What does 2 Corinthians 5:11 mean?

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Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 2 Corinthians 5:11

Explanation

2 Corinthians 5:11 focuses on the idea of divine judgment and the responsibility that believers have to persuade others about the realities of God’s judgment. The “terror of the Lord” refers to the awe and reverence that one should have towards God, recognizing His authority and the consequences of His judgment. Apostle Paul indicates that the knowledge of this accountability before God motivates him to persuade others to reconcile with God.

This verse also speaks to the integrity of Paul’s ministry, highlighting that his actions and intentions are transparent not only to God but also should be clear to the consciences of the Corinthians to whom he is writing. Paul implies that a faithful minister lives in such a way that their life is an open book both before God and people.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is a letter from Paul to the church in Corinth around AD 55-57. In this letter, Paul is defending his apostolic authority against accusations from false apostles who were challenging his credibility and the authenticity of his message. This verse fits within a larger discourse in which Paul is addressing concerns about his ministry and the challenges from those sowing discord within the church at Corinth.

Paul wrote this letter in part to re-establish his relationship with the Corinthians and to confront the issues that were disrupting the church. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the fear of the Lord and the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to believers.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on several concepts:

The fear of God: The term “terror” could be seen as an aspect of the fear of God—a respect and reverence for His authority and judgment.
Judgment: The reality of divine judgment is a motivating factor for evangelism and living a godly life.
Persuasion: The role of believers is to persuade others about the truth of the Gospel, particularly regarding judgment and reconciliation with God.
Transparency: The integrity of the believer and especially of the minister is to live a life transparent before God and humanity.

Different theological traditions might emphasize various aspects of this verse. For example, reformed theology might stress the sovereignty of God in judgment, while Arminianism might highlight human responsibility in responding to God’s judgment through personal choice.

Practical Applications

Practical applications of this verse might include:

Recognizing the importance of living with a reverence for God that is reflective in one’s life choices.
Taking seriously the task of evangelism—communicating the message of reconciliation and judgment to others.
Striving for transparency and integrity in one’s dealings, as one’s actions should be consistent both in public and private life.
Encouraging self-examination in the light of God’s imminent judgment.

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:31: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
1 Peter 1:17: “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:”

Language Study

The original Greek word for “terror” in this verse is “φόβον” (phobon), from which we derive the word “phobia.” It means fear, dread, or terror. The emphasis is on the fear or reverence that comes from recognizing God’s holiness and authority.

The word “persuade” (πείθομεν – peithomen) refers to convincing or winning over. It implies the use of argument or dialogue to convince someone about truth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the fear of divine beings or their wrath was common. Many myths describe gods punishing mortals for their hubris or disobedience. By contrast, biblical teaching emphasizes not just fear but also the love and grace of God, alongside His judgment.

In comparison to some other religious interpretations, Christianity uniquely balances the fear of God’s judgment with the possibility of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. This stands in contrast to depictions of capricious gods in some mythologies.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concepts of fear, reverence, and persuasion are subjects of study in psychology. The fear response is a physiological reaction to perceived threats. However, scientific perspectives typically do not comment on spiritual or divine judgment, as these are outside the purview of empirical science.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries offer perspectives on 2 Corinthians 5:11:

Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the concern for souls that arises from understanding God’s judgment, and the Christian duty to persuade others.
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible suggests that the fear of God includes both a reverence for His grace and a dread of displeasing Him.
The MacArthur Study Bible notes link this fear to Paul’s drive to evangelize and serve faithfully, knowing the consequences of standing before God’s judgment seat.