2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

And {G1161} all things {G3956} are of {G1537} God {G2316}, who {G3588} hath reconciled {G2644} us {G2248} to himself {G1438} by {G1223} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} hath given {G1325} to us {G2254} the ministry {G1248} of reconciliation {G2643};

And it is all from God, who through the Messiah has reconciled us to himself and has given us the work of that reconciliation,

All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;

This verse from 2 Corinthians succinctly captures the core of the gospel message and the mission of believers. It emphasizes that the entire process of restoring humanity's relationship with God originates from God's grace and is accomplished through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, it highlights the believer's calling to share this message with the world.

Context

This verse follows immediately after Paul's declaration in verse 17 that anyone in Christ is a "new creature" or "new creation", and that "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Verse 18 explains how this transformation occurs – through God's work of reconciliation. Paul is defending his apostolic ministry and explaining the profound change that takes place in those who are united with Christ.

Key Themes

  • God's Initiative: The verse clearly states that "all things are of God." Reconciliation is not something humanity achieved, but a divine act initiated by God himself.
  • Reconciliation Through Christ: The means by which God reconciles us to Himself is "by Jesus Christ." His life, death, and resurrection bridged the gap caused by sin.
  • The Ministry of Reconciliation: Believers are not just passive recipients of reconciliation; they are also entrusted with the "ministry of reconciliation." This means sharing the good news of how others can also be reconciled to God through Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word translated "reconciled" and "reconciliation" is katallasso (καταλλάσσω) and its related noun katallage (καταλλαγή). This word group signifies a change from a state of enmity or alienation to one of peace and friendship. It implies the restoration of a broken relationship. The word translated "ministry" is diakonia (διακονία), which means service or ministration, emphasizing the active role given to believers.

Practical Application

Understanding this verse empowers believers to see their relationship with God as a gift of grace and their purpose as ambassadors for Christ (as stated later in verse 20). It calls us to participate actively in the mission of sharing the message of reconciliation, inviting others to experience the restored relationship with God that is available through Jesus Christ. Our lives should reflect this divine work, demonstrating the reality of the new creation and the power of reconciliation.

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.

  • Colossians 1:20

    And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

  • Colossians 1:21

    And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

  • 2 Corinthians 5:19

    To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20

    Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

  • Romans 5:10

    For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

  • Romans 5:11

    And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

  • Ephesians 2:16

    And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

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