2 Corinthians 5:11 – “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is explaining his motivation for sharing the gospel so boldly. He begins by saying, “we know what it is to fear the Lord.” This doesn’t mean Paul is afraid of God in a terrorizing way but that he has a deep respect and reverence for Him. He understands that God is holy, righteous, and the ultimate judge of all people. Because of this, Paul takes his mission seriously.

This fear of the Lord drives him to persuade others about the truth of Jesus. He knows that every person will one day stand before God (as he just mentioned in the previous verse, 2 Corinthians 5:10), so he urgently shares the message of salvation.

Paul also says, “What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.” He is reminding the Corinthians that his motives are pure. He is not trying to gain power, wealth, or status—he is simply doing what God has called him to do. Paul is confident that God sees his heart, and he hopes that the Corinthians can also recognize his sincerity.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to a church that had faced division and false teachings. Some people in Corinth doubted Paul’s authority as an apostle. Others were drawn to smooth-talking preachers who were more interested in impressing people than preaching the truth.

During this time, many public speakers in Greek culture used persuasion for selfish reasons—to gain followers, money, or influence. Paul makes it clear that his persuasion is not about manipulation but about saving people from judgment. He is not promoting himself; he is urging people to turn to Jesus because he genuinely cares about their souls.

Paul had also endured persecution and hardship for preaching the gospel. Despite all this, he kept going because he had a healthy fear of the Lord and a desire to see people saved.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important biblical truths:

• A proper fear of the Lord leads to action – Paul’s deep respect for God motivated him to share the gospel boldly.
• Evangelism is urgent – If we understand that people will face judgment, we should want to persuade them to turn to Christ.
• God sees the heart – Paul reminds us that even if people misunderstand or misjudge us, God knows our true motives.
• Truth matters more than popularity – Paul was more concerned with persuading people about Jesus than with being liked.

This verse also challenges believers to examine their own motives. Are they sharing the gospel out of a genuine love for people and reverence for God, or are they avoiding it out of fear of rejection?

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing in this verse is direct and passionate.

• “We know what it is to fear the Lord” – This is a personal statement. Paul doesn’t just have head knowledge—he truly understands the weight of God’s holiness and judgment.
• “We try to persuade others” – The word “persuade” suggests effort and urgency. Paul is actively convincing people of the truth.
• “What we are is plain to God” – Paul is emphasizing transparency. He is not hiding anything, and he trusts that God knows his heart.
• “I hope it is also plain to your conscience” – Paul appeals to the Corinthians to recognize his sincerity. He is inviting them to examine his actions and judge for themselves.

Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
• Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 – “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment.”
• Acts 17:30-31 – Paul tells people to repent because God has set a day when He will judge the world through Jesus.
• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
• Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds Christians that sharing the gospel is not optional—it is a responsibility. If we truly fear the Lord and understand His judgment, we should feel a deep burden for those who don’t know Christ.

This doesn’t mean we should be forceful or argumentative. Paul’s approach was persuasive—he reasoned with people, answered their questions, and shared the gospel in a way they could understand. Christians today should do the same, using wisdom and love when talking about Jesus.

This verse also challenges believers to live with integrity. Paul was confident that God saw his heart, and we should strive to live in a way that is “plain to God” as well. Our faith should be genuine, not just for show.

Finally, this verse is an encouragement to stand firm, even when sharing the gospel is difficult. Paul faced rejection, criticism, and suffering, yet he did not stop persuading others. In today’s world, where biblical truth is often unpopular, this verse calls Christians to remain faithful in proclaiming Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some people misunderstand the fear of the Lord and think it contradicts God’s love. But in reality, a proper fear of God comes from understanding His greatness, holiness, and justice. God is not just a kind, loving Father—He is also the righteous Judge of the universe.

However, God’s love is also what drives evangelism. The reason Paul tries to persuade others is because he knows God wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). God’s judgment is real, but so is His offer of grace through Jesus. This verse reflects God’s love by showing that He warns people before judgment comes.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate reason Paul is so motivated to persuade others.

• John 3:16-17 – God sent Jesus so that people would not perish but have eternal life. This is why Paul was so urgent in sharing the gospel.
• Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus’ mission was to rescue sinners, and Paul was continuing that mission.
• John 5:22 – “The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.” Jesus is the one who will judge every person, which is why Paul takes his role so seriously.
• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, the very thing Paul was doing.

Paul understood that Jesus is the only way to be saved (Acts 4:12). That’s why he was willing to face rejection, hardship, and even death to persuade others to turn to Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to have a proper fear of the Lord, and how does that affect your faith?
2. How does this verse challenge you to be more bold in sharing your faith?
3. Are there people in your life whom you need to persuade about Jesus? What steps can you take to share the gospel with them?
4. Paul was confident that his motives were clear to God. Can you say the same about your own heart and actions?
5. How does this verse encourage you to keep speaking about Jesus, even when it’s difficult?

This verse is a powerful reminder that the gospel is urgent. Paul understood that judgment is real and that salvation through Jesus is the only hope for people. That truth should drive every Christian to live with purpose, share their faith, and honor God in all they do.