I have a short exegetical essay (on a passage of our choosing) due next month for my Paul class. After some deliberation, I have chosen one of my favorite Pauline passages: 2 Corinthians 5.16-21.  I am very interested in the topic of reconciliation and how Paul uses the language of reconciliation to describe the gospel, as well as how we should relate to others–especially within the church.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts in the coming weeks as I search the depths of these wonderfully puzzling six verses, but until then I leave you with some great words from the “golden mouthed” saint:

Can you see how great God’s love is for us? Who was the offended party? He was. Who took the first steps toward reconciliation? He did. Some will say that he sent the Son in his place, but this is a misunderstanding. Christ did not come apart from the Father who sent him. They were both involved together in the work of reconciliation.

Chrysostom, Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians 11.5 (from Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, 1-2 Corinthians)