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Lent · Ash Wednesday · Year A

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

The Ministry of Reconciliation

February 18, 2026

Saint Paul Shipwrecked on Malta, Laurent de La Hyre
Saint Paul Shipwrecked on Malta, Laurent de La Hyre, c. 1630Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama
The apostle ashore after the wreck, among strangers who light him a fire.In afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, labours, sleepless nights, hunger.Laurent de La HyreA Parisian painter of the generation before Poussin's influence took hold, known for calm, level-headed pictures of violent events.Birmingham Museum of Art, AlabamaThe Birmingham Museum of Art in Alabama, whose European collection began with one donated painting in 1951.Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelMatt. 6:1-6, 16-21Mt 6:1-6, 16-21
Epistle2 Cor. 5:20b-6:102 Cor 5:20b-6:10
Old TestamentJoel 2:12-19Jl 2:12-19
PsalterPs. 51:1-13 (14-19)Ps 51:1-13 (14-19)

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 5:20b-6:10

Commentary

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

This is the exact Ash Wednesday epistle in the RCL, so the Luther Seminary commentary treats 'now is the day of salvation' head on.

2 Corinthians 6 Commentary: Paul's Credentials as a Minister2 Cor 6 Commentary: Paul's Credentials as a Minister Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik works through the appeal to be reconciled and Paul's catalog of hardships endured in ministry.

2 Corinthians 6 Commentary2 Cor 6 Commentary Precept Austin

A verse-by-verse study hub gathering word notes and cross references on the day of salvation and the marks of a true servant.

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

Classic commentators compared side by side on being ambassadors for Christ and the ministry of reconciliation.

Background & Word Study

2 Corinthians 6:1 Interlinear2 Cor 6:1 Interlinear BibleHub

The Greek of 'we entreat you not to receive the grace of God in vain' word by word with parsing.

Book of 2 Corinthians OverviewBook of 2 Cor Overview BibleProject

BibleProject's overview traces Paul's defense of his ministry and the theme of strength in weakness.

2 Corinthians and Work2 Cor and Work Theology of Work

Background on reconciliation and endurance as the shape of faithful daily labor.

The Church Fathers

2 Corinthians 5 - Catena Bible & Commentaries2 Cor 5 - Catena Bible & Commentaries Catena

Patristic comment on the ministry of reconciliation gathered from the early church.

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