What does 2 Corinthians 5:15 mean?

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And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:15

Explanation

2 Corinthians 5:15 conveys a message about the purpose and effect of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection according to Christian belief. The verse indicates that Jesus died for everyone, so that those who live—a reference to those who have accepted this event as truth and therefore have spiritual life—would no longer live self-centered lives. Instead, they are called to live for Christ, who has died for them and has been raised from the dead. The implication is that followers of Christ are to shift their focus from their own interests to serving Christ and following his teachings.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul writes this second letter to the Corinthians in the context of defending his apostleship and teaching against challenges and misunderstandings that had arisen in the Corinthian church. Issues of suffering, reconciliation, and the authenticity of his apostolic mission are themes that are present throughout the letter. 2 Corinthians is generally dated to approximately 55–57 AD, when the early Christian community was expanding in a Hellenistic-Roman cultural context highly influenced by philosophical schools, mystery religions, and the imperial cult veneration of the Emperor.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, 2 Corinthians 5:15 is rich in soteriological (the study of salvation) and Christological (the study of Christ) significance. It reflects the Pauline emphasis on the universality of Christ’s atoning death and its intention to transform the lives of believers. The sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus are central to Paul’s understanding of the Christian gospel. Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects, such as the substitutionary aspect of Christ’s death, the idea of reconciliation with God, or a moral transformation that results from faith in Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse calls for a re-orientation of the believer’s life. It suggests that Christians reassess their priorities and the way they live, replacing self-centeredness with a Christ-centered lifestyle. This could manifest in various ways, such as engaging in charitable works, practicing forgiveness and reconciliation, and seeking to embody the ethical teachings of Jesus in everyday interactions.

Cross-References

Romans 6:11 – “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
1 Peter 4:2 – “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”

Language Study

A key term in the original Greek of 2 Corinthians 5:15 is “ὑπὲρ” (hyper), commonly translated as “for” or “on behalf of,” indicating substitution or representation. “Διὰ” (dia) translated as “for” often denoting purpose or cause. The notion of living “for” Christ employs the Greek word “αὐτῷ” (auto), inferring a sense of direction or allegiance in one’s living. Understanding these keywords helps in appreciating the nuances of Paul’s message about the crucified and resurrected Christ and the believer’s relationship to him.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient myths often contain themes of death and resurrection, such as the story of the Egyptian god Osiris. However, in the Christian narrative, Jesus’s death is unique in its purpose of atonement and its call to moral transformation. Unlike mythical tales that might symbolize natural cycles or offer moral examples, the New Testament presents Jesus’s death and resurrection as a historical event with profound existential implications for believers.

Scientific Perspectives

While theological in nature, the verse prompts reflection on topics such as altruism and moral behavior, which can be examined through various scientific lenses, including psychology, anthropology, and evolutionary biology. These disciplines explore the basis and benefits of cooperative, self-transcendent behavior. However, the concept of living for a transcendent figure like Christ remains firmly rooted in religious belief, outside of empirical science’s scope.

Commentaries

Commentators often reflect on this verse within the broader themes of Paul’s theology. For instance, they might emphasize how the Apostle Paul speaks about the transformative power of Christ’s love, as it compels believers to shift from self-centeredness to dedicating their lives to the one who died and was raised for them. This sacrificial love illustrates the core Christian concept of grace, underscoring salvation as a gift, leading to a change in both identity and way of life. Thus, commentaries typically underline the ethical and existential implications of this profound theological assertion.