Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 mean?
The renewed man acts upon new principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company. The believer is created anew; his heart is not merely set right, but a new heart is given him.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ - The phrase to "be in Christ," evidently means to be united to Christ by faith; or to be in him as the branch is in the vine - that is, so united to the vine, or so in it, as to derive all its nourishment and support from it, and to be sustained entirely by it. John 15:2 , "every branch in me." John 15:4 , "abide in me, and I in you." "The branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me." See also John 15:5-7 , see the note on John 15:2 .
Key words
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creation. (h) T. Hieros. Roshhashana, fol. 59. 3. Vajikra Rabba, fol. 170. 4. Bemidbar Rabba, fol, 202. 3.
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Therefore if any man be in Christ,.
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Therefore if any man be in Christ,.
Context in 2 Corinthians 5
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2 Corinthians 5 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as reconciliation and the new covenant. Second Corinthians is Paul’s deepest letter on apostolic suffering, consolation, generosity, reconciliation, and the paradox of strength in weakness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of weakness, ministry, and reconciliation in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.