What does 2 Corinthians 5:7 mean?
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 2 Corinthians 5:7
Explanation
[(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)] 2 Corinthians 5:7 is a concise statement that captures a key aspect of Christian spirituality and life. It speaks to the believer’s experience in the world and the way they navigate it. The literal sense is straightforward: Christians are meant to live their lives guided by faith rather than by what is immediately visible or apparent to the senses. On a deeper level, this calls believers to trust in God and His promises, even when they cannot see the outcome or understand the path ahead. It is an encouragement to rely on spiritual insight and conviction rather than mere empirical evidence or material appearances.
Historical Context
2 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth, around 55-57 AD. This epistle addresses various issues within the church, including challenges to Paul’s apostolic authority, controversies surrounding the behavior of the Christians in Corinth, and the need for church discipline and unity. Paul writes to encourage the believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst external pressures and internal conflicts, and to defend his ministry and the message of the Gospel.
Theological Insights
From a Christian Perspective
Christians view this verse as an affirmation of the justifying role of faith in the life of a believer. The phrase emphasizes the importance of faith in the unseen—namely, God and His promises—as opposed to reliance on human perception and understanding.
From a Reformed Theological Perspective
Reformed theology often highlights the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone. Within this perspective, the verse underscores the notion that believers’ faith is grounded in the character and word of God and not in their own abilities to discern or control their destinies.
From a Liberation Theology Perspective
Proponents of Liberation theology might interpret this verse as a call to hope and action, even in situations where justice and peace are not yet visible outcomes. It’s taken as inspiration to work towards societal change, trusting in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s will for liberation and equality.
Practical Applications
Personal Devotion
Individuals can use this verse as a meditation for daily living, approaching life’s uncertainties and challenges with trust in God rather than relying solely on human wisdom or tangible signs.
Community and Church Life
Church communities might apply this teaching by encouraging a culture of faith and support, especially in times of communal difficulty or when the path forward isn’t clear.
Ethical Decision-Making
In moral dilemmas, this verse can guide believers to make choices based on the principles of their faith rather than popular opinion or expedient outcomes.
Cross-References
- Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
- Romans 8:24: “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?”
- 1 Peter 1:8-9: “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”
Language Study
In the original Greek, the phrase “by faith” is πίστει (pistei), which implies trust, belief, or conviction in something that is not immediately verifiable. The word “sight” is εἴδει (eidei), referring to the physical act of seeing or the appearances of things as they seem to the eyes. A study of these words reflects the contrast between the physical and the spiritual realms that Paul emphasizes.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Similar themes of faith over sight appear in other religious traditions as well. For instance, in Hinduism, the concept of walking by faith might be paralleled to the reliance on dharma (cosmic law and order) rather than only on pratyakṣa (perception). Buddhism teaches a form of ‘faith’ in the Dharma as a path to enlightenment, which also goes beyond immediate empirical evidence.
Scientific Perspectives
The intersection between this verse and science might involve the discussion of belief systems in the face of empirical evidence. While some might argue that faith and science are at odds, others find them complementary; faith deals with existential meanings and values, while science handles the empirical understanding of the natural world.
Commentaries
Various biblical commentators have given their thoughts on this verse:
- John Calvin saw it as an affirmation of the strength and assurance of faith in the face of life’s temporal and uncertain conditions.
- Matthew Henry interpreted it as a reminder for Christians to live with eternity in mind, focusing on spiritual realities over the transient world.
- Contemporary commentators might view it as an encouragement for believers to persevere through trials by clinging to the assurances of their faith.
Looking for a Good 2 Corinthians Bible Study? Start Here:
- MacArthur, John F. (Author)
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