2 CORINTHIANS 5:11 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
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 — fear (phobos) of the Lord motivates persuasion (peithō). Paul's integrity is plain to God; he appeals to the Corinthians' conscience as secondary witness. Authenticity cannot be hidden from divine scrutiny.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 5:11
Knowing therefore, he says, these things, that terrible seat of judgment, we do every thing so as not to give you a handle nor offense, nor any false suspicion of evil practice against us. Do you see the strictness of life, and zeal of a watchful soul? 'For we are not only open to accusation,' he says 'if we commit any evil deed; but even if we do not commit, yet are suspected, and having it in our power to repel the suspicion, brave it, we are punished.'
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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