2 Corinthians 5:18
Verse
Context
Ambassadors for Christ
17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!18All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:19that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Sermons
C.H. Spurgeon
William MacDonald
Paris Reidhead
G.W. North
R. StanleySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And all things are of God - As the thorough conversion of the soul is compared to a new creation, and creation is the proper work of an all-wise, almighty Being; then this total change of heart, soul, and life, which takes place under the preaching of the Gospel, is effected by the power and grace of God: this is salvation, and salvation must ever be of the Lord; and therefore men should apply to him, who alone can work this wondrous change. Who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ - Having given Jesus Christ to die for sinners, they have through him access unto God; for his sake and on his account God can receive them; and it is only by the grace and Spirit of Christ that the proud, fierce, and diabolic nature of men can be changed and reconciled to God, and by and through this sacrifice God can be propitious to them. There is an enmity in the heart of man against sacred things; the grace of Christ alone can remove this enmity. The ministry of reconciliation - Διακονιαν της καταλλαγης· The Office or function of this reconciliation called, Co2 5:19, the word; τον λογον της καταλλαγης· the Doctrine of this reconciliation. Καταλλαγη, reconciliation, comes from καταλλασσω, to change thoroughly; and the grand object of the Gospel is to make a complete change in men's minds and manners; but the first object is the removal of enmity from the heart of man, that he may be disposed to accept of the salvation God has provided for him, on the terms which God has promised. The enmity in the heart of man is the grand hinderance to his salvation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all--Greek, "THE." things--all our privileges in this new creation (Co2 5:14-15). reconciled us--that is, restored us ("the world," Co2 5:19) to His favor by satisfying the claims of justice against us. Our position judicially considered in the eye of the law is altered, not as though the mediation of Christ had made a change in God's character, nor as if the love of God was produced by the mediation of Christ; nay, the mediation and sacrifice of Christ was the provision of God's love, not its moving cause (Rom 8:32). Christ's blood was the price paid at the expense of God Himself, and was required to reconcile the exercise of mercy with justice, not as separate, but as the eternally harmonious attributes in the one and the same God (Rom 3:25-26). The Greek "reconcile" is reciprocally used as in the Hebrew Hithpahel conjugation, appease, obtain the favor of. Mat 5:24, "Be reconciled to thy brother"; that is, take measures that he be reconciled to thee, as well as thou to him, as the context proves. Diallagethi, however (Mat 5:24), implying mutual reconciliation, is distinct from Katallagethi here, the latter referring to the change of status wrought in one of the two parties. The manner of God reconciling the world to Himself is implied (Co2 5:19), namely, by His "not imputing their trespasses to them." God not merely, as subsequently, reconciles the world by inducing them to lay aside their enmity, but in the first instance, does so by satisfying His own justice and righteous enmity against sin (Psa 7:11). Compare Sa1 29:4, "Reconcile himself unto his master"; not remove his own anger against his master, but his master's against him [ARCHBISHOP MAGEE, Atonement]. The reconciling of men to God by their laying aside their enmity is the consequence of God laying aside His just enmity against their sin, and follows at Co2 5:20. to us--ministers (Co2 5:19-20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself,.... This expresses and explains the subject matter of the ministration of the Gospel, especially that part of it which concerns our reconciliation with God; and declares the scheme, the author, the subjects, the way, and means, and consequence of it. The phrase, "in Christ", may be either joined with the word "God", as in our version, "God was in Christ reconciling"; that is, he was in Christ drawing the scheme, fixing the method of reconciliation; his thoughts were employed about it, which were thoughts of peace; he called a council of peace, and entered into a covenant of peace with Christ, who was appointed and agreed to, to be the peacemaker. Or with the word "reconciling", thus, God "was reconciling in Christ"; that is, by Christ; and so it denotes, as before, actual reconciliation by Christ. God, in pursuance of his purposes, council, and covenant, sent his Son to make peace; and laid our sins, and the chastisement of our peace upon him; this is the punishment of sin, whereby satisfaction was made for it, and so peace with God: or with the word "world", thus, "God was reconciling the world in Christ"; by whom are meant, not all the individuals of mankind, for these are not all in Christ, nor all reconciled to God, multitudes dying in enmity to him, nor all interested in the blessing of non-imputation of sin; whereas each of these is said of the world: but the elect of God, who are chosen in Christ, whose peace Christ is, whose