Kristova láska a jeho smrt za všechny v 2 Kor 5,14

The text of 2 Cor 5:14, which is part of Paul’s apologia for his apostolic ministry (2 Cor. 2:14–7:4), contains a beautiful summary of Paul’s devotion and highlights the universal significance of Jesus’ death. The underlying motive of his apostolic ministry is the love of Christ, which not only influences and guides his actions but also provides him with an inner impetus and motivation (5:14a). The fact that Paul is completely controlled by Christ’s love is the result of his having come to a personal conviction of the significance of his death (5:14b). To express the depth and reach of Christ’s love, Paul uses the concept of Jesus’ substitutionary death “for the benefit of all” and links it to the idea of “corporate personality.” He points to the idea of the communion of the destiny of all with Christ, which he already used in the Adam – Christ parallel in 1 Cor 15:21–22 (cf. also Rom 5:12–19). As “Adam” determined the nature and destiny of the whole human race, so does Christ. Jesus’ actions and sufferings include all people (5:14c). The result of Christ’s death is that “all have died” (5:14d). Paul offers no further explanation of the nature of this dying, nor does he mention how Christ’s death resulted in the death of all. It is apparent, however, from 2 Cor 5:15 that people’s fellowship in death with Christ also implies their participation in his life. The text of 2 Cor 5:14 wants above all to emphasize the universal significance of Christ’s death.