2 Corinthians 5:11
Verse
Context
Ambassadors for Christ
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.11Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.12We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord - This, I think, is too harsh a translation of ειδοτες ουν τον φοβον του Κυριου, which should be rendered, knowing therefore the fear of the Lord; which, strange as it may at first appear, often signifies the worship of the Lord, or that religious reverence which we owe to him; Act 9:31; Rom 3:18; Rom 13:7; Pe1 1:17; Pe1 2:18; Pe1 3:2. As we know therefore what God requires of man, because we are favored with his own revelation, we persuade men to become Christians, and to labor to be acceptable to him, because they must all stand before the judgment seat; and if they receive not the grace of the Gospel here, they must there give up their accounts with sorrow and not with joy. In short, a man who is not saved from his sin in this life, will be separated from God and the glory of his power in the world to come. This is a powerful motive to persuade men to accept the salvation provided for them by Christ Jesus. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; the terror of God confounds and overpowers the soul. We lead men to God through his fear and love, and with the fear of God the love of God is ever consistent; but where the terror of the Lord reigns there can neither be fear, faith, nor love; nay, nor hope either. Men who vindicate their constant declamations on hell and perdition by quoting this text, know little of its meaning; and, what is worse, seem to know but little of the nature of man, and perhaps less of the spirit of the Gospel of Christ. Let them go and learn a lesson from Christ, sweeping over Jerusalem: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered you together, as a hen would her brood under her wings!" And another from his last words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!" But we are made manifest unto God - God, who searches the heart, knows that we are upright in our endeavors to please him; and because we are fully persuaded of the reality of eternal things, therefore we are fully in earnest to get sinners converted to him. Manifest in your consciences - We have reason to believe that you have had such proof of our integrity and disinterestedness, that your consciences must acquit us of every unworthy motive, and of every sinister view.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
terror of the Lord--the coming judgment, so full of terrors to unbelievers [ESTIUS]. ELLICOTT and ALFORD, after GROTIUS and BENGEL, translate, "The fear of the Lord" (Co2 7:1; Ecc 12:13; Act 9:31; Rom 3:18; Eph 5:21). persuade--Ministers should use the terrors of the Lord to persuade men, not to rouse their enmity (Jde 1:23). BENGEL, ESTIUS, and ALFORD explain: "Persuade men" (by our whole lives, Co2 5:13), namely, of our integrity as ministers. But this would have been expressed after "persuade," had it been the sense. The connection seems as follows: He had been accused of seeking to please and win men, he therefore says (compare Gal 1:10), "It is as knowing the terror (or fear) of the Lord that we persuade men; but (whether men who hear our preaching recognize our sincerity or not) we are made manifest unto God as acting on such motives (Co2 4:2); and I trust also in your consciences." Those so "manifested" need have no "terror" as to their being "manifested (English Version, 'appear') before the judgment-seat" (Co2 5:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we commend not ourselves again to you,.... We have no need to do so, being well known to you; nor do we intend it when we thus speak of ourselves, and of our ministrations: but give you occasion to glory on our behalf; suggest some things to you which you may make use of in our favour, for the vindicating of our characters and conduct: that you may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart; by whom are meant the false apostles who gloried in an outward show, in their learning, eloquence, and popular applause they had acquired, and not in the sincerity of their hearts, and the testimony of a good conscience, things which the true apostles of Christ were most ambitious of.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:11–7:4 Paul now explains the main theme of his message, which is reconciliation—the turning of enemies into friends and the restoration of relationships. Paul’s thinking is rooted in what God has done through Christ to reconcile sinners to himself (5:18-21). This exposition is framed by a defense of his own ministry (5:11-17) and an application of his message to the situation in Corinth (6:1–7:4). 5:11 One motive for Paul’s ministry is fearful responsibility to the Lord—not a cringing dread, but a healthy reverence (see Prov 1:7).
2 Corinthians 5:11
Ambassadors for Christ
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.11Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.12We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead
By K.P. Yohannan5.0K00:00Christian MinistryFear Of GodPSA 139:23PRO 1:7ECC 12:13MAT 10:28ROM 14:122CO 5:112CO 5:14HEB 4:131PE 1:171JN 4:18K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. He highlights how Paul was driven by a reverent fear of God, which instilled a sense of responsibility and accountability in his ministry. Yohannan contrasts this with the contemporary view of God as merely a friend, urging believers to recognize the seriousness of their relationship with the Almighty. He shares a personal story about his son to illustrate the weight of disappointment and the importance of honoring God. Ultimately, he calls on ministers and believers alike to live with a deep reverence for God, understanding the gravity of their actions and the impact on their relationship with Him.