sins are not imputed to them, and against whom no charge of any avail can be laid; and particularly the people of God among the Gentiles are here designed, who are frequently called "the world" in Scripture; being the world which God loved, for whose sins Christ is the propitiation, and of the reconciling of which mention is particularly made, Joh 3:16. And this sense well agrees with the context, which signifies, that no man is regarded for his natural descent; it is no matter whether he is a Jew or a Gentile, provided he is but a new creature: for Gospel reconciliation, and the ministry of it, concern one as well as another. Moreover, this reconciliation must be considered, either as intentional, or actual, or as a publication of it in the ministry of the word; and taken either way it cannot be thought to extend to every individual person in the world: if it is to be understood intentionally, that God intended the reconciliation of the world to himself by Christ, and drew the scheme of it in him, his intentions cannot be frustrated; his counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure; a scheme so wisely laid by him in his Son, cannot come to nothing, or only in part be executed; and yet this must be the case, if it was his design to reconcile every individual of mankind to himself, since a large number of them are not reconciled to him: and if the words are to be understood of an actual reconciliation of the world unto God by Christ, which sense agrees with the preceding verse, then it is out of all question, that the word "world" cannot be taken in so large a sense as to take in every man and woman in the world; since it is certain that there are many who are not reconciled to God, who die in their sins, whose peace is not made with him, nor are they reconciled to the way of salvation by Christ: and should it be admitted that the ministry of reconciliation is here designed, which is not an offer of reconciliation to the world, but a proclamation or declaration of peace and reconciliation made by the death of Christ; this is not sent to all men; multitudes were dead before the word of reconciliation was committed to the apostles; and since, there have been great numbers who have never so much as heard of it; and even in the times of the apostles it did not reach to everyone then living: besides, the text does not speak of what God did by the ministry of his apostles, but of what he himself had been doing in his Son, and which was antecedent, and gave rise unto and was the foundation of their ministry. There was a scheme of reconciliation drawn in the counsels of God before the world began, and an actual reconciliation by the death of Christ, which is published in the Gospel, which these words contain the sum and substance of: and this reconciliation, as before, is said to be "unto himself"; to his offended justice, and for the glory of his perfections, and the reconciling of them together in the affair of salvation: not imputing their trespasses. This was what he resolved upon from all eternity, that inasmuch as Christ was become the surety and substitute of his people, he would not impute their sins to them, or look for satisfaction for them from them; but would reckon and place them to the account of their surety, and expect satisfaction from him; and accordingly he did, and accordingly he had it. And this will, not to impute sin to his people, or not to punish for it, which existed in God from everlasting, is no other than a justification of them; for to whom the Lord does not impute sin, he imputes righteousness, and such are properly justified. And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation; or put it in us, as a rich and valuable treasure; for such the doctrine of peace and reconciliation, by the blood of Christ, is; a sacred deposition, committed to the trust of faithful men, to be dispensed and disposed of for the use and purpose for which it is given them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:18-21 God entrusts to his servants the message and ministry of reconciliation through Christ. • God has given us this task of reconciling people: Paul is speaking of his own ministry, but sharing this wonderful message is the responsibility of all believers. Christ’s ambassadors call people to accept what God has done so they can be made right with God through Christ. • Christ paid the penalty for people’s sins—to take away all that stood between God and humans and to make us right with God.
2 Corinthians 5:18
Ambassadors for Christ
17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!18All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:19that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
High Doctrine
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K43:32MAT 6:33ACT 20:24ROM 8:282CO 5:18EPH 2:8JAS 1:17REV 1:8The sermon transcript is a summary of the preaching of Reverend C.H. Spurgeon on the topic of salvation being of God's will and not man's free will. He emphasizes that all things, including every mercy and blessing, are entirely from God. The sermon highlights the dedication and sacrifice of missionaries who leave their comforts and face persecution to spread the gospel. Spurgeon concludes by stating that everything good in believers, including their ability to suffer for Christ, is a result of God's work in them.
