2 Corinthians 5:11

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Knowing {G1492} therefore {G3767} the terror {G5401} of the Lord {G2962}, we persuade {G3982} men {G444}; but {G1161} we are made manifest {G5319} unto God {G2316}; and {G1161} I trust {G1679} also {G2532} are made manifest {G5319} in {G1722} your {G5216} consciences {G4893}.

So it is with the fear of the Lord before us that we try to persuade people. Moreover, God knows us as we really are; and I hope that in your consciences you too know us as we really are.

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.

Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

In 2 Corinthians 5:11, the Apostle Paul continues his discourse on the Christian's motivation for ministry, building upon the profound truths of accountability and eternal perspective. This verse highlights the deep spiritual convictions that drove Paul and should similarly compel believers today.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:10 that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ." The "therefore" in verse 11 directly connects his actions and motivations to this inescapable future reality. Paul is addressing a Corinthian church where his authority and sincerity were challenged by some. He defends his ministry, not for personal gain, but out of a profound sense of duty and a clear understanding of God's ultimate authority and judgment.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for God's Judgment: The phrase "the terror of the Lord" (Greek: phobos Kyriou) signifies not merely abject fear, but a profound awe, reverence, and respect for God's holiness, justice, and the certainty of His future judgment. It's an understanding that God will hold all people accountable for their lives, which serves as a powerful motivator.
  • Motivation for Evangelism: Knowing the serious implications of eternity, Paul states, "we persuade men." This emphasizes the urgency and passion behind his evangelistic efforts. His aim was to convince people of the truth of the Gospel, leading them to reconciliation with God and salvation from future judgment.
  • Transparency and Integrity: Paul asserts, "we are made manifest unto God." This means his true motives, character, and the sincerity of his ministry are fully known and approved by God. He lives with an awareness that nothing is hidden from the Almighty.
  • Seeking Conscience's Affirmation: "And I trust also are made manifest in your consciences" reveals Paul's desire for the Corinthians to recognize his integrity. Despite criticisms, he trusted that their inner moral compass would bear witness to his genuine commitment to Christ and them. He wanted their consciences to confirm what God already knew to be true about him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "terror" (phobos) in "the terror of the Lord" can denote fear, but in this theological context, it often implies a reverential awe and respect for God's power and righteous judgment, rather than mere dread. The term "persuade" (peithō) means to convince or win over, highlighting the rational and spiritual appeal of the Gospel message. "Made manifest" (phaneroō) means to make visible, clear, or known, underscoring Paul's transparency before God and his desire for the same recognition from the Corinthians.

Practical Application

This verse provides a powerful framework for Christian living and ministry today:

  • Urgency in Sharing Faith: Our understanding of God's ultimate authority and the reality of eternal judgment should fuel our passion to share the Gospel with others, just as it did for Paul.
  • Living with Integrity: Knowing that we are "made manifest unto God" encourages us to live transparently, with motives that are pure and actions that honor Him. Our lives should be an open book before God.
  • Seeking Conscience's Approval: While our ultimate approval comes from God, living in such a way that our integrity is evident to others can build trust and credibility in our witness, allowing our lives to speak to the consciences of those around us.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jude 1:23

    And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

  • Hebrews 10:31

    [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

  • 2 Timothy 2:24

    And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

  • 2 Timothy 2:26

    And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    ¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:14

    As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also [are] ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

  • Psalms 90:11

    Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.

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