2 Corinthians 5:18 kjv
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Corinthians 5:18 nkjv
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
2 Corinthians 5:18 niv
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
2 Corinthians 5:18 esv
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Corinthians 5:18 nlt
And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.
2 Corinthians 5 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 5:19 | ...that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself... | God's initiative |
| Col 1:20 | ...and through him to reconcile to himself all things... | Cosmic reconciliation |
| Rom 5:10 | For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son... | Reconciliation by death |
| Eph 2:16 | ...and might reconcile us both to God by the cross, thereby killing the hostility. | Reconciliation by cross |
| Rom 3:23-24 | ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift... | Sin and grace |
| 1 Pet 3:18 | For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous... | Substitutionary atonement |
| John 3:16 | For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son... | God's love motive |
| Rom 11:15 | For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world... | Reconciliation aspect |
| 2 Cor 6:1 | Working together with him, then, we implore you as well not to accept the grace of God in vain. | Cooperation with God |
| Acts 17:30 | The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. | Call to repent |
| Isa 53:5-6 | ...upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace... | Suffering and peace |
| Gal 3:28 | ...there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male and female... | Unity in Christ |
| Phil 2:6-8 | ...who, though he was in the form of God... humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death... | Christ's humility |
| Col 2:13-14 | ...having forgiven us all our transgressions, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us... | Forgiveness of sins |
| Titus 3:5 | ...he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy... | Mercy not works |
| Rom 8:32 | He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? | God's provision |
| Heb 2:17 | ...Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest... | Merciful High Priest |
| Eph 3:10 | ...so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. | Church's role |
| Matt 28:19-20 | Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... | Great Commission |
| Acts 1:8 | ...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you... | Power of the Spirit |
2 Corinthians 5 verses
2 Corinthians 5 18 Meaning
This verse states that God reconciled us to Himself through Christ. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation. This means that God, through Jesus, has removed the barrier between Himself and humanity caused by sin, making it possible for people to be restored to a right relationship with Him. This reconciliation is not something we earn, but a gift given by God through Christ's sacrificial work. As a result, believers are now ambassadors for Christ, called to extend this ministry of reconciliation to others.
2 Corinthians 5 18 Context
This verse is found within Second Corinthians chapter 5, a chapter deeply concerned with the nature of the new creation in Christ and the ministry entrusted to believers. Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its philosophical and sometimes divided spiritual climate. The immediate context of 2 Corinthians 5:18 involves Paul's passionate explanation of the transformative power of Christ's work, leading to a new existence for believers. He moves from describing the believers as a "new creation" (5:17) to explaining the source and nature of this change – reconciliation with God through Christ – and the subsequent commission given to those who have experienced it.
2 Corinthians 5 18 Word Analysis
- καὶ (kai): A common conjunction meaning "and." It connects the statement of God reconciling the world through Christ to the role believers now have.
- αὐτός (autos): "Himself." Emphasizes that the initiative and action of reconciliation originate solely from God.
- δέδωκεν (dedōken): "Has given" (perfect tense). Indicates a completed action in the past with ongoing results. God has permanently established this ministry.
- ἡμῖν (hēmin): "To us." Refers to believers, specifically those commissioned by God, like Paul and the apostles.
- τὴν διακονίαν (tēn diakonian): "The ministry." A broad term referring to service, specifically in this context, the service of conveying God's message of reconciliation.
- τῆς καταλλαγῆς (tēs katallagēs): "Of reconciliation." The noun form of the verb "to reconcile." Refers to the act or process of restoring a relationship.
- Words/Phrases Grouped:
- "God reconciled us to himself through Christ": This phrase establishes God's active role and Christ's mediatorial work in bridging the gap created by sin.
- "He has given us the ministry of reconciliation": This grants believers a sacred responsibility and divine empowerment to proclaim this reconciling message.
2 Corinthians 5 18 Bonus Section
The concept of "reconciliation" (katallagē) in Greek philosophy was often understood as a mutual exchange or restoration of balance. However, Paul presents a distinctively biblical understanding: it's primarily God's unilateral act towards a rebellious creation, achieved through the singular sacrifice of His Son. This theological emphasis on God's sovereignty and grace in reconciliation underscores that salvation is entirely God's doing. The term "ministry" (diakonia) implies selfless service and dedication, highlighting that those entrusted with this message are servants, not lords, of the Gospel.
2 Corinthians 5 18 Commentary
God, in His perfect love and initiative, through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, has rectified the broken relationship between Himself and humanity. This is not a conditional offering; it is a definitive provision. To those who have been thus reconciled, God has imparted a vital commission: to carry this same message of reconciliation to the rest of the world. This ministry is about proclaiming that access to God is now possible, freely offered, and complete in Christ. It requires believers to actively engage in bringing others into this life-transforming relationship with God.