Seven Corrective Lenses 2 Cor 5:10
By William MacDonald1.5K36:19Correction2CO 5:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living a life that serves God's interests. He emphasizes that we should not be focused on worldly possessions or selfish desires, but rather on fulfilling the commission that God has given us. The speaker references verses 18 and 19, which highlight the ministry of reconciliation that God has entrusted to us. He also shares a story about a woman who had to evacuate her mansion during a prairie fire and had to choose which possessions to save, illustrating the need to prioritize eternal values over temporary ones. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to have a vision of being used by God to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Fellowship Has Responsibility
By Paris Reidhead94146:41FellowshipJER 20:9MAT 28:19ACT 8:12CO 5:182TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fellowship and sharing within the church. He highlights the example of the early believers who faced persecution and scattered, but continued to preach the word of God wherever they went. The speaker encourages the audience to see themselves as witnesses and missionaries for Christ, and to actively engage in evangelism. He references the ministry of reconciliation and the need for every believer to be able to share their faith and lead others to Christ. The sermon also mentions the example of Moody, a famous evangelist, who emphasized the importance of evangelism in the church.
Reconciliation
By G.W. North22335:39ReconciliationMAT 5:21MAT 5:27MAT 5:31MAT 5:432CO 5:142CO 5:18In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of reconciliation and the importance of living under God. He begins by referencing 2 Corinthians 5:14, which speaks about the love of Christ constraining believers to live for Him. The speaker then emphasizes the need to align one's life with the teachings of Jesus, specifically highlighting the Sermon on the Mount as a prophetic ministry. He further explains that the ministry of reconciliation is about God reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus Christ and entrusting believers with the word of reconciliation. The sermon concludes with the reminder that living under God should be the foundation of one's life and the true ambassadorial message of the gospel.
Of Propitiation, Atonement, and Reconciliation, as Ascribed to Christ.
By John Gill2AtonementReconciliationZEC 13:7JHN 3:16ROM 3:25ROM 5:8ROM 5:102CO 5:18EPH 2:16COL 1:20HEB 2:171JN 2:2John Gill expounds on the concepts of propitiation, atonement, and reconciliation as they relate to Christ, emphasizing that while the term 'satisfaction' is not explicitly used in Scripture, its essence is captured in these terms. He explains that Christ serves as the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's justice and reconciling humanity to Him through His sacrificial death. Gill highlights that reconciliation is initiated by God and accomplished through Christ, who intercedes on behalf of sinners, transforming them from enemies to friends of God. The sermon underscores the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating the profound implications of His atoning work. Ultimately, Gill affirms that reconciliation is not about changing God's love but about addressing the justice that sin demands.
Secrets of Soulwinning
By R. Stanley0PRO 11:30ISA 66:7MAT 4:19MRK 8:36LUK 10:1LUK 15:5JHN 3:3JHN 4:1ACT 1:82CO 5:18R. Stanley preaches on the significance of soulwinning, emphasizing its importance as the greatest job on earth, the wisest business, the happiest occupation, the loftiest mission to mankind, and the activity with the widest scope in Christianity. Despite its superlatives, only a few believers engage in soulwinning due to a lack of understanding of their calling and a lack of training in how to win souls. The sermon delves into ten essential ingredients for successful soulwinning, including purity, passion, power, pain, positiveness, pleasantness, procedure, patience, preparedness, and partnership, drawing insights from biblical teachings and examples.
The Necessity of Christ's Making Satisfaction for Sin, Proved and Confirmed.
