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Lenten Season · Ash Wednesday · Year B

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

The Ministry of Reconciliation

February 10, 2027

The Meeting of Esau and Jacob, Giovanni Maria Bottala
The Meeting of Esau and Jacob, Giovanni Maria Bottala, c. 1630sPinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna
The two brothers meeting in the open with both households crowded behind them, the children and the animals pressing in at the edges of it.Paul's ministry of reconciliation is not a theory here but two brothers in each other's arms, with the armed men behind them standing down.Giovanni Maria BottalaBottala, a young Genoese painter in Rome, who put the two families into the picture rather than only the two men.Pinacoteca Nazionale, BolognaThe Pinacoteca Nazionale in Bologna.Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna
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.

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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