Apostolska posługa pojednania (2 Kor 5,14-21)

Abstract

The topic of reconciliation in 2 Cor 5,14-21 is inscribed in the broader context of Paul's reasoning, which is headed to the defense of his apostolic authority. The context is given by the unit 2,14-7,4 which is rhetorically and epistolary coherent (an apologetic letter). The leitmotif of the unit is the issue of Paul's identity as an apostle of Christ Jesus, as well as the nature of the apostolic service and the status of Gospel preachers. Paul delineates consecutively: sources of his apostolic authority, sufferings and hopes of apostolic life, his life as Christ's representative in performing the ministry of reconciliation. And finally he urges the addressee to accept his apostolic mission. The unit 5,14-21 is a purely theological argumentation. Paul exhibits in it his apostolic ministry against the salvific plan of God, in the perspective of the act of reconciliation of humankind with him, accomplished "in" and "through" Christ. The essence of the apostolic ministry of reconciliation, according to Paul, is the proclamation of the kerygma of salvation. The purpose of the proclamation is to actualize what was accomplished through the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, and to bring people to the reconciliation with God, so that they can become righteous/justified before God.