By John Gill0AtonementSalvationEXO 34:7MAT 16:21LUK 24:26JHN 3:16ROM 5:102CO 5:18EPH 1:7HEB 2:10HEB 9:221PE 3:18John Gill preaches on the necessity of Christ's satisfaction for sin, emphasizing that it was essential for the salvation of sinners and the fulfillment of God's justice. He explains that Christ, being made lower than the angels, suffered and died to make atonement for humanity's sins, which was necessary for reconciliation with God. Gill argues that without this satisfaction, there can be no forgiveness or salvation, as God's justice demands that sin be punished. He highlights the importance of understanding this doctrine as central to the Christian faith, warning against those who deny it. Ultimately, Gill calls for admiration of God's wisdom and justice in the plan of salvation through Christ's sacrifice.
Discourse of God's Being the Author of Reconciliation
By Stephen Charnock0JHN 10:18ROM 5:62CO 5:18EPH 1:6EPH 1:10Stephen Charnock preaches about the importance of reconciliation by Jesus Christ, highlighting the mystery and greatness of this act. The reconciliation through Christ comprehends the counsels of eternity and the transactions of time, shining forth the wisdom and grace of God. The double reconciliation expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 involves a fundamental reconciliation obtained at the death of Christ and an actual reconciliation complied with by faith. The proclamation and acceptance of reconciliation are essential parts, with God being the principal person wronged and reconciled to through Christ.
Colossians 1:15-18
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 18:10MAT 23:3JHN 14:27ACT 23:51CO 3:102CO 5:18EPH 2:14COL 1:15HEB 2:17John Chrysostom preaches about the exalted nature of Jesus Christ as the Image of the invisible God and the Firstborn of all creation. He emphasizes that Jesus, as God's Son, is the exact likeness of God and superior to all, including Angels. Chrysostom explains that Jesus, as the Firstborn from the dead, is the Firstfruits of the Resurrection, reconciling all things to Himself through His sacrifice on the Cross. He highlights the importance of peace, unity, and reconciliation among believers, pointing out that Christ's work brought harmony between heaven and earth, even reconciling Angels and humans.
The Secret of Victory Over Sin (Continued)
By L.E. Maxwell0PSA 37:4ISA 59:2ROM 5:11ROM 11:152CO 5:18The preacher delves into the concept of Reconciliation, describing it as the change from enmity to friendship between individuals, emphasizing the restoration of broken relationships. In the New Testament, Reconciliation signifies God's restoration of the world to Himself through Jesus Christ's work on the cross. The sermon highlights that reconciliation is the result of Christ's sacrificial death, showcasing the significance of the Cross where God's wrath against sin was poured out. It is emphasized that God reconciles sinners to Himself, showcasing His unchanging love and the need for repentance and trust in Christ.
The Message of 2 Corinthians
By G. Campbell Morgan0ReconciliationMinistry2CO 5:18G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound teachings of 2 Corinthians, focusing on the ministry within the Church and its divine authority, message, resources, and experiences. He highlights the importance of the Church's role in perfecting the saints for effective ministry in the world, urging both ministers and congregants to recognize the sacredness of their responsibilities. Morgan stresses the necessity of loyalty to the Word of reconciliation and the sufficiency of God, while also addressing the trials and triumphs faced in ministry. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the sanctity of the ministerial office and the Church's commitment to living out the message of reconciliation.
A Sad Story
By D.L. Moody0God's LoveReconciliation2CO 5:18D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of a father and son whose relationship deteriorates due to pride and anger, leading to the son's departure from home. The father's stubbornness contrasts with the mother's unwavering love, as she pleads for reconciliation even on her deathbed. Ultimately, it is the mother's dying wish that compels the father to reach out to the son, leading to a heartfelt reunion just before her passing. Moody uses this narrative to illustrate God's desire for reconciliation with sinners, emphasizing that unlike the father in the story, God is not angry with us and longs for us to return to Him. The sermon calls for individuals to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ and to embrace reconciliation with God.
Hurricane Jesus, Part 2
By David Servant0MAL 3:6LUK 12:49LUK 13:34ACT 5:1ROM 8:222CO 5:18David Servant addresses objections to the idea that natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina are manifestations of God's wrath, emphasizing the continuity of God's character and judgment throughout the Old and New Testaments. He refutes misconceptions about God's wrath post-Jesus' death, highlighting examples of God's judgment in the New Testament and the book of Revelation. Servant also challenges the notion that God's mercy nullifies His wrath, pointing out the importance of repentance for reconciliation with God and the impending judgment described in Scripture.
