The most-likely author of 2 Corinthians 5:17 is the apostle Paul. Evangelical Christians believe that Paul, formerly known as Saul, was a devoted Pharisee who persecuted early Christians until he had a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. Following his conversion, Paul became a fervent preacher of the Christian faith and went on to write numerous letters to various churches, including the church in Corinth.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Evangelical Christians see this verse as central to the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer when they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They believe that through faith in Christ, a person is spiritually reborn and experiences a radical change in their attitudes, desires, and behavior.

From an evangelical perspective, Paul’s authorship of 2 Corinthians 5:17 is significant because it reinforces the understanding of the transformative power of Christ in the lives of believers. This verse is often cited in evangelical teachings and sermons as a powerful reminder of the new life that Christians can experience through their relationship with Jesus.