2 Corinthians 5

📖 Background

Paul shifts to an eternal perspective, reminding believers that their earthly bodies are temporary “tents” and that a heavenly, eternal dwelling awaits them. He expresses a longing to be clothed with immortality and to be at home with the Lord. Paul emphasizes that all believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. From that eternal perspective, he describes the ministry of reconciliation—believers are made new in Christ and now carry the message of reconciliation to the world as Christ’s ambassadors.

🧭 Major Themes

Earthly bodies vs. eternal dwellings (verses 1–5)

Living to please the Lord, whether in the body or away (verses 6–9)

Appearing before the judgment seat of Christ (verse 10)

Christ’s love compels us to live for Him (verses 14–15)

New creation in Christ (verse 17)

Ministry of reconciliation and ambassadorial identity (verses 18–21)

🔎 Reference Scriptures to Consider

John 14:1–3 – Jesus prepares an eternal home

Romans 14:10–12 – Judgment seat of God

Galatians 2:20 – Crucified with Christ, now living for Him

Ephesians 2:10 – Created for good works

Isaiah 53:5–6 – Christ bore our sin

❓Reflection Questions

How does the hope of eternity shape the way you live today?

What does it mean for you personally to be a “new creation”?

In what ways are you participating in the ministry of reconciliation?

Do you view yourself as Christ’s ambassador? How does that influence your words and actions?