Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we are clearly apparent to God, and I hope we are also apparent to your consciousness. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you an opportunity to boast of us, so that you may have something to say to those who boast of external appearance rather than of the heart. 13 For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are rational, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. 15 He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
16 Consequently, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh; even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no longer. 17 So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
Paul defends his ministry to the Corinthians because his opponents have interpreted his trials and tribulations as signs that he is not truly an Apostle who can minister about the saving power of God (2 Cor. 4:8-12; 2 Cor. 11:23-30)). Paul states that the inspiration for his ministry is reverence and awe for the Lord, which encompasses the entire Godhead - God the Father, Jesus Christ (the Son), and the Holy Spirit. The goal is to persuade others about the truth of the Gospel. He states that his intentions and actions are transparent before God and them (2 Cor. 1:12-14). Paul contrasts his genuine apostolic work, based on inner values, with opponents in the Corinthian community who criticize him on superficial grounds, trying to undermine his authority credibility, and the authenticity of his message. His ministry comes from the heart, unlike others who try to impress by appearances and minister for personal profit. The evidence of his genuine apostolic work allows the Corinthians to defend his ministry. Christ died for all so that all might live. If we believe in Christ then we also die with him and are raised to a new life to live for Christ (Rom. 6:8, 23)
Some of Paul’s opponents may have had charismatic experiences and religious ecstasy but that is not confirmation that their ministry is superior to his. Paul acknowledges that he also has ecstatic (charismatic) experiences which may sometimes make his actions and preaching appear as if he is out of his mind, but such experiences are directed towards God. When he is reasoned and coherent he is focused on their spiritual well-being. It is only the rational mind, guided by the Spirit, that can lead others to Christ who, by his selfless love for mankind, is the model for authentic ministry they should imitate. Paul is driven by the transformative love of Christ which leads believers to a new understanding that Christ conquered death through his resurrection. Christ died so that all may have new life which requires new selfless behavior.
Before knowing Christ, believers lived according to the flesh. After knowing Christ according to the Spirit, they would have a profound conversion of heart which transforms their perception of themselves and others. It fortifies them so they can live according to the values and principles of the Gospel. God reconciled mankind to Himself through Christ and entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to believers. Reconciliation involves divine forgiveness where past sins are no longer a barrier between humanity and God. Christians are called to be Christ’s representatives on Earth, appealing to others to accept the offer of reconciliation offered by God through Christ. Christ, who was sinless, accepted the burden of sin so that in him believers might make concrete and perceptible in themselves the righteousness of God.
Almighty God, help us to see others not according to the flesh, but through the Spirit, recognizing the new creation You have made in each of us. You have entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to us through Your Son and empowered us as ambassadors for Christ to carry the message of reconciliation to others. Guide us so that we may live for Christ and not for ourselves. This we pray through the same Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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