Meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:20

This verse presents a profound declaration of the Christian's identity and mission, casting believers as divine emissaries tasked with extending God's offer of reconciliation to the world. Paul, writing to the Corinthian church, asserts that Christians are not merely followers of Christ but are actively deputized by Him to represent His interests and convey His message. The phrase "as though God were making his appeal through us" underscores the immense authority and sacredness of this role; the words spoken by believers in this capacity are, in essence, God's own plea for humanity to turn back to Him. The core of this appeal, as explicitly stated, is a call to "Be reconciled to God," highlighting the broken relationship between humanity and its Creator, and presenting Christ's work as the means by which this reconciliation is made possible.

Context and Background

The passage in 2 Corinthians 5 is part of a larger section (verses 11-21) where Paul defends his apostolic ministry and explains the transformative nature of the new covenant in Christ. Having discussed the glories of the new creation in Christ, the shedding of the old self, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, Paul now addresses the practical outworking of this new reality. The Corinthian church faced internal divisions and external pressures, and Paul's ministry was often questioned. Therefore, he emphasizes the divine origin and purpose of his work and that of other apostles, framing their efforts as a continuation of God's redemptive plan. The concept of reconciliation is central to Paul's theology, particularly in this epistle, as he seeks to persuade both believers and non-believers of the gospel's power.

Key Themes and Messages

• Ambassadorship: Believers are representatives of Christ and, by extension, of God. This implies a delegated authority and a responsibility to act in accordance with the King's will and to convey His message faithfully.
• Divine Appeal: The message of reconciliation is not merely human persuasion but God's direct appeal to humanity. This lends immense weight and urgency to the Christian's communication.
• Reconciliation: The central theme is the restoration of a broken relationship between God and humanity, a peace achieved through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
• Urgency and Imploration: The word "implore" (or "beseech") conveys a strong sense of earnestness and urgency, reflecting the critical nature of the decision to accept God's offer.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound implications for every Christian. It elevates the ordinary believer into a participant in God's cosmic mission of redemption. It means that our lives, our words, and our actions, when aligned with Christ's commission, become conduits for God's grace and truth. The call to be reconciled to God is a universal invitation, and Christians are entrusted with the privilege and duty of extending it. This understanding fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility, transforming daily interactions into opportunities to share the gospel. It calls for a life lived in conscious representation of Christ, reflecting His character and proclaiming His message with love and conviction.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The concept of reconciliation is a cornerstone of biblical theology, tracing its roots from the Fall of humanity in Genesis, which severed the relationship with God, through the Old Testament sacrificial system that foreshadowed atonement, to its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 59:2 speaks of sin creating a division between God and His people. Romans 5:10 states that "we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son," solidifying Christ's role as the agent of reconciliation. Ephesians 2:14-16 further elaborates on how Christ "broke down the dividing wall" of hostility and made peace, reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God. This verse in 2 Corinthians is a direct application of that theological reality to the ongoing mission of the Church.

Analogies

• Diplomatic Envoy: An ambassador is a representative of one sovereign power in the territory of another. They carry the authority of their home government and convey its messages and policies. Similarly, Christians are ambassadors of God's kingdom, representing Christ's reign and conveying His message of reconciliation.
• Peace Treaty: Reconciliation is akin to the signing of a peace treaty after a conflict. Christ's death is the act that made the "treaty" possible, and believers are tasked with inviting others to sign on to this peace with God.
• Urgent Public Service Announcement: Imagine a life-saving message being broadcast. The Christian's plea to be reconciled to God is an urgent announcement from the highest authority, offering salvation from spiritual death.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This verse in 2 Corinthians is a direct outworking of the Great Commission, specifying the message to be proclaimed: reconciliation with God.
• Colossians 1:19-20: "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." This passage underscores how reconciliation is achieved, through Christ's sacrificial death.
• Romans 10:14-15: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?... As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" This highlights the necessity of the ambassadorial role in bringing the message of reconciliation to those who have not yet heard.