For the Love of Christ Constraineth Us
By J. Glyn Owen3.0K41:05Love Of GodMAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 6:192CO 5:112CO 5:14PHP 2:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of understanding and commitment among Christians towards the love of Christ. He emphasizes that many believers talk and sing about the cross but fail to truly comprehend its significance. The speaker highlights the example of the apostle Paul, who was compelled by the love of Christ to give himself fully to the service of the Lord. The key to experiencing this compelling love, according to the speaker, is to meditate on and reason about the love of Christ, allowing it to deeply impact and transform our lives.
Hell of Hell
By Reggie Kelly2.1K1:04:12HellJHN 3:72CO 5:11HEB 10:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the reality and eternal nature of hell. He describes it as a place of torment, where liquid waves of fire splash against the walls and beasts with bat-like wings sting and gnash upon the inhabitants. Satan himself is said to mock and laugh at those in hell. The preacher urges the audience to believe in the Bible and warns against the dangers of rejecting Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of salvation to avoid the horrors of hell. He references Mark 9:43, where Jesus speaks about the seriousness of hell and suggests that it is better to lose an eye than to go to hell with both eyes.
The Apostate Evangelical Church of Today
By Keith Daniel1.7K1:01:51Apostasy2CO 5:112TH 1:9REV 20:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency and responsibility of warning the lost about the dangers they face. He compares the blind leaders of the blind to those who lack compassion for the lost, suggesting that it is evidence of their own spiritual condition. The preacher shares a personal story of his father passionately warning someone about their impending damnation, highlighting the desperation for souls that should be present in Christians. He also discusses the need for judgment to begin in the house of God, as the church's indifference and failure to confront sin has allowed for the rise of unfaithful preachers and worldly living.
(Divine Attributes) 11 the Righteous Judgment of Almighty God
By Denny Kenaston1.4K57:43Character Of GodMAT 6:33ROM 1:18ROM 2:51CO 3:132CO 5:111PE 4:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the role of a judge in a court of law. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and facing the consequences. The preacher also highlights the idea that judgment begins in the house of God, as mentioned in Corinthians and Peter. He references the book of Romans to illustrate God's righteous judgment and the importance of recognizing God's holiness.
Make It Your Aim to Fear God
By Tim Conway1.1K06:19ROM 14:122CO 5:11PHP 2:12HEB 4:13HEB 10:31This sermon emphasizes the importance of feeling the overwhelming love of Christ, being compelled to live a holy and blameless life, and experiencing the power of the cross and resurrection in a tangible and real way. It challenges believers to not be casual with the Word of God but to recognize its significance and the accountability they will face before the judgment seat of Christ. The message urges Christians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the seriousness of walking away from God and His truth.
Is God Really There?
By Peter Brandon753:33God's ExistenceReconciliation with God2CO 5:11Peter Brandon addresses the question 'Is God Really There?' by exploring the evidence of God's existence through creation and the need for reconciliation with Him. He emphasizes that while many believe in a divine intelligence, understanding God's true nature requires revelation, which is found in the Bible. Brandon explains that sin creates a barrier between humanity and God, but through Jesus Christ, who was both fully God and fully man, reconciliation is possible. He urges listeners to recognize their need for salvation and to accept the transformative power of being made new in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a personal response to God's invitation for reconciliation.
Jonathan Edwards
By Leonard Ravenhill0RevivalPassionate PreachingPSA 126:6PRO 10:7ROM 10:142CO 5:11HEB 4:12JAS 5:16Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the life and impact of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting him as a profound preacher and theologian whose passionate sermons ignited spiritual awakenings. Edwards' ability to convey deep truths with emotional intensity led to significant transformations in his congregation, as he preached with a heart full of compassion and a commitment to God's truth. Ravenhill contrasts Edwards' legacy with that of his contemporary, Max Jukes, illustrating the profound difference a godly life can make across generations. He emphasizes the urgent need for modern preachers to embody the same fervor and dedication to God's word as Edwards did. Ultimately, Ravenhill calls for a revival of such passionate preaching in today's spiritually stagnant society.
I Am Sent to Thee With Heavy Tidings
By F.B. Meyer0The Whole Counsel of GodSin and Consequences1KI 14:5JER 9:1EZK 3:17MAT 5:14LUK 19:10JHN 3:36ACT 20:27ROM 6:232CO 5:11HEB 10:27F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of delivering both the heavy and good tidings of God's message, as exemplified in the story of Jeroboam and the old prophet. He warns that sin is not merely a mistake but a crime against a holy God, deserving of serious consequences. Meyer calls for preachers to approach their ministry with tenderness and compassion, urging them to feel the weight of the message they deliver. He highlights the necessity of warning others about the dire consequences of sin while also sharing the hope of salvation. Ultimately, he encourages believers to declare the whole counsel of God without fear or hesitation.
