2 Corinthians 5:20 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

For Christ ... in Christ's stead. The Greek of both is the same; 'on Christ's behalf' х huper (G5228)].

Beseech ... pray - rather, 'as though God did plead with х parakalountos (G3870)] you ... beseech' х deometha (G1189)]. Such 'beseeching' is uncommon in the case of "ambassadors," who generally stand on their dignity (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:6-7).

Be ye reconciled to God. The English version here inserts "ye," which gives the wrong emphasis. The Greek expresses God was the RECONCILER in Christ ... let this conciliation have its designed effect. Be reconciled to God. Accept the reconciliation already made (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

2 Corinthians 5:20

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.