The Cross and the World
By L.E. Maxwell0PSA 103:12ISA 38:17ISA 59:2MIC 7:192CO 5:18Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of reconciliation, emphasizing the exchange of hostility for a friendly relationship through Christ. The focus is on God's initiative in reconciling sinners to Himself, highlighting the historical event of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Scriptures like Isaiah 59:2 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 illustrate the restoration of peace between God and man, with man being reconciled to God. Reconciliation is not something man accomplishes but receives as a divine provision, leading to a harmonious relationship with God.
Finding Fulfillment in the Father - John 20:17
By Jon Courson0LUK 7:36LUK 8:2JHN 20:112CO 5:18Jon Courson delves into the story of Mary Magdalene, emphasizing her transformation from a woman possessed by demons to a devoted follower of Jesus. He highlights the depth of Mary's love for Jesus, contrasting it with Simon the Pharisee's lack of understanding and appreciation. Courson explores the concept of clinging to earthly relationships versus finding true security and fulfillment in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who came to reconcile us to the Father and offer us grace and mercy.
Reconciliation
By James Challen0LUK 24:46ACT 1:82CO 5:18EPH 2:13COL 1:19James Challen preaches about the ministry of reconciliation, emphasizing that man is alienated from God due to sin, but through Jesus Christ, God offers reconciliation to the world. Challen highlights the role of Jesus as the ultimate Ambassador of God, who came to reconcile humanity to the Father through his life, death, and resurrection. The apostles, chosen by Jesus, served as ambassadors spreading the message of reconciliation to all nations, and their work remains a perpetual obligation for believers today.
Epistle 267
By George Fox0Unity in the ChurchLove and Grace in MinistryMAT 18:15JHN 12:361CO 13:71CO 14:322CO 5:18GAL 4:28EPH 4:16COL 4:61TH 5:51PE 4:10George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers who are children of the light. He urges ministers not to judge one another in public meetings, as this creates confusion and harms the congregation. Instead, he advocates for patience and private communication to resolve issues, reflecting the spirit of order and humility. Fox highlights that true ministry should be rooted in grace and love, edifying the body of Christ and maintaining unity. He calls on all to recognize the divine presence in each other and to minister accordingly, fostering a spirit of fellowship and truth.
The People's Interest in Their Minister's Commission
By J.H. Newman0MAT 16:19MAT 28:20JHN 3:5JHN 6:531CO 4:12CO 5:181TH 2:2J.H. Newman preaches about the commission and authority given by Jesus to St. Peter and the apostles, empowering them as chief shepherds of the Church to teach and guide the people in matters of faith and salvation. This commission includes the responsibility of ministering the Word of God and administering the sacraments, particularly Baptism and the Eucharist, which are essential for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Newman emphasizes the importance of the apostolic succession and the divine commission passed down through bishops, ensuring the faithful exercise of ministry and the presence of Christ in the Church's sacramental actions.
Our Daily Homily - 2 Corinthians
By F.B. Meyer0Strength in WeaknessComfort in Affliction2CO 1:42CO 2:152CO 3:182CO 4:182CO 5:182CO 6:82CO 7:12CO 8:72CO 9:102CO 12:10F.B. Meyer emphasizes the theme of comfort in affliction as he reflects on 2 Corinthians, highlighting how God comforts us in our tribulations so that we can extend that comfort to others. He encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities for growth and to keep a record of God's mercies during difficult times. Meyer illustrates the transformative power of suffering, suggesting that through our weaknesses, God's strength is made perfect. He also discusses the importance of living a life that reflects Christ, becoming a sweet aroma to God and others. Ultimately, he calls for a deep communion with the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.