The Terror of the Lord
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Judgment and MercyThe Fear of the LordGEN 3:4PSA 9:16PRO 14:9EZK 18:4JHN 1:29ROM 6:232CO 5:11HEB 10:311JN 4:18REV 20:11Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the duality of God's nature, highlighting that while He is rich in mercy, He is equally terrible in wrath. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing the terror of the Lord as a motivator for repentance and a call to holiness, warning that judgment follows wrongdoing just as night follows day. Brengle urges that this truth should be preached earnestly and with reverence, as it reflects the unchangeable holiness of God's character. He contrasts the mockery of sin with the reverential fear that leads believers to seek refuge in God's love and mercy. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a balance of holy fear and love, urging listeners to make their calling sure and endure to the end.
The Secret of Deliverance From Evil.
By Horatius Bonar0Fear Of GodDeliverance from SinPSA 34:9PSA 111:10PRO 8:13PRO 16:6ECC 12:13ISA 33:6ROM 6:232CO 5:11HEB 12:281JN 1:9Horatius Bonar emphasizes the pervasive nature of evil in the world, both within and without, and highlights that true deliverance from sin comes through the fear of the Lord. He explains that while many attempt to combat sin through time, effort, human wisdom, law, or terror, these methods are ineffective. Instead, the fear of God, rooted in the understanding of His forgiveness, is the true corrective that leads to obedience, fellowship, love, and zeal. Bonar asserts that this fear transforms our relationship with sin, enabling us to depart from it and align our lives with God's will. Ultimately, he warns that the absence of this fear is the root cause of wickedness in the hearts of men.
Evangelical Preaching
By A.W. Pink0EvangelismPreaching with PassionPRO 11:30JHN 5:351CO 3:72CO 5:112CO 5:20A.W. Pink emphasizes the preacher's responsibility in evangelistic efforts to win souls, warning against two extremes: merely presenting doctrines without heartfelt engagement and being overly passive in leaving results to God. He argues that true preaching should reflect the passion and urgency seen in Christ and the apostles, who actively sought to persuade and reconcile sinners to God. Pink calls for preachers to embody fervor, devotion, and a genuine love for souls in their ministry, rather than adopting a cold, formalistic approach. He challenges fellow ministers to reflect on their methods and to seek a deeper commitment to evangelism.
Letters: Mr. D. Maclagan (Gives Some Interesting Details About His Time as a Missionary With r.s. Candlish)(1)
By Andrew Bonar0Missionary WorkGuidance in MinistryISA 6:8MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 10:142CO 5:11Andrew Bonar shares his experiences as a missionary in St. George's parish, detailing his initial challenges and the guidance he received from Dr. Candlish. He reflects on the freedom he had to establish his mission work, including services for hostlers and the importance of personal visits. Bonar recounts a significant sermon by Dr. Candlish that impacted a listener deeply, showcasing the power of preaching. He also highlights Dr. Candlish's dedication to Robert M'Cheyne and the mission to the Jews, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of their ministry.
Epistle 114
By George Fox0MAT 11:5MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 1:51CO 9:102CO 5:11COL 1:231PE 3:19JUD 1:6REV 14:6George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in the mighty power of God, being sent by God to minister to all spirits and testify against deceivers. He emphasizes preaching the gospel to every creature, disciplining them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and proclaiming the mighty day of the Lord to those in darkness. Fox urges believers to plant in hope, thresh in hope, and preach the everlasting gospel in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, performing miracles by His power.
Epistle 111
By George Fox0Abiding in ChristPlainness of SpeechEXO 22:18DEU 18:10PSA 1:4ECC 5:2ISA 61:3MIC 4:4LUK 3:23JHN 1:9ROM 13:31CO 1:12CO 2:162CO 3:122CO 5:11COL 4:62TH 1:82TH 2:71TI 6:16TIT 2:122PE 1:201JN 1:7JUD 1:4George Fox warns believers to speak plainly and truthfully, allowing their words to reflect the light of Christ within them. He emphasizes that words should be life-giving and rooted in the grace of God, contrasting this with the consequences of ungodliness and deceit. Fox encourages the faithful to dwell in the light, which leads to purity in speech and unity among believers, ultimately producing righteousness. He reminds them that true ministry and prophecy come not from human will but from God, urging them to abide in Christ as branches of the true vine. The sermon calls for a life of integrity and sincerity, free from hypocrisy and flattery.
