Because in Christ, God reconciled the world to himself, no longer counting their trespasses against them, and entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.
Commentaries
5:17 - 5:21
The Message of Reconciliation.
Paul defends the authenticity of his mission against opportunists and false apostles who have undermined it through criticism and slander. The Apostle desires reconciliation not only in private but also within the community. What is truly at stake is not his personal relationships with the Corinthians but their understanding and acceptance of the Gospel he has proclaimed. How can they be reconciled to God without passing through reconciliation with Christ’s envoy and ambassador, whose service is precisely the ‘ministry of reconciliation’? The Apostle simply seeks to express his amazement at the folly of God’s infinite and unconditional love for us all, shown through the death of his Son, Jesus, on the cross. Paul experienced this in Damascus and wishes to share it with the Corinthians.
Commentaries
The Message of Reconciliation.
Paul defends the authenticity of his mission against opportunists and false apostles who have undermined it through criticism and slander. The Apostle desires reconciliation not only in private but also within the community. What is truly at stake is not his personal relationships with the Corinthians but their understanding and acceptance of the Gospel he has proclaimed. How can they be reconciled to God without passing through reconciliation with Christ’s envoy and ambassador, whose service is precisely the ‘ministry of reconciliation’? The Apostle simply seeks to express his amazement at the folly of God’s infinite and unconditional love for us all, shown through the death of his Son, Jesus, on the cross. Paul experienced this in Damascus and wishes to share it with the Corinthians.