2 Corinthians 5:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.

NIV: because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

NASB: since in fact after putting it on, we will not be found naked.

CSB: since, when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

NLT: For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.

KJV: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

NKJV: if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.

The previous chapter concluded with Paul's statement of confidence that he would be resurrected, as Christ was, after his death in this life. Once in eternity, his experience of the glory of God would far outweigh and outlast any amount of suffering in this life.

Paul has acknowledged, though, that suffering on this side of eternity is real. As temporary as this life is, it is marked by what he calls a "groaning:" a longing to exist in our permanent, heavenly dwelling. He has compared living in our current bodies in this life to living in a tent. The shelter provided is valuable but incomplete. In the next life we will live in a permanent house, he has said.

He longs for this moment since he is convinced that he will not be "found naked." That is, Paul knows that leaving behind the tent of our current, sin-ravaged bodies will not leave those who are in Christ without a body. Instead, we will be found in the bodies we have always been destined for. Paul wrote at length to the Corinthians about the resurrection of the believers and the resurrection body in 1 Corinthians 15.

Second Corinthians 5:1–10 continues Paul's teaching from the previous chapter. The glory of eternity with Christ is far weightier than any suffering experienced in our temporary bodies in this life. Paul longs to occupy his eternal body, described as a permanent house built by God Himself. Knowing that is coming, Paul has the courage to risk even more suffering in order to continue the mission to preach the gospel. His one goal in this life is to please Christ. He knows that every Christian will face judgment by Christ, not to decide one's eternal destiny, but to receive what is due for our works while living in these temporary bodies.

Why does Paul endure so much suffering for preaching about Christ? He continues here his discussion of eternity, comparing our earthly bodies to living in a tent. Paul would rather live in the eternal body God has prepared for those who trust in Christ, free from the groaning and burden that afflicts everyone here. With that to look forward to, he preaches with courage that all in Christ are new creations. In Christ, God is reconciling people to Himself, not counting their sin against them. Paul implores everyone to be reconciled to God in this way through faith in Christ.

Second Corinthians 5 follows Paul's confident declarations in the previous chapter. His suffering, though severe, is only a light, momentary affliction preparing him for eternal glory beyond all comparison. He would rather occupy his eternal body, which gives him the courage to continue his mission to preach the gospel that God is reconciling people to Himself, forgiving their sin, through faith in Christ. Those in Christ become a new creation. He concludes by imploring all to be reconciled to God, which he continues to do in the following chapter.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.