Luke 8:1-3. the Women Who Followed Jesus.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 6:3MAT 9:37MRK 3:19MRK 16:9LUK 8:12CO 5:11PHP 2:8HEB 10:241PE 5:5Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the diligence, poverty, and humility of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of promoting the salvation of others and the need for earnest inquiry into personal salvation. The sermon highlights the devoted women who followed Jesus, like Mary Magdalene and the wife of Herod's steward, showcasing their love and faithfulness. Jesus, in his poverty, accepted support from these women, demonstrating humility and setting an example for believers. The sermon also explores the misunderstanding of Jesus' actions by his friends, illustrating how the world may not comprehend the motives of devoted Christians who are earnest in their faith.
The Need of Personal Revival
By Richard Baxter0JER 20:9EZK 33:72CO 5:11JAS 3:11PE 4:17Richard Baxter passionately reflects on his own shortcomings as a preacher, expressing deep remorse for not being more serious and fervent in delivering the message of salvation. He questions his own sincerity and earnestness in preaching about life, death, heaven, and hell, feeling convicted by his conscience for not being more emotionally engaged in his sermons. Baxter acknowledges his own dullness and slow spiritual growth, feeling ashamed of every sermon he preaches, realizing the weight of responsibility in sharing God's truths with others.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord - This, I think, is too harsh a translation of ειδοτες ουν τον φοβον του Κυριου, which should be rendered, knowing therefore the fear of the Lord; which, strange as it may at first appear, often signifies the worship of the Lord, or that religious reverence which we owe to him; Act 9:31; Rom 3:18; Rom 13:7; Pe1 1:17; Pe1 2:18; Pe1 3:2. As we know therefore what God requires of man, because we are favored with his own revelation, we persuade men to become Christians, and to labor to be acceptable to him, because they must all stand before the judgment seat; and if they receive not the grace of the Gospel here, they must there give up their accounts with sorrow and not with joy. In short, a man who is not saved from his sin in this life, will be separated from God and the glory of his power in the world to come. This is a powerful motive to persuade men to accept the salvation provided for them by Christ Jesus. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; the terror of God confounds and overpowers the soul. We lead men to God through his fear and love, and with the fear of God the love of God is ever consistent; but where the terror of the Lord reigns there can neither be fear, faith, nor love; nay, nor hope either. Men who vindicate their constant declamations on hell and perdition by quoting this text, know little of its meaning; and, what is worse, seem to know but little of the nature of man, and perhaps less of the spirit of the Gospel of Christ. Let them go and learn a lesson from Christ, sweeping over Jerusalem: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered you together, as a hen would her brood under her wings!" And another from his last words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!" But we are made manifest unto God - God, who searches the heart, knows that we are upright in our endeavors to please him; and because we are fully persuaded of the reality of eternal things, therefore we are fully in earnest to get sinners converted to him. Manifest in your consciences - We have reason to believe that you have had such proof of our integrity and disinterestedness, that your consciences must acquit us of every unworthy motive, and of every sinister view.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
terror of the Lord--the coming judgment, so full of terrors to unbelievers [ESTIUS]. ELLICOTT and ALFORD, after GROTIUS and BENGEL, translate, "The fear of the Lord" (Co2 7:1; Ecc 12:13; Act 9:31; Rom 3:18; Eph 5:21). persuade--Ministers should use the terrors of the Lord to persuade men, not to rouse their enmity (Jde 1:23). BENGEL, ESTIUS, and ALFORD explain: "Persuade men" (by our whole lives, Co2 5:13), namely, of our integrity as ministers. But this would have been expressed after "persuade," had it been the sense. The connection seems as follows: He had been accused of seeking to please and win men, he therefore says (compare Gal 1:10), "It is as knowing the terror (or fear) of the Lord that we persuade men; but (whether men who hear our preaching recognize our sincerity or not) we are made manifest unto God as acting on such motives (Co2 4:2); and I trust also in your consciences." Those so "manifested" need have no "terror" as to their being "manifested (English Version, 'appear') before the judgment-seat" (Co2 5:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we commend not ourselves again to you,.... We have no need to do so, being well known to you; nor do we intend it when we thus speak of ourselves, and of our ministrations: but give you occasion to glory on our behalf; suggest some things to you which you may make use of in our favour, for the vindicating of our characters and conduct: that you may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart; by whom are meant the false apostles who gloried in an outward show, in their learning, eloquence, and popular applause they had acquired, and not in the sincerity of their hearts, and the testimony of a good conscience, things which the true apostles of Christ were most ambitious of.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:11–7:4 Paul now explains the main theme of his message, which is reconciliation—the turning of enemies into friends and the restoration of relationships. Paul’s thinking is rooted in what God has done through Christ to reconcile sinners to himself (5:18-21). This exposition is framed by a defense of his own ministry (5:11-17) and an application of his message to the situation in Corinth (6:1–7:4). 5:11 One motive for Paul’s ministry is fearful responsibility to the Lord—not a cringing dread, but a healthy reverence (see Prov 1:7).