natural to long for heaven? Do you get upset when the waitress takes away the 1st dish of a “many course” meal?”. No, because you know she is going to replace it with something better. (2Corinthians 5 Sermon Notes) Eternal (166) (aionios from aion) means existing at all times, perpetual, pertaining to an unlimited duration of time (Ro 1:20 - God's power, Mt 18:8 - God's place of judgment, Ro 16:26 - God's attribute). Aionios is the antithesis of proskairos (temporal) and in the present context indicates that our new bodies will no longer be subject to disease, decay, and death, but will endure forever in our heavenly home. Paul's only other uses of aionios in Corinthians are in the preceding context...- For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2Co 4:17-18+) Mounce - This adjective typically functions in three settings: the eternity of God and the divine realm; the blessings of salvation; and everlasting conditions that have neither beginning nor end. Illustration - Over the triple doorways of the Cathedral of Milan there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches. Over one is carved a beautiful wreath of roses, and underneath is the legend, “All that which pleases is but for a moment.” Over the other is sculptured a cross, and there are the words, “All that which troubles us is but for a moment.” But underneath the great central entrance to the main aisle is the inscription, “That only is important which is eternal.” If we realize these three truths, we will not let trifles trouble us, nor be interested so much in the passing pageants of the hour. We would live, as we do not now, for the permanent and eternal (See 2Corinthians 4:17 18-+). Heaven (3772) (ouranos from oros = a relatively high elevation of land) refers in the physical sense to over-arching, all-embracing heaven beneath which is the earth and all that is therein. In context heaven refers to the transcendent abode or dwelling place of God, the angels and all the righteous (saved, regenerate, born again) dead. How beautiful must be our future home - A little girl was taking an evening walk with her father. Wonderingly, she looked up at the stars and exclaimed: "Oh, Daddy, if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, what must the right side be!" Bradford Mullen Heaven" designates two interrelated and broad concepts—the physical reality beyond the earth and the spiritual reality in which God dwells...Heaven most commonly refers to the dwelling-place of God. Heaven is where the glory of God is expressed in pristine clarity. The term "glory, " therefore, has popularly been used as a synonym for heaven (Rom 8:18). Actually, God's glory is above the heavens (Psalm 113:4; 148:13) because it is the sum total of his attributes that are expressed wherever he is present (Exod 13:21-22; Psalm 108:5; 2 Col 3:7-18). In heaven there is a continual acknowledgment of God's glory (Psalm 29:9). Various figurative expressions identify God's heavenly abode such as "the highest heaven" (1 Kings 8:27), "the heavens" (Amos 9:6), and "his lofty palace in the heavens" (Amos 9:6). Paul speaks of being taken up into "the third heaven" (2 Cor 12:2). Although he does not identify the first two, possible references to the atmospheric and celestial heavens are suggestive... Believers and Heaven. Believers have a present and future heavenly status. Presently believers are citizens of heaven (Php 3:20-21) with a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1); their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). They groan to be clothed with a resurrection body, "a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands" (2 Cor 5:1). It will be a body like Christ's. The restoration of the image of God in human beings—from earthly to heavenly—will be complete (1 Cor 15:45-49). The eternal inheritance of future blessings promised by God is secure because it is "kept in heaven" (1 Peter 1:4), and because believers are joint-heirs with Christ who has already been glorified (Rom 8:17). The heavenly future all believers anticipate is the fulfillment of God's purpose in creating the universe. It will include worship of the type revealed in the Book of Revelation (7:10; 11:16-18; 15:2-4). Worship will involve rehearsing God's glorious Acts (19:1-2). In addition to ascription of worth, worship will involve service—unspecified works done in obedience to God and for God (22:6). Believers are to offer this kind of service to God now (Rom 12:1). In contrast to present suffering, God promises believers that they will reign with Christ in heavenly glory (2 Tim 2:12; see Matt 19:28; Rev 20:4, 6). In heaven believers will have fellowship with God and with each other in a perfect environment (Heb 12:22-23).(Heaven, Heavens, Heavenlies - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology) 2 Corinthians 5:2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven (NASB: Lockman) Greek: kai gar en touto stenazomen, (1PPAI) to oiketerion hemon to ex ouranou ependusasthai (AMN) epipothountes, (PAPMPN) Amplified: Here indeed, in this [present abode, body], we sigh and groan inwardly, because we yearn to be clothed over [we yearn to put on our celestial body like a garment, to be fitted out] with our heavenly dwelling, (Lockman)

