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Lenten Season · Ash Wednesday · Year A

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

The Ministry of Reconciliation

February 18, 2026

Reconciliation of Jacob and Esau (Meeting between Esau and Jacob), Giovanni Maria Bottala (Raffaellino Bottalla)
Reconciliation of Jacob and Esau (Meeting between Esau and Jacob), Giovanni Maria Bottala (Raffaellino Bottalla), c. 1636–1641Musei Capitolini, Rome, via Wikimedia Commons
A Roman Baroque canvas of the reunion: Esau's arms round Jacob's neck, the two households and their animals piled up behind.Be reconciled to God. We entreat you on behalf of Christ: the letter asks for it, and this is the Bible's hardest-won example.Musei Capitolini, Rome, via Wikimedia CommonsThe oldest public museums in the world, founded in 1471 when a pope gave a group of bronzes to the people of Rome.Musei Capitolini, Rome, via Wikimedia Commons
Roman Lectionary
GospelMatt. 6:1-6, 16-18Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Second Reading2 Cor. 5:20-6:22 Cor 5:20-6:2
First ReadingJoel 2:12-18Jl 2:12-18
Responsorial PsalmPs. 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14+17Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14+17

Overview & Insights

“We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

In this section, Paul draws a conclusion (note the “therefore,” Since, then [oun] , in v. 11) to the previous discussion. He rejects the opponents’ physical criterion for assessing the legitimacy of his apostolic office and seeks instead to establish valid, internal criteria.

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Commentary

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10Commentary on 2 Cor 5:20b-6:10 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary commentary on Paul's plea to be reconciled to God now, in this acceptable day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 5 Commentary2 Cor 5 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik on the ministry of reconciliation and being ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20 Commentaries2 Cor 5:20 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic and modern commentators gathered on 2 Corinthians 5:20.

2 Corinthians Commentaries2 Cor Commentaries Precept Austin

Verse-by-verse study library with word studies and cross-references on 2 Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Commentary2 Cor 5:16-21 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed preaching commentary on the new creation and the appeal to be reconciled to God.

Background & Word Study

Book of 2 Corinthians OverviewBook of 2 Cor Overview BibleProject

Animated overview of 2 Corinthians and Paul's message of reconciliation in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20 Interlinear2 Cor 5:20 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek word-by-word text of 2 Corinthians 5:20 with parsing and Strong's numbers.

The Church Fathers

Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 5 (Catena)Church Fathers on 2 Cor 5 (Catena) Catena

Verse-linked patristic commentary on 2 Corinthians 5.

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