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Ordinary Time · Saint Mary Magdalene · Year A

2 Corinthians 5:14-17

The Ministry of Reconciliation

July 22, 2026

The Resurrection of Christ, Samuel van Hoogstraten
The Resurrection of Christ, Samuel van Hoogstraten, c. 1665The Art Institute of Chicago
Christ rises out of the darkness in a blaze of light while angels sweep upward around him and the guards lie overcome below.The love of Christ urges us on … one has died for all … who for their sake died and was raised. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.Samuel van HoogstratenA Dutch painter and writer on art, a pupil of Rembrandt, fascinated by light and illusion.The Art Institute of ChicagoThe Art Institute of Chicago, one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.The Art Institute of Chicago
Roman Lectionary
GospelJohn 20:1-2, 11-18Jn 20:1-2, 11-18
Second Reading2 Cor. 5:14-172 Cor 5:14-17
First ReadingSong 3:1-4bSg 3:1-4b
Responsorial PsalmPs. 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

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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Take it further: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13) 14-17Commentary on 2 Cor 5:6-10, (11-13) 14-17 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary exegesis of the love of Christ and the new creation, covering verses 14-17.

2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13) 14-17 Commentary2 Cor 5:6-10, (11-13) 14-17 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed, sermon shaped commentary hearing verse 17 reframe how we see one another as new creations.

2 Corinthians 5: The New Creation2 Cor 5: The New Creation Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the chapter.

2 Corinthians 5 Commentary2 Cor 5 Commentary Precept Austin

A deep gathering of word studies and cross references verse by verse through 2 Corinthians 5.

2 Corinthians 5:14 Commentaries2 Cor 5:14 Commentaries BibleHub

Aggregates classic commentaries on the new creation verses in one place.

2 Corinthians 5-7: The Ministry of Reconciliation2 Cor 5-7: The Ministry of Reconciliation Agape Bible Study

A Catholic study of chapters 5 through 7, including the love of Christ and the new creation.

Background & Word Study

2 Corinthians 5:14 Greek Interlinear2 Cor 5:14 Greek Interlinear BibleHub

Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the new creation verses.

The Church Fathers

Catena on 2 Corinthians 5Catena on 2 Cor 5 Catena

Patristic comments verse by verse on the love of Christ and the new creation.

Questions preachers ask

What is the ministry of reconciliation?

God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself and has entrusted that message to his servants, who appeal, now is the favorable day of salvation.

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