2 Coríntios 5:10

Garland summarizes the rewards of saints… The rewards include the many promises found throughout Scripture (Da 7:18; Mt 5:12; 10:41; 16:27; 25:34; Lk 14:14; Ro 2:7; 1Co 2:9; 2Ti 4:8; He 4:9; 11:10; 2Jn. 1:8) including those related to the inheritance of the believer (Acts 20:32; 26:18; Ro 8:17; Ep 1:11, 12, 13, 14; 5:5; Col 1:12; 3:24; He 9:15; 1Pe 1:4). This includes all the promises made to the overcomer (Re 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7) and the blessings which attend the Millennial Kingdom and the eternal state (Rev. 21, 22). (A Testimony of Jesus Christ) Another passage that we don't normally associate with rewards is Paul's exhortation… Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light (a weightless trifle) affliction (thlipsis) speaks of intense pressure) is producing for us an eternal weight (a heavy mass) of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2Co 4:16+, 2Co 4:17+, 2Co 4:18+) Comment: God is able to weave the thorns of our life into a crown of glory. Paul understood that the greater the suffering, the greater would be his eternal glory (cp 1Pe 4:13+) Gary Inrig illustrating "momentary light affliction" in light of future glory - In the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, a Japanese gymnast, Shun Fujimoto, was competing in the team competition. Somehow, during the floor exercises, he broke his right knee. It was obvious to all reasonable observers that he would be forced to withdraw. But they reckoned without the determination of a true competitor. On the following day, Fujimoto competed in his strongest event, the rings. His routine was excellent, but the critical point lay ahead—the dismount. Without hesitation, Fujimoto ended with a twisting, triple somersault. There was a moment of intense quiet as he landed with tremendous impact on his wounded knee. Then came thundering applause as he stood his ground. Later, reporters asked about that moment and he replied, “The pain shot through me like a knife. It brought tears to my eyes. But now I have a gold medal and the pain in gone.” (borrow A call to Excellence) One little hour to suffer scorn and losses, Eternal years beyond earth's cruel frowns; One little hour to carry heavy crosses, Eternal years to wear unfading crowns. –Anon. PRESENT FAITHFULNESS DETERMINES FUTURE BLESSEDNESS The godly pastor Alexander Maclaren had the correct assessment of the Bema Seat writing that it… is meant for us professing (Ed: He means "possessing" new life in Christ) Christians, real and imperfect Christians; and it tells us that there are degrees in that future blessedness proportioned to present faithfulness. In the body - More literally this is "through the body", the body being the medium through which the good work is accomplished. By using the word "body" Paul is emphasizing that he is referring to that time while we were alive in the physical body on earth. Today is the day we are to redeem the time, for once it is gone, it can never be reclaimed. Adam Clarke… explains in the body as… while he was in this lower state; for in this sense the term body is taken often in this epistle. We may observe also that the soul is the grand agent, the body is but its instrument. And it shall receive according to what it has done in the body. (Commentary) Dabney writes that… The gospel teaches us that while believers are not rewarded on account of their works, they are rewarded according to their works. Has done (4238) (prasso) means to bring about or accomplish something through activity, of pressing through on an action, and thus to accomplish or perform. Prasso - 39x in 37v - Luke 3:13; 19:23; 22:23; 23:15, 41; John 3:20; 5:29; Acts 3:17; 5:35; 15:29; 16:28; 17:7; 19:19, 36; 25:11, 25; 26:9, 20, 26, 31; Rom 1:32; 2:1ff, 25; 7:15, 19; 9:11; 13:4; 1 Cor 5:2; 9:17; 2 Cor 5:10; 12:21; Gal 5:21; Eph 6:21; Phil 4:9; 1 Thess 4:11. NAS = act(1), acted(1), attend(1), collect(1), collected(1), committed(3), deeds*(1), do(7), does(1), doing(2), done(6), performing(1), practice(9), practiced(2), practices(1), practicing(1). Charles