What does 2 Corinthians 5:19 mean?

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To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

Explanation

The verse 2 Corinthians 5:19 is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. In this verse, Paul speaks of the profound doctrine of reconciliation. He emphasizes that through Christ’s life and sacrificial death, God was actively working to reconcile or restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity. This reconciliation was accomplished without holding people’s sins against them, as God was providing a way to forgive their sins through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Paul indicates that the message of this reconciliation has been entrusted to the followers of Christ to spread to others.

Historical Context

The second letter to the Corinthians is believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul in the mid-first century A.D., approximately 55-57 A.D. It was a time of tension within the Corinthian church, which was beset with internal conflicts and outside pressures. Paul’s authority as an apostle was being challenged by some within the church, so he wrote to defend his apostleship, correct misconceptions, and encourage the congregation in their Christian faith. The themes of reconciliation and the ministry of the new covenant are central to this epistle.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates the core of Christian soteriology — the doctrine of salvation. Different schools of thought interpret this verse in various ways:

Classical theology generally sees this as a foundational text for the understanding of the Atonement, where God in Christ is reconciling the world to Himself.
Covenant theology would emphasize the aspect of God’s promise and the restoration of the broken covenant through Jesus Christ.
Liberation theology might see this as an assurance of God’s favor toward the oppressed, offering them reconciliation as a means of spiritual and social liberation.

Practical Applications

In practical life, this verse could be applied in numerous ways. It serves as a reminder for individuals to live as ambassadors of reconciliation, encouraging forgiveness and restoration within personal relationships. This concept can also be expanded to larger societal conflicts, promoting peace-making efforts and reconciliation between different communities. Living out the message of reconciliation also involves evangelism, sharing the Christian gospel as a path to spiritual peace with God.

Cross-References

Romans 5:10 – “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”
Colossians 1:20-22 – “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
Ephesians 2:16 – “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:”

Language Study

Two key Greek terms in this verse are significant:

Katallassein (καταλλάσσειν): This verb means to reconcile, to change, or to exchange. It suggests the restoration of a relationship that was broken.
Logos (λόγος): Often translated as “word,” it signifies the message or proclamation. In this context, it refers to the message of reconciliation given to believers to share with the world.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a deity reconciling with humanity can be found in various mythologies and religions. In many pagan religions, rituals and sacrifices were ways to appease the gods and restore favorable relations. However, the Christian narrative uniquely emphasizes a deity who initiates reconciliation without demanding sacrifices from those being reconciled.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may not directly interface with the theological concept of reconciliation; however, the field of psychology may provide insight into the human need for reconciliation and the positive effects of forgiveness and restored relationships on mental health.

commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:

John Stott – Stott speaks of the radical nature of God’s reconciling work in Christ, seeing it as God’s initiative to bridge the gap caused by sin.
N.T. Wright – Wright emphasizes the role of Christians as ambassadors of this reconciliation, conveying the idea that Christians are to embody and spread the message of peace with God.
William Barclay – Barclay suggests that Paul is illustrating that the love of God reaches out to men even when they are not loveable, and it is through God’s action, not human achievement, that reconciliation is accomplished.