5:8. But we are confident and have a good will to be absent rather from
the body and to be present with the Lord.
5:9. And therefore we labour, whether absent or present, to please him.
5:10. For we must all be manifested before the judgment seat of Christ,
that every one may receive the proper things of the body, according as
he hath done, whether it be good or evil.
The proper things of the body.... In the particular judgment,
immediately after death, the soul is rewarded or punished according to
what it has done in the body.
5:11. Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we use persuasion to men:
but to God we are manifest. And I trust also that in your consciences
we are manifest.
5:12. We commend not ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to
glory in our behalf: that you may have somewhat to answer them who
glory in face, and not in heart.
5:13. For whether we be transported in mind, it is to God: or whether
we be sober, it is for you.
5:14. For the charity of Christ presseth us: judging this, that if one
died for all, then all were dead.
5:15. And Christ died for all: that they also who live may not now live
to themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again.
5:16. Wherefore henceforth, we know no man according to the flesh. And
if we have known Christ according to the flesh: but now we know him so
no longer.
We know no man according to the flesh.... That is, we consider not any
man with regard to his nation, family, kindred, or other natural
qualities or advantages; but only with relation to Christ, and
according to the order of divine charity, in God, and for God. The
apostle adds, that even with respect to Christ himself, he now no
longer considers him according to the flesh, by taking a satisfaction
in his being his countryman; his affection being now purified from all
such earthly considerations.
5:17. If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are
passed away. Behold all things are made new.
5:18. But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by
Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
5:19. For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself,
not imputing to them their sins. And he hath placed in us the word of
reconciliation.
5:20. For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting
by us, for Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.
5:21. Him, who knew no sin, he hath made sin for us: that we might be
made the justice of God in him.
Sin for us.... That is, to be a sin offering, a victim for sin.