14 For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all,(A) and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all(B) so that those who live should no longer live for themselves,(C) but for the one(D) who died for them and was raised.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

16 From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.[a] Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective,[b] yet now we no longer know him in this way. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;(E) the old has passed away, and see,(F) the new has[c] come!(G) 18 Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.(H) 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world(I) to himself,(J) not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors(K) for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf,(L) “Be reconciled to God.” 21 He made the one who did not know sin(M) to be sin[d] for us,(N) so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Working together with him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.” For he says:

At an acceptable time I listened to you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.[e](O)

See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!(P)

Footnotes

  1. 5:16 Lit anyone according to the flesh
  2. 5:16 Lit Christ according to the flesh
  3. 5:17 Other mss read look, all new things have
  4. 5:21 Or be a sin offering
  5. 6:2 Is 49:8

14 For the love of Christ (A)controls us, having concluded this, that (B)one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer (C)live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.

16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one [a](D)by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is (E)in Christ, this person is (F)a new [b]creation; (G)the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now (H)all these things are from God, (I)who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the (J)ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that (K)God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, (L)not counting their wrongdoings against them, and [c]He has [d]committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Therefore, we are (M)ambassadors for Christ, (N)as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be (O)reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who (P)knew no sin to be [e](Q)sin in our behalf, so that we might become the (R)righteousness of God in Him.

Their Ministry Commended

And (S)working together with Him, (T)we also urge you not to receive (U)the grace of God in vain— for He says,

(V)At a favorable time I listened to you,
And on a day of salvation I helped you.”

Behold, now is “a favorable time,” behold, now is “a day of salvation”—

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 5:16 I.e., by what one is in the flesh
  2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or creature
  3. 2 Corinthians 5:19 Lit having
  4. 2 Corinthians 5:19 Lit placed in us
  5. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or a sin offering