2Cor 5:11-17 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 2Cor 5:11-21: 5:11–7:4 Paul now explains the main theme of his message, which is reconciliation—the turning of enemies into friends and the restoration of relationships. Paul’s thinking is rooted in what God has done through Christ to reconcile sinners to himself (5:18-21 ). This exposition is framed by a defense of his own ministry (5:11-17 ) and an application of his message to the situation in Corinth (6:1–7:4 ). 5:11 One motive for Paul’s ministry is fearful responsibility to the Lord —not a cringing dread, but a healthy reverence (see Prov 1:7 ).

Summary for 2Cor 5:11-21: 5:11–7:4 ^a Paul now explains the main theme of his message, which is reconciliation—the turning of enemies into friends and the restoration of relationships. Paul’s thinking is rooted in what God has done through Christ to reconcile sinners to himself (5:18-21 ^b). This exposition is framed by a defense of his own ministry (5:11-17 ^c) and an application of his message to the situation in Corinth (6:1–7:4 ^d). 5:11 ^e One motive for Paul’s ministry is fearful responsibility to the Lord—not a cringing dread, but a healthy reverence (see Prov 1:7 ^f).
5:12 ^g Paul’s opponents bragged about having a spectacular ministry outwardly, but they did not have a sincere heart (cp. 1 Sam 16:7 ^h; Rom 2:28-29 ⁱ).
5:13 ^j If ... we are crazy: This statement might imply a charge on Paul’s previous visit to Corinth (2:1-2 ^k) that he was out of his mind when he proclaimed the simple Good News there (1 Cor 2:2 ^l).
Summary for 2Cor 5:14-17: 5:14-17 ^m Paul’s doctrine of reconciliation arises from his conviction that (1) Christ died for all believers; (2) in Christ, believers also die to sin and self; and (3) now all believers should live for Christ. The new life in Christ thus leads to a fresh evaluation of other people and of Christ. 5:14 ⁿ Christ’s love controls us: This could refer either to believers’ love for Christ or (more likely) to Christ’s love for us, which urges believers on in making Christ known through their service (see 1 Cor 9:16 ^o).
Summary for 2Cor 5:16-17: 5:16-17 ^p merely from a human point of view: Paul might be reflecting on his belief at one time as a Pharisee that the Messiah would come to set the Jews free from political oppression.

• How differently we know him now! Christ rose from the dead, ushered in the new creation (5:17 ^q), and was established as the redeemer from sin and Lord of the universe (Rom 1:3-4 ^r; Phil 2:6-11 ^s; Col 1:15-20 ^t).