FocusFaith and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul speaks of longing, confidence, and the aim to please the Lord, joining hope beyond death with appearance before Christ's judgment seat.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 5:8
KJVWe are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Read it in context
Hope beyond the mortal body
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 5:1 (2 Corinthians 5:1 to 2 Corinthians 5:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul speaks of longing, confidence, and the aim to please the Lord, joining hope beyond death with appearance before Christ's judgment seat.
- 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
- 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
- 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
- 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
- 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
- 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
- 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
- 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
- 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
- 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Hope beyond the mortal body. Read 2 Corinthians 5:1 through 2 Corinthians 5:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul speaks of longing, confidence, and the aim to please the Lord, joining hope beyond death with appearance before Christ's judgment seat. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Hope beyond the mortal body (2 Corinthians 5:1 to 2 Corinthians 5:10). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 5:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- and willing 2 Cor 5:6 2 Cor 12:2-3 Luke 2:29 Acts 21:13 Phil 1:20-24 2 Tim 4:7-8 2 Pet 1:14-15 2 Pet 3:11-12
- present 2 Cor 5:9 Ps 16:11 Ps 17:15 Ps 73:23-26 Matt 25:21,23 John 14:3 John 17:24 1 Thess 4:17-18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 5
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
The ministry of reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:11–21FocusChrist's love and a new relationship
Connection to the wholeChrist's love explains Paul's ministry, which calls people to reconciliation with God and describes life in Christ as a new creation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.