2 Corinthians 5:14

My Notes

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:14 Mean?

Paul explains his motivation: the love of Christ constraineth us. The Greek word (sunecho) means to be held together, to be pressed from both sides, to be compelled. Christ's love does not just inspire Paul. It grips him. It will not let him go.

The reasoning: if one died for all, then were all dead. Christ's death reveals a universal condition — everyone was dead. The sacrifice was not for a few. It was for all, because all needed it.

"And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again" — the purpose of the death is to redirect your life. You no longer live for yourself. You live for the one who died for you.

The love of Christ is both the motivation and the constraint. It compels Paul forward while simultaneously preventing him from going in any other direction. The love is a force that drives and limits at the same time.

Reflection Questions

• 1.What does it mean that Christ's love 'constrains' rather than just inspires?
• 2.How does 'if one died for all, then were all dead' establish the universal need for the cross?
• 3.Where are you still living for yourself rather than for the one who died for you?
• 4.What would a life fully constrained by Christ's love look like?

Devotional

The love of Christ constraineth us. Constraineth — holds, grips, presses, compels. Not suggests. Not inspires. Constrains. The love of Christ is not a nice sentiment. It is a force that will not let Paul go in any other direction.

If one died for all, then were all dead. The universal death of Christ proves the universal deadness of humanity. He did not die because some people needed it. He died because all were dead. The sacrifice matched the scope of the need.

That they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves. The purpose of Christ's death is to redirect your life. Before the cross, you lived for yourself. After the cross, you live for him. The death purchased not just your forgiveness but your direction.

But unto him which died for them, and rose again. The life you now live is aimed at a person — the one who died and rose. Not at a cause, not at a religious system. At him.

What constrains you? What force is so strong that it holds you on course when everything else pulls you sideways? Paul says: the love of Christ. It gripped him so tightly that no other direction was possible.

Is the love of Christ constraining you — or are you still living unto yourself?

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture