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Lenten Season · Ash Wednesday · Year C

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

The Ministry of Reconciliation

March 1, 2028

The Apostle Paul at His Writing Desk, Rembrandt van Rijn
The Apostle Paul at His Writing Desk, Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1629–30Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
The old apostle, pen in hand, has risen from his chair and leans over the books on his desk, thinking before he writes; his sword hangs on the wall behind him.So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.Rembrandt van RijnPainted in Leiden when Rembrandt was about twenty-three, in the years he kept returning to old men as Paul, Peter and the prophets.Germanisches Nationalmuseum, NurembergThe Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg, the largest museum of German art and culture.Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
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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Take it further: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

Commentary

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

Written specifically for this passage as the Ash Wednesday epistle.

Enduring Word: 2 Corinthians 5 CommentaryEnduring Word: 2 Cor 5 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Verse-by-verse treatment of the ambassador-for-Christ passage.

BibleHub: 2 Corinthians 5 CommentariesBibleHub: 2 Cor 5 Commentaries BibleHub

Several classic commentators stacked at verse 20.

Precept Austin: 2 Corinthians 5 CommentaryPrecept Austin: 2 Cor 5 Commentary Precept Austin

Detailed word studies on reconciliation and new creation.

StudyLight: 2 Corinthians 5, Barnes' NotesStudyLight: 2 Cor 5, Barnes' Notes StudyLight

A fifth distinct commentary voice on Paul's ministry of reconciliation.

Background & Word Study

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

The Greek katallagete (be reconciled) parsed in context.

BibleProject: 2 Corinthians OverviewBibleProject: 2 Cor Overview BibleProject

Shows where this reconciliation appeal sits in Paul's argument to Corinth.

The Church Fathers

Catena: 2 Corinthians 5Catena: 2 Cor 5 Catena

Patristic comment on the new creation and the ministry of reconciliation.

Sermons & Reflections

Christian Century: Ash Wednesday Lectionary Essay The Christian Century

A preaching essay covering the full Ash Wednesday set, including this epistle.

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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