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Lenten Season · Ash Wednesday · Year A

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

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.We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation.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
Revised Common 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 2:1-2, 12-17Jl 2:1-2, 12-17 orIsa. 58:1-12Is 58:1-12
PsalterPs. 51:1-17Ps 51:1-17

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

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:102 Cor 5:20b-6:10 Working Preacher

A commentary on Paul's appeal to be reconciled to God now.

2 Corinthians 62 Cor 6 Enduring Word · David Guzik

Evangelical notes on the day of salvation and the marks of Paul's ministry.

Classic commentaries on 2 Corinthians 5Classic commentaries on 2 Cor 5 BibleHub

Parallel classic commentaries collected on 2 Corinthians 5:20.

2 Corinthians 6 resources2 Cor 6 resources Precept Austin

In-depth evangelical study resources and cross-references for 2 Corinthians 6.

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:102 Cor 5:20b-6:10 Enduring Word · David Guzik

An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.

Background & Word Study

Overview: 2 CorinthiansOverview: 2 Cor BibleProject

An animated overview of 2 Corinthians and its message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians and Work2 Cor and Work Theology of Work

Connects Paul's ministry of reconciliation to everyday work and vocation.

The Church Fathers

2 Corinthians 5, patristic commentary2 Cor 5, patristic commentary Catena

Early church fathers' verse-by-verse comments on 2 Corinthians 5.

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