2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:12-15

Here observe, I. The apostle makes an apology for seeming to commend himself and his fellow-labourers (2 Cor. 5:13), and tells them, 1. It was not to commend themselves, nor for their own sakes, that he had spoken of their fidelity and diligence in the 2 Cor. 5:1-11; nor was he willing to suspect their good opinion of him. But, 2. The true reason was this, to put an argument in their mouths wherewith to answer his accusers, who made vain boastings, and gloried in appearances only; that he... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:11-19

5:11-19 So then, it is because we know the fear of the Lord that we keep on trying to persuade men, but to God we are already known through and through, and I hope that in your conscience, too, we will come to be as completely known. We are not trying to give ourselves another testimonial, but we are giving you an opportunity to express your pride in us, so that you may be able to answer those who pride themselves on outward appearances but not in the things of the heart. For, if we have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us ,.... Or "containeth us"; holds and keeps us in our station and duty, as soldiers are held and kept together under a banner, or ensign displayed; to which the church refers, when she says, "his banner over me was love", Song of Solomon 2:4 . Nothing more effectually keeps ministers, or other believers, in the work and service of their Lord, or more strongly obliges and constrains them to a cheerful discharge of their duty to him, and one another, than... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us - We have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts, and this causes us to love God intensely, and to love and labor for the salvation of men. And it is the effect produced by this love which συνεχει ἡμας , bears us away with itself, which causes us to love after the similitude of that love by which we are influenced; and as God so loved the world as to give his Son for it, and as Christ so loved the world as to pour out his life for it, so we,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Verse 14 14.For the love of Christ. The term love may be taken either in a passive signification, or in an active. I prefer the latter. For if we be not harder than iron, we cannot refrain from devoting ourselves entirely to Christ, when we consider what great love he exercised towards us, when he endured death in our stead. Paul, too, explains himself when he adds, that it is reasonable that we should live to him, being dead to ourselves. Hence, as he had previously stated: (2 Corinthians... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:11-19

Self-devotion of the ministry of reconciliation. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:14

The love of Christ. It matters little whether this be interpreted as a subjective genitive, "Christ's love to man," or as an objective genitive, our love to Christ;" for the two suppose and interfuse each other. St. Paul's usage, however, favours the former interpretation ( 2 Corinthians 13:14 ; 1 Corinthians 16:24 ). Constraineth . The word means that it compresses us, and therefore keeps us irresistibly to one object ( Luke 12:50 ). That if one died for all, then were all dead. ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ - In this verse, Paul brings into view the principle which actuated him; the reason of his extraordinary and disinterested zeal. That was, that he was influenced by the love which Christ had shown in dying for all people, and by the argument which was furnished by that death respecting the actual character and condition of man (in this verse); and of the obligation of those who professed to be his true friends 2 Corinthians 5:15. The phrase “the love of Christ” (ἀγάπη... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 5:13-15

2 Corinthians 5:13-15. For whether we be beside ourselves As they affirm we are, because we expose ourselves to so many sufferings, and even to the danger of imprisonment and death, by persevering in our work of preaching the gospel. Or whether we appear to be transported beyond ourselves By our speaking or writing with uncommon vehemence; it is to God It is zeal for his glory that animates us; and he understands, if men do not, the emotion which himself inspires. Or whether we be... read more

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