2 Corinthians 13
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1This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” 2I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare; 3seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you. 4For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you. 5Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified. 7Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate. 8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting. 10For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down. 11Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints greet you. 14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! ”
2 Corinthians 13:5
Summary
In 2 Corinthians chapter 13, Paul addresses the Corinthians with a final warning and encouragement as he prepares for his third visit. He advises the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with the truth of the Gospel. Paul expresses his hope that when he arrives, he will not have to be severe in using his authority, which the Lord has given him for building up the church, not tearing it down. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and right conduct among the believers. Additionally, Paul closes his letter with a call for unity and peace, blessing them with the love and fellowship of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
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Chapter outline
How 2 Corinthians 13 unfolds
2 Corinthians 13:1–2 Paul's Authority and Warning
Paul announces his third visit, reminding the Corinthians of the necessity of evidence for accusations, and warns those who have sinned that his approach will be serious.
2 Corinthians 13:3–4 Christ's Power in Weakness
Paul defends his authority by emphasizing Christ's strength, who was crucified yet lives, indicating that Paul also shares in this power despite appearing weak.
2 Corinthians 13:5–6 Call for Self-examination
Paul urges the Corinthians to examine their faith and recognize Christ within them, expressing hope that they will affirm their standing without disqualification.
2 Corinthians 13:7–9 Desire for Righteousness
Paul prays for the Corinthians to do good rather than evil, focusing on their growth and strength in faith rather than his own authority.
2 Corinthians 13:10–11 Final Instructions and Encouragement
Paul writes to avoid harshness upon his arrival, encouraging unity, comfort, and peace among the believers, highlighting God's presence with them.
2 Corinthians 13:12–13 Greeting and Unity
Paul instructs the Corinthians to greet one another warmly, emphasizing the communal bonds among all saints.
2 Corinthians 13:14 Benediction of Grace
Paul concludes with a blessing, invoking the grace of Jesus, God's love, and the fellowship of the Spirit upon the entire community.
Key verses
2 Corinthians 13:5The key verse encapsulates the chapter's focus on self-examination, emphasizing the necessity of personal faith and awareness in the community.
Main themes in 2 Corinthians 13
Self-examination
Self-examination is a crucial aspect of Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 13, especially in verses 5-6, where he encourages the Corinthians to test their faith. The chapter develops this theme by emphasizing the necessity of recognizing Christ's presence in their lives, which is fundamental to their spiritual journey. This introspective call aims to foster unity and strength within the church, encouraging each member to actively engage in their faith.
Repentance
Repentance is a significant theme woven throughout 2 Corinthians 13, particularly highlighted in verse 2, where Paul warns those who have sinned among them. He stresses the importance of honorable actions and spiritual growth, reflecting his desire for the community's restoration and healing. This theme is vital as it connects their conduct and moral choices with the integrity and authenticity of their faith in Christ.
Explore repentance in the Bible →Unity in the Faith
Unity in the faith emerges as a key theme in 2 Corinthians 13, particularly in verses 11-12, where Paul calls for comfort and a shared mindset among the believers. The chapter develops this theme by linking their collective peace and harmony to the presence of God among them, highlighting that such unity is not merely social but deeply spiritual. This unity is essential for the church's overall health and effectiveness in its witness to the world.
Apostolic Authority
Apostolic authority surfaces in verses 1 and 10, where Paul asserts his role as an appointed leader with the power to build up the church. The chapter complicates this by showing that his authority aims for their growth rather than punishment. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to nurture their communities.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 2 Corinthians 13
- 2 Corinthians 10Paul's discussion of authority and strength is echoed in the previous chapter, where he defends his ministry against false accusations.
- 1 Corinthians 11The theme of self-examination connects to earlier teachings on proper conduct during communal gatherings and the importance of integrity.
- Lamentations 3The call for examination and hope in God's faithfulness resonates with the themes of suffering and restoration found in Lamentations.
- 1 Corinthians 9Paul's defense of his apostleship and the legitimacy of his authority in this chapter reflects similar arguments made in 1 Corinthians.
- Galatians 2The emphasis on truth and integrity in faith connects with Paul's earlier discussions about upholding the Gospel against false teachings.
- John 15The concept of remaining in Christ and the resulting strength parallels Paul's assertion of Christ's power at work within the believers.
Study questions
Questions for studying 2 Corinthians 13
- What does Paul mean by coming to them for the third time?
- How does Paul describe the power of Christ in verse 4?
- In what way does Paul encourage the Corinthians to examine themselves?
- What authority does Paul claim in his writing to the church?
- How does Paul's instruction for unity manifest in the closing verses?
- What is the significance of greeting one another with a holy kiss?
- How does the benediction in verse 14 summarize Paul's message?
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