RSV ~ 2 Corinthians 5 Notes

2 Cor 5:1 | ISB Notes

tent … building: A contrast between mortal bodies and resurrected bodies.

• An earthly tent is synonymous with a “perishable body” also in Wis 9:15. Beyond this, Paul has in mind the distinction between the Mosaic Tabernacle, a flimsy and temporary sanctuary used during Israel’s trek through the wilderness, and the Solomonic Temple, a building that became the permanent dwelling of God in Jerusalem. This transition from tent to building in biblical history helps to illustrate how our mortal bodies will give way to immortal ones on the last day (1 Cor 15:42-44).

not made with hands: See essay: Not Made with Hands at 2 Cor 5.

2 Cor 5:4 | ISB Notes

further clothed: Paul envisions a future life for Christians that is physical and yet immortal. In heaven we will be neither stripped of our bodies (unclothed) nor burdened with their present weaknesses (mortal). We will instead be fitted with glorified bodies made ready for heavenly life (1 Cor 15:5155; Phil 3:20-21). This teaching runs directly against the then-prevalent Greek notion that disembodiment in the next life was the ideal state of existence to be hoped for. For the heavenly state of believers between death and the resurrection of the body, see note on 2 Cor 5:8.

2 Cor 5:5 | ISB Notes

as a guarantee: Our possession of the Spirit is a down payment on the full inheritance awaiting us in heaven. See note on 2 Cor 1:22.

2 Cor 5:7 | ISB Notes

we walk by faith: A rule of the Christian life on earth, where Christ is present but hidden in the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and our souls. Only in eternity will our faith give way to the vision of God “face to face” (1 Cor 13:12) (CCC 163-64). .

2 Cor 5:8 | ISB Notes

away from the body: The intermediate state between bodily death and bodily resurrection. During this temporary phase, the souls of the righteous enjoy the presence of God even though their bodies lie buried in a grave (CCC 1005, 1021). It is important to note that, for Paul, absence from the body does not mean our presence with the Lord will be automatic or immediate. Judgment is the first thing to follow death, and for the saints whose works are judged imperfect, a process of spiritual purification will be needed before they enter the fullness of glory. For more on the transitional state of Purgatory, see note on 1 Cor 3:15.

2 Cor 5:9-10 | ISB Notes

In order to possess Christ in heaven we must strive to please him on earth. On the Day of Judgment, he will review every one of our thoughts, words, and deeds performed in the body (Mt 25:31-46). See note on Rom 2:6.

2 Cor 5:10 | ISB Notes

good or evil: Seems to envision rewards and penalties for the faithful departed, as in 1 Cor 3:12-15.

2 Cor 5:12 | ISB Notes

those who pride themselves: i.e., Paul’s critics in Corinth. They are preoccupied with his position (outward appearance), not with the more important intentions of his heart (cf. 1 Sam 16:7).

2 Cor 5:13 | ISB Notes

beside ourselves: Although interpretations of this saying are debated, it probably means one of two things. (1) Paul’s exceptional zeal for the gospel was viewed by his opponents as madness (Acts 26:24), despite the fact that he was always reasonable and moderate with the Corinthians themselves. (2) Paul’s charismatic experiences, while times of intense communion with God, did not benefit the Corinthians as much as his sober instruction and spiritual guidance (12:1-7; 1 Cor 14:18-19).

2 Cor 5:14 | ISB Notes

the love of Christ urges us on: The sacrificial love of Christ displayed on the Cross was overwhelming to Paul as it should be to us (Rom 5:8). This same divine love is poured into our hearts through the Spirit (Rom 5:5) and urges us to spread it among others by word and example (Jn 15:12-13) (CCC 851).

2 Cor 5:15 | ISB Notes

no longer for themselves: Christians are born to a new life of grace that enables them to conquer selfishness and the tendency to live solely for private, personal interests. Purchased for God at the price of Christ’s blood (1 Cor 6:20), believers should strive to live the rest of their days for him (CCC 655, 1269).

2 Cor 5:16 | ISB Notes

according to the flesh: According to some, this implies that Paul knew the historical Jesus during his earthly ministry. More likely, Paul is claiming that life in the Spirit brings a new perception of things, more penetrating than natural reason (1 Cor 2:12-15). Whereas the crucified Christ appears dead and defeated from a human viewpoint, from a spiritual viewpoint his Cross is a powerful sign of victory and life.

2 Cor 5:17 | ISB Notes

a new creation: Baptism transfers us from the bondage of sin and slavery to the blessings of salvation and sonship. The New Covenant thus begins a new order in history where creation is steadily renewed, beginning with our souls and extending into every corner of the cosmos (Rom 8:1925; Rev 21:1-5). Christ does not destroy the old order of creation but heals it, perfects it, and elevates it with supernatural life (CCC 1214, 1265).

• The prophets of Israel envisioned this renewal far in advance of Christ’s coming. Isaiah announced that Yahweh would restore the world, beginning with Israel (Is 42:6-9; 43:18-21; 65:17; 66:22). Other oracles foretold a return to the conditions of creation in Eden before sin and decay entered in (Is 51:3; Ezek 36:33-35).

2 Cor 5:18 | ISB Notes

ministry of reconciliation: The ministry of the apostles is to reunite the human family with the Father. For this to happen, the barrier of sin that separates them must be torn down by the sacramental and evangelistic actions of the Church (Mt 26:28; Jn 20:23; Acts 2:38) (CCC 981, 1424, 2844).

2 Cor 5:19 | ISB Notes

not counting their trespasses: Essential to our reconciliation with God but not equivalent to it. Forgiveness, though it includes the nonimputation of sin (Rom 4:6-8), is based on a true removal of guilt (Ps 103:12) by the cleansing power of the Sacraments (Jn 20:23; Acts 22:16; Jas 5:14-15). This is why Paul describes the believer as “a new creation” in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).

2 Cor 5:20 | ISB Notes

ambassadors: The term refers to envoys who represented Roman emperors in distant territories. These representatives carried the authority of the reigning ruler with them wherever they went. Similarly, Christians in general and the apostles in particular bear, each in their own way, the royal, priestly, and prophetic authority of Christ to the world (Mt 18:18; Rom 15:16; Rev 5:9-10) (CCC 859).

2 Cor 5:21 | ISB Notes

made him to be sin: Jesus was not made a sinner or personally counted guilty of sin on the Cross. Rather, he bore the curse of death that mankind incurred because of sin (Gal 3:13; 1 Pet 2:22-24), even though he himself knew no sin, i.e., committed no sin (Jn 8:46; 1 Jn 3:5) (CCC 602-3).

• Paul adopts the idiom of the Greek OT, where “sin” is a shorthand expression for a Levitical “sin

offering” (Lev 4:21; 5:12; 6:25). Isaiah uses this same language for the suffering Messiah, who was expected to make himself an “offering for sin” (Is 53:10). the righteousness of God: An important expression in Paul’s writings. It can refer (1) to God’s own righteousness that is manifest to the world when he is faithful to his covenants (Rom 3:25-26) and (2) to the gift of righteousness that God imparts to the baptized (Phil 3:9). See note on Rom 1:17.