2 Corinthians 5
Dort1 The Apostle proceeds in describing of the hope of salvation, whereby we are assured that when this body which is an earthly Tabernacle is broken down, we have an eternal habitation in heaven; 4 wherewith we long to be cloathed over, 6 forasmuch as long as we inhabited in this body, we dwell out from the Lord. 9 That therefore every one must be diligent to please him, 10 because we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. 11 Therefore also testifieth his diligence among them 12 Not to praise himself, but to give them matter of boasting against the false Apostles. 15 Teacheth that Christ dyed and was raised up for all, that they all might live unto him. 16 Wherefore henceforth he knoweth no man after the flesh, 17 but after the new creation which is of God in Christ. 19 Wherefore they are used as Ambassadors of God, to reconcile unto God in Christ.
1. FOR we know that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle [That is, our weak and immortal body, which we carry on this Earth, is made of Earth, and is compared to a Tabernacle or Tent, which men in traveling easily make up, and their departure break down again or let it fall. See the like Job 4:19. 2 Pet.1.v.13.14.] be broken, [Gr. dissolved, loosened] we have a building of God; [some take this for the heavenly glory, wherewith our bodies shall first be glorified at the last day. But seeing the Apostle here remarkably speaks of a building or house, which we shall have of God after that this Tabernacle is broken, and that in heaven, and as soon as we go dwell out of this body, as appears from v. 6, 8. It is altogether as firstly taken for the heavenly glory in general, wherewith the soul is adorned, and as it were clothed as soon as it lays down this Tabernacle, and wherewith the body shall be cloathed afterward, when it shall be raised from the dead. See of the first Heb. 11. v. 14, 16. Revelation 7:14. and of the other, 1 Cor. 15. 42, 43. Philippians 3:20, 21.] a house not made with hands (but) eternal in the heaven.
2. For in this also we sigh, longing to be cloathed upon with our dwelling, which from heavens.
3. If also we shall be found cloathed [Namely, with the true wedding garment, i.e. they that shall be found with the righteousness and holiness of Christ in this day of transmigration. For others who are destitute thereof are not to expect this glory. Others translate it, seeing, or forasmuch also as we cloathed, etc. and take it for an exposition of that which goes before] (and) not naked.
4. For we also who are in the Tabernacle, [That is, who yet live this earthly and mortal body] do sigh, being burdened: [namely, by the load of sin and of afflictions] seeing that we are not willing to be uncloathed [that is, be wholly deprived of our body which we now bear, to want the same eternally. Or in which, namely, Tabernacle being we will not, & c.] but clothed upon. [namely, heavenly glory, in soul presently after death, and in body when it shall be restored unto us at the last day. Some think that Paul doth here with that he might live in this body until Christ shall come to change our bodies, without having need to put them off, which mystery is spoken of, 1 Cor. 15. 51. and 1 Thes. 4. 17. But this is not likely, seeing he saith v. 8. that he had rather go to dwell forth out of the body, namely, for a time, and to inhabit with the Lord] that the mortal [i.e. the mortality wherewith our body is now burdened, and remaineth burdened within the grave] may be swallowed up of life. [that is, may wholly be taken away by the blessed immortality, namely, when Christ shall raise up the same again, and make it comformable to his glorified body, Philippians 3:21.]
5. Now he that hath prepared us for this same (thing) [That is, for this glory in our soul, and this immortality in our body. Gr. wrought or adorned] is God, who hath also given us the earnest of the Spirit. [namely, the Holy Ghost for a pledge to assure us hereof. See Romans 8:16. 2 Cor. 1. 22. Ephesians 4:30.]
6. We have therefore always good courage, and know that we in dwelling in the body, dwell forth from the Lord. [Namely Jesus Christ, whose bodily beholding and presence we must so long want, as appears v. 8. and is declared, Philippians 1:23.]
7. (For we walk by faith [Namely, which properly receives and applies to itself the things which are not seen, Hebrews 11:1.] (and) not by beholding.) [namely, of the things which we hope for. See Romans 8:24. and 1 Cor. 13. 12. Although otherwise there is also a beholding of faith, John 6:40. and chapter 8. 56.]
8. But we have good courage, and are more pleased to dwell forth out of the body, and to indwell with the Lord.
9. Therefore we are so very desirous [Gr. ambitious. See also Romans 15:20.] whether indwelling, [namely, with him in heaven, as v. 8. See Revelation 7:17. and 14. 4. Or in the body as v. 6] or out dwelling, [namely, from Christ out of heaven, while we yet bear this mortal body, or out of the body as v. 6.] to be well-pleasing unto him.