The All-Inclusive "In"
By T. Austin-Sparks0Living the Christian LifeIdentity in ChristJHN 14:10JHN 20:22ROM 6:5ROM 8:171CO 1:302CO 5:18EPH 1:10EPH 2:6PHP 1:27COL 3:101TH 4:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of being 'in Christ,' a phrase that encapsulates the entirety of Christian existence and purpose. He explains that all aspects of life, including creation, redemption, and sanctification, are found within this relationship, highlighting that true Christian living is not achievable by human effort but through Christ living in us. Sparks contrasts the state of being 'in Adam' with the transformative power of being 'in Christ,' underscoring the necessity of a deep, experiential incorporation into Him. He calls for believers to recognize their identity and unity in Christ, which is essential for effective service and prayer, as all actions must stem from divine revelation rather than human initiative. Ultimately, he stresses that the Christian life is a manifestation of Christ's life through believers, making it imperative to abide in Him for true effectiveness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And all things are of God - As the thorough conversion of the soul is compared to a new creation, and creation is the proper work of an all-wise, almighty Being; then this total change of heart, soul, and life, which takes place under the preaching of the Gospel, is effected by the power and grace of God: this is salvation, and salvation must ever be of the Lord; and therefore men should apply to him, who alone can work this wondrous change. Who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ - Having given Jesus Christ to die for sinners, they have through him access unto God; for his sake and on his account God can receive them; and it is only by the grace and Spirit of Christ that the proud, fierce, and diabolic nature of men can be changed and reconciled to God, and by and through this sacrifice God can be propitious to them. There is an enmity in the heart of man against sacred things; the grace of Christ alone can remove this enmity. The ministry of reconciliation - Διακονιαν της καταλλαγης· The Office or function of this reconciliation called, Co2 5:19, the word; τον λογον της καταλλαγης· the Doctrine of this reconciliation. Καταλλαγη, reconciliation, comes from καταλλασσω, to change thoroughly; and the grand object of the Gospel is to make a complete change in men's minds and manners; but the first object is the removal of enmity from the heart of man, that he may be disposed to accept of the salvation God has provided for him, on the terms which God has promised. The enmity in the heart of man is the grand hinderance to his salvation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all--Greek, "THE." things--all our privileges in this new creation (Co2 5:14-15). reconciled us--that is, restored us ("the world," Co2 5:19) to His favor by satisfying the claims of justice against us. Our position judicially considered in the eye of the law is altered, not as though the mediation of Christ had made a change in God's character, nor as if the love of God was produced by the mediation of Christ; nay, the mediation and sacrifice of Christ was the provision of God's love, not its moving cause (Rom 8:32). Christ's blood was the price paid at the expense of God Himself, and was required to reconcile the exercise of mercy with justice, not as separate, but as the eternally harmonious attributes in the one and the same God (Rom 3:25-26). The Greek "reconcile" is reciprocally used as in the Hebrew Hithpahel conjugation, appease, obtain the favor of. Mat 5:24, "Be reconciled to thy brother"; that is, take measures that he be reconciled to thee, as well as thou to him, as the context proves. Diallagethi, however (Mat 5:24), implying mutual reconciliation, is distinct from Katallagethi here, the latter referring to the change of status wrought in one of the two parties. The manner of God reconciling the world to Himself is implied (Co2 5:19), namely, by His "not imputing their trespasses to them." God not merely, as subsequently, reconciles the world by inducing them to lay aside their enmity, but in the first instance, does so by satisfying His own justice and righteous enmity against sin (Psa 7:11). Compare Sa1 29:4, "Reconcile himself unto his master"; not remove his own anger against his master, but his master's against him [ARCHBISHOP MAGEE, Atonement]. The reconciling of men to God by their laying aside their enmity is the consequence of God laying aside His just enmity against their sin, and follows at Co2 5:20. to us--ministers (Co2 5:19-20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself,.... This expresses and explains the subject matter of the ministration of the Gospel, especially that part of it which concerns our reconciliation with God; and declares the scheme, the author, the subjects, the way, and means, and consequence of it. The phrase, "in Christ", may be either joined with the word "God", as in our version, "God was in Christ reconciling"; that is, he was in Christ drawing the scheme, fixing the method of reconciliation; his thoughts were employed about it, which were thoughts of peace; he called a council of peace, and entered into a covenant of peace with Christ, who was appointed and agreed