20 Now then, we are (A)ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For (B)He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become (C)the righteousness of God in Him.

Marks of the Ministry

We then, as (D)workers together with Him also (E)plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says:

(F)“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,(A) as though God were making his appeal through us.(B) We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.(C) 21 God made him who had no sin(D) to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.(E)

As God’s co-workers(F) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.(G) For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[b](H)

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or be a sin offering
  2. 2 Corinthians 6:2 Isaiah 49:8