10. For we all must be manifested. [Namely, not only in respect of our persons, but also of thoughts, words and deeds, Romans 2:16. Revelation 2:23. and 20. 12.] before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may carry away [namely, for a recompense] that which (is done) by the body, [namely, here in this life, or while we bear this body] according to that he hath done, whether it be good [that is, the reward of good, of grace] or evil. [that is, the reward of evil, or desert. See of both, Mat. 25.v.34,41. Romans 6:23.]
11. We therefore knowing the terror of the Lord [That is, the terrible and fearful judgment of the Lord, whereby we must be careful to walk always uprightly before him] move men unto faith, and are become manifest unto God: but I hope also to be manifested in your consciences.
12. For we praise not our selves [That is, commend] again unto you, but we give you occasion of glorying concerning us, [namely, that we are faithful Apostles of Christ, and that our doctrine is a doctrine which converts the hearts] that ye may have (matter) against them, who glory in the face [that is, only in made and garnished phrases and the like, which have indeed an outward show before men, but touch not the heart] and not ( in ) the heart.
13. For whether we be out of our wits, [So the Apostle speaks when he must himself and ministry, because it seems to be the work of his distracted and foolish persons to boast one self: and declares that he doth this, not give himself this honour, but to preserve Gods honour unto him] we are so to God, or whether we be sober minded, [So the Apostle speaks when without being necessitated to speak of himself, he simply executes his ministry among them, which he declares to tend also to their good. See 2 Cor. 11.v.1,16,17.&c. as also throughout in the twelveth chapter] we are so to you.
14. For the love of Christ [This may be understood either of the love wherewith Christ loveth us, or of the love wherewith we love him, because himself for us, which the following verse seems to import, although this love also flows from his love towards us] preseth us. [that is, wholly posseth us, and moveth us to do the same. See also Acts 18:5.]
15. As who judge this [That is, hold it for certain] that if one [namely, Christ] died [namely, to do away their sins] for all [namely, who believe in him, John 3 .16. Acts 10:43 Romans 3:22. and 10.4. Hebrews 5:9. and 10.14.] then they are all dead. [namely, with him , by his death not only to obtain forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God, but also to dye to sin, as Romans 6:6. Hebrews 9:26,27,28.] And he died for all, that they that live should no more live unto themselves [that is, for their own ease, profit and honour] but to him [that is, for the service and honour of him] who died and was raised up for them.
16. So then from henceforward we know no men after the flesh: [That is, according to outward respect kindred, condition, honour, wisdom, or eloquence: but ( he would say) only after the spirit, i.e. according to the spiritual power which is in him, and is wrought by him] and if we also have known Christ according to the flesh: [as Paul testifieth that he also saw Christ, 1 Cor. 9.1.] notwithstanding we know (him) now no more (after the flesh) [namely, to boast thereof, or to seek our esteem thereby as some do.]
17. So then if any man being in Christ, [Namely, truly know Christ, and be united unto him] he is now a creature, [that is, regenerated by the power and spirit of Christ, without regarding any more those fleshly things, or seeking his happiness therein, Galatians 6:15.] the old is passed away, behold it is all become new. [namely, in the Kingdome of Christ: and here the Apostle hath respect to the Promise of God, Isaiah 65:17. and 66.22. where this renewing of all things, which only avails before God, is promised under the Kingdome of Christ: wherefore a part is now fulfilled in true believers, who are renewed by the spirit of God; and that which remaineth shall be fulfilled in the life to come after the resurrection, see 2 Pet. 3.13. Revelation 21:5.]
18. And all things are of God, [Namely, which concerns this new creation] who hath reconciled [namely, when we were yet his enemies as Paul speaketh, Romans 5:8. etc.] us [namely, who believe in Christ] to himself by Christ Jesus, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
19. For God [Or, how that God &c.] was in Christ reconciling the world [that is, the elect and believers throughout the whole world as John 6:33.51.] unto himself: not imputing their sins unto them: and hath placed in us [that is, instructed unto us to publish the same in his name] the word of reconciliation.
20. We are then Ambassadors for Christ, as if God besought us: we pray in Christ’s name, be reconciled unto God. [namely, through faith in Christ and his blood, Romans 3:25.]
21. For him that knew sin [That is, who was free from all sin, 1 Pet. 2.22.] hath he made sin for us [that is, a sacrifice for sin as Levit. 7.2. Or sin by imputing of our sins; as he is also said to have been made a curse Galatians 3:13.] that we might become righteousness of God [that is, righteousness before God. Or that righteousness of God might be imputed to us, Rom. 4.ver.4,5. etc.] in him. [namely, Christ, in respect that we are in him, and his righteousness is imputed unto us, Romans 8:1. etc.]