Simeon in his opening words of a sermon on 2Cor 5:10,11 says… TIME is generally thought to be of little use, except as it may be employed in amusements or in the prosecution of worldly business; but its value, as it stands connected with eternity, exceeds all calculation. The manner in which every hour is spent is recorded in heaven; every moment, as it were, increases our eternal happiness or misery. This consideration made the Apostle solicitous to redeem time himself, and to improve it for the good of others: “We knowing therefore,” (2Co 5:11) etc. WHAT HE HAS DONE… GOOD Good (18) (agathos [word study]) means intrinsically good, inherently good in quality with the idea of good which is also profitable, useful, benefiting others. Jesus asked the young ruler "Why do you call Me good (agathos)? No one is good (agathos) except God alone." (Lk 18:19) And so ultimately only God is intrinsically good, so that "agathos deeds" must not be self initiated, self energized, self exalting but God initiated, Spirit empowered, Christ exalting and God glorifying (Mt 5:16). Good deeds are not deeds that are performed to draw attention to us but obediently, humbly carried out to bring glory to God. Good deeds are borne as we die (Jn 12:24) and as we learn to abide in the Vine (Jn 15:5). WHAT ARE "GOOD DEEDS"? The simple answer is that they are deeds that the Spirit of Christ brings about in our life as we learn to yield to Him and rely on His grace and enabling power. They are deeds which believers bear as if they were branches, even as the only way a branch can bear fruit is by remaining attached to the vine. Jesus describes it this way… "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do (absolutely) nothing (of eternal value or deserving of divine recompense)." (John 15:5) Someone has well said "If the love of God sets us to work, the God of love will find us the wages!" Although Jesus does not use the word agathos, He does make allusion to the type of deeds (or fruit) that will pass His final inspection declaring to His disciples… You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed ("ordained") you, that you should go and bear fruit (karpophoreo in the present tense = the disciple's lifestyle should be one of continual fruit bearing!), and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. (Jn 15:16) God's will for believers is continual fruit bearing that brings glory to Him (causes others to have a proper opinion of God), for as Jesus taught… My Father is glorified by this, that you bear (present tense = the disciple's lifestyle) much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. (Jn 15:8) Agathos describes the believer's deeds that remain and are able to withstand being tested by holy fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1Co 3:12, 13). In another discussion on rewards in the parable of the talents Jesus declared… "His master said to him (the servant who gained 5 talents), 'Well done, good (agathos) and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' (Mt 25:21, cp Mt 25:23) (So here we see that faithfulness with what one is given contributes to the "good" work that Jesus is looking to reward, cp Lk 19:17) Good deeds that will be rewarded are deeds done by saints who depend on the grace of God for their produce… And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good (agathos) deed (2Co 9:8) Good deeds are a fruit of intercessory prayer and a Spirit filled worthy walk, Paul writing to the saints at Colossae that… We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good (agathos) work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9, 10) (We see the role of intercessory prayer in good deeds of those we pray for in 2Th 2:16, 17). Good deeds are the end for which we have been born again and are borne as we learn to walk in union with Christ… For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10+) Good deeds should be the natural result of being born again. John