to, to be the peacemaker. Or with the word "reconciling", thus, God "was reconciling in Christ"; that is, by Christ; and so it denotes, as before, actual reconciliation by Christ. God, in pursuance of his purposes, council, and covenant, sent his Son to make peace; and laid our sins, and the chastisement of our peace upon him; this is the punishment of sin, whereby satisfaction was made for it, and so peace with God: or with the word "world", thus, "God was reconciling the world in Christ"; by whom are meant, not all the individuals of mankind, for these are not all in Christ, nor all reconciled to God, multitudes dying in enmity to him, nor all interested in the blessing of non-imputation of sin; whereas each of these is said of the world: but the elect of God, who are chosen in Christ, whose peace Christ is, whose sins are not imputed to them, and against whom no charge of any avail can be laid; and particularly the people of God among the Gentiles are here designed, who are frequently called "the world" in Scripture; being the world which God loved, for whose sins Christ is the propitiation, and of the reconciling of which mention is particularly made, Joh 3:16. And this sense well agrees with the context, which signifies, that no man is regarded for his natural descent; it is no matter whether he is a Jew or a Gentile, provided he is but a new creature: for Gospel reconciliation, and the ministry of it, concern one as well as another. Moreover, this reconciliation must be considered, either as intentional, or actual, or as a publication of it in the ministry of the word; and taken either way it cannot be thought to extend to every individual person in the world: if it is to be understood intentionally, that God intended the reconciliation of the world to himself by Christ, and drew the scheme of it in him, his intentions cannot be frustrated; his counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure; a scheme so wisely laid by him in his Son, cannot come to nothing, or only in part be executed; and yet this must be the case, if it was his design to reconcile every individual of mankind to himself, since a large number of them are not reconciled to him: and if the words are to be understood of an actual reconciliation of the world unto God by Christ, which sense agrees with the preceding verse, then it is out of all question, that the word "world" cannot be taken in so large a sense as to take in every man and woman in the world; since it is certain that there are many who are not reconciled to God, who die in their sins, whose peace is not made with him, nor are they reconciled to the way of salvation by Christ: and should it be admitted that the ministry of reconciliation is here designed, which is not an offer of reconciliation to the world, but a proclamation or declaration of peace and reconciliation made by the death of Christ; this is not sent to all men; multitudes were dead before the word of reconciliation was committed to the apostles; and since, there have been great numbers who have never so much as heard of it; and even in the times of the apostles it did not reach to everyone then living: besides, the text does not speak of what God did by the ministry of his apostles, but of what he himself had been doing in his Son, and which was antecedent, and gave rise unto and was the foundation of their ministry. There was a scheme of reconciliation drawn in the counsels of God before the world began, and an actual reconciliation by the death of Christ, which is published in the Gospel, which these words contain the sum and substance of: and this reconciliation, as before, is said to be "unto himself"; to his offended justice, and for the glory of his perfections, and the reconciling of them together in the affair of salvation: not imputing their trespasses. This was what he resolved upon from all eternity, that inasmuch as Christ was become the surety and substitute of his people, he would not impute their sins to them, or look for satisfaction for them from them; but would reckon and place them to the account of their surety, and expect satisfaction from him; and accordingly he did, and accordingly he had it. And this will, not to impute sin to his people, or not to punish for it, which existed in God from everlasting, is no other than a justification of them; for to whom the Lord does not impute sin, he imputes righteousness, and such are properly justified. And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation; or put it in us, as a rich and valuable treasure; for such the doctrine of peace and reconciliation, by the blood of Christ, is; a sacred deposition, committed to the trust of faithful men, to be dispensed and disposed of for the use and purpose for which it is given them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:18-21 God entrusts to his servants the message and ministry of reconciliation through Christ. • God has given us this task of reconciling people: Paul is speaking of his own ministry, but sharing this wonderful message is the responsibility of all believers. Christ’s ambassadors call people to accept what God has done so they can be made right with God through Christ. • Christ paid the penalty for people’s sins—to take away all that stood between God and humans and to make us right with God.