9 Therefore we also have as our ambition , whether at home or absent , to be pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ , so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body , according to what he has done , whether good or bad .
11 Therefore , knowing the fear of the Lord , we persuade men , but we are made manifest to God ; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences .
12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart . 13 For if we are beside ourselves , it is for God ; if we are of sound mind , it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this , that one died for all , therefore all died ; 15 and He died for all , so that they who live might no longer live for themselves , but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:9-15
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:9-15
(Read 2 Corinthians 5:9-15)
The apostle quickens himself and others to acts of duty. Well-grounded hopes of heaven will not encourage sloth and sinful security. Let all consider the judgment to come, which is called, The terror of the Lord. Knowing what terrible vengeance the Lord would execute upon the workers of iniquity, the apostle and his brethren used every argument and persuasion, to lead men to believe in the Lord Jesus, and to act as his disciples. Their zeal and diligence were for the glory of God and the good of the church. Christ's love to us will have a like effect upon us, if duly considered and rightly judged. All were lost and undone, dead and ruined, slaves to sin, having no power to deliver themselves, and must have remained thus miserable for ever, if Christ had not died. We should not make ourselves, but Christ, the end of our living and actions. A Christian's life should be devoted to Christ. Alas, how many show the worthlessness of their professed faith and love, by living to themselves and to the world!