2 Coríntios 5:14-16

Garland explains that "What Paul finds crucially important in this section is what Christ’s death means for how he must evaluate others and how they should evaluate him. As others now misread Paul, so he once misread Christ…The phrase “from now on” however, has eschatological overtones and therefore refers to something beyond the point of Paul’s conversion when he surrendered all his evaluations and decisions to the wisdom of the cross. Christ’s death is the turning of the ages. It reveals that this world is passing away and shows that all attachments to it are unimportant and vain. (Garland, D. E. Vol. 29: 2 Corinthians The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers - 2 Corinthians) Recognize (1492)(eido) means in general to know by perception and is often distinguished from ginosko (epiginosko, epignosis - the other major NT word group for knowing) because ginosko generally refers to knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge". On the other hand, eido/oida often refers more to an intuitive knowledge, although this distinction is not always clear cut. Eido/oida is not so much that which is known by experience as an intuitive insight that is drilled into one's heart. Eido/oida is a perception, a being aware of, an understanding, an intuitive knowledge which in the case of believers can only be given by the Holy Spirit. Plummer says that eido is used here in the same sense as it is used in 1Th 5:12 where it conveys the sense of "we appreciate, we value." There is a similar sense in 1Co 16:18. As Plummer goes on to say… 'We value no one because of his external attributes.’ The differences between king and clown, rich and poor, master and slave, genius and dunce, do not come into the estimate; what counts is the person’s character as a Christian. (2 Corinthians 5 Commentary) No one (3762) (oudeis) is an adjective which means not even one. When Christ takes over your life, He jettisons fleshly prejudice toward other people. ARE YOU IMPRESSED BY THE… EXTERNAL or INTERNAL? VISIBLE or INVISIBLE? TEMPORAL or ETERNAL? According to the flesh - "According to external distinctions, by what he is in the flesh" (Plummer). As a mere human being, by usual human measures or standards, from a human point of view, based on "externals". The love of Christ, His death and His resurrection has inaugurated a new age so to speak for Paul (and for all believers) so that now everything (and everyone) is viewed a different light (cp Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11), ultimately the light of eternity. R Kent Hughes refers to "Paul’s piercing declaration of gospel disregard (that is, the disregard of superficial evaluation that stems from our death in Christ on the cross)… Because of the gospel, Paul and all believers are to be done with their shallow, external, carnal regard of Christ and others—and especially those who are of the household of faith… Gospel disregard! Paul’s declaration collides with the spirit of our age, a spirit that revels in superficial, fleshly regard… Looks, externals, dominate our existence… People evaluate one another externally according to their wealth, their position, their connectedness, and their fame or infamy (either of which is to be coveted)… As Christians we must be done with such carnal distinctions… How Pauline, how Christlike, how Christian, how loving, how liberating, how empowering, how potent it is when “we regard no one according to the flesh.” (See 2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness - Page 118) Reformation Study Bible - Paul emphasizes spiritual judgment and spiritual insight into people’s lives and situations. Our experience of Christ’s love moves us to stop viewing others according to worldly standards and to learn how to view them from the standpoint of God’s great act of salvation in Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 5:16 - ESV Reformation Study Bible)

2 Coríntios 5:17

Garland comments that "in Christ can mean several things that are not mutually exclusive: that one belongs to Christ, that one lives in the sphere of Christ's power, that one is united with Christ, or that one is part of the body of Christ, the believing community. Paul's assumption is that being in Christ should bring about a radical change in a person's life. (New American Commentary - Volume 29: 2 Corinthians. B & H Publishers) Philip

2 Coríntios 5:18-19

Garland has an interesting way of saying the same thing...When the verb is used in the active voice, Christ or God is always the subject; when it is used in the passive voice, humans are the subject. In other words, “God reconciles; man is reconciled.” Reconciliation assumes ruptured relationships, alienation, and disaffection. The problem, however, is not with God, as if God were some cruel taskmaster from whom humans rebelled. Human sinfulness created the problem, and this sinful condition had to be dealt with before there could be any reconciliation. (Garland, D. E.. Vol. 29: 2 Corinthians. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers) In the introduction to his sermon on reconciliation,