lectionary.com

Lenten Season · Fourth Sunday of Lent · Year C

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

The Ministry of Reconciliation

March 26, 2028

The Apostle Paul, Jan Lievens
The Apostle Paul, Jan Lievens, c. 1627–1629Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
Lievens shared a studio with Rembrandt in Leiden, and the two painted the same subjects in the same years. His Paul is close-lit and heavy-browed, caught thinking rather than speaking.So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!Jan LievensA Dutch painter who shared a studio with Rembrandt as a young man, was thought his equal at the time, and has been overshadowed ever since.Nationalmuseum, StockholmSweden's national gallery, founded on the royal collection and reopened in 2018 after five years of rebuilding.Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
Roman Lectionary
GospelLuke 15:1-3, 11-32Lk 15:1-3, 11-32Alt. GospelIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: John 9:1-41If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Jn 9:1-41 orJohn 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38Jn 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
Second Reading2 Cor. 5:17-212 Cor 5:17-21Alt. 2nd ReadingIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Ephesians 5:8-14If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Eph 5:8-14
First ReadingJosh. 5:9a, 10-12Jos 5:9a, 10-12Alt. 1st ReadingIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13aIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Responsorial PsalmPs. 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 (9a)Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 (9a)Alt. PsalmIf Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6, (1)If Second Scrutiny of the Elect: Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6, (1)

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.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Commentary

2 Corinthians 5 Commentaries2 Cor 5 Commentaries BibleHub

Verse-by-verse classic commentaries gathered on the ministry of reconciliation.

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

A plain-language walk through the chapter's teaching on the new creation.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21Commentary on 2 Cor 5:16-21 Working Preacher

A scholar's commentary written specifically for this Sunday in the lectionary cycle.

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

A preaching-focused reading on reconciliation as the heavy lifting God has already done.

2 Corinthians 5 Commentary2 Cor 5 Commentary Precept Austin

An extensive evangelical commentary compilation keyed to each verse.

2 Corinthians 5 (Haydock Commentary)2 Cor 5 (Haydock Commentary) Haydock Commentary

A Catholic commentary tradition reading of Paul's ministry of reconciliation.

Background & Word Study

2 Corinthians 5 Interlinear2 Cor 5 Interlinear BibleHub

Shows the Greek text word by word behind 'new creation' and 'reconciliation.'

The Church Fathers

2 Corinthians 5 (Catena)2 Cor 5 (Catena) Catena

Patristic comments gathered verse by verse on reconciliation in Christ.

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.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.