2Cor 5:19-21 | RWP | e4.org | To wit, that ( ως οτ ). Latin puts it quoniam quidem . It is an unclassical idiom, but occurs in the papyri and inscriptions (Moulton, Prol ., p. 212; Robertson, Grammar , p. 1033). It is in . See also ; . It probably means "how that." Not reckoning ( μη λογιζομενος ). What Jesus did (his death for us) stands to our credit ( ) if we make our peace with God. This is our task, "the word of reconciliation," that we may receive "the righteousness of God" and be adopted into the family of God.

‏ 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

To wit, that ( ως οτ ). Latin puts it quoniam quidem. It is an unclassical idiom, but occurs in the papyri and inscriptions (Moulton, Prol., p. 212; Robertson, Grammar, p. 1033). It is in Es 4:14. See also 2Co 11:21; 2Th 2:2. It probably means "how that."

Not reckoning ( μη λογιζομενος ). What Jesus did (his death for us) stands to our credit (Ro 8:32) if we make our peace with God. This is our task, "the word of reconciliation," that we may receive "the righteousness of God" and be adopted into the family of God.

We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ ( υπερ Χριστου ουν πρεσβευομεν ). Old word from πρεσβυς, an old man, first to be an old man, then to be an ambassador (here and Eph 6:20 with εν αλυση in a chain added), common in both senses in the Greek. "The proper term in the Greek East for the Emperor's Legate" (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 374), in inscriptions and papyri. So Paul has a natural pride in using this dignified term for himself and all ministers. The ambassador has to be persona grata with both countries (the one that he represents and the one to which he goes). Paul was Christ's Legate to act in his behalf and in his stead.

As though God were intreating by us ( ως του θεου παρακαλουντος δι' ημων ). Genitive absolute with ως used with the participle as often to give the reason (apparent or real). Here God speaks through Christ's Legate.

Be ye reconciled to God ( καταλλαγητε τω θεω ). Second aorist passive imperative of καταλλασσω and used with the dative case. "Get reconciled to God," and do it now. This is the ambassador's message as he bears it to men from God.

Him who knew no sin ( τον μη γνοντα αμαρτιαν ). Definite claim by Paul that Jesus did not commit sin, had no personal acquaintance ( μη γνοντα, second aorist active participle of γινωσκω ) with it. Jesus made this claim for himself (Joh 8:46). This statement occurs also in 1Pe 2:22; Heb 4:15; 7:26; 1Jo 3:5. Christ was and is "a moral miracle" (Bernard) and so more than mere man.

He made to be sin ( αμαρτιαν εποιησεν ). The words "to be" are not in the Greek. "Sin" here is the substantive, not the verb. God "treated as sin" the one "who knew no sin." But he knew the contradiction of sinners (Heb 12:3). We may not dare to probe too far into the mystery of Christ's suffering on the Cross, but this fact throws some light on the tragic cry of Jesus just before he died: "My God, My God, why didst thou forsake me?" (Mt 27:46).

That we might become ( ινα ημεις γενωμεθα ). Note "become." This is God's purpose ( ινα ) in what he did and in what Christ did. Thus alone can we obtain God's righteousness (Ro 1:17).