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2 Corinthians 13

ScriptureDepth's study of 2 Corinthians 13

“Examine 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.”

2 Corinthians 13:5

Paul instructs the Corinthians to test their faith and recognize Christ’s presence within them, an act that determines their standing as faithful believers.

What 2 Corinthians 13 is about

Paul states that this is his third visit to the Corinthians and refers to the principle of establishing facts by two or three witnesses (vv. 1-2). He warns those who have sinned that, upon his return, he will not spare anyone (vv. 2). Paul affirms that Christ speaks through him, emphasizing Christ's power despite appearances of weakness (vv. 3-4). He calls the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith and acknowledges the possibility of being disqualified (vv. 5-6). Paul expresses his desire for them to do good and be strengthened, even as he seems weak (vv. 7-9). He writes to prepare them for his visit, aiming to build them up (vv. 10-11). Paul instructs them to greet one another with a holy kiss and notes the greetings of all the saints (vv. 12-13). He closes with a benediction of grace and fellowship (v. 14).

Paul encourages the Corinthians to be perfected, live in peace, and receive the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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2 Corinthians 13 at a glance

  1. 2 Corinthians 13:1–2Paul's Authority and Warning
  2. 2 Corinthians 13:3–4Christ's Power in Weakness
  3. 2 Corinthians 13:5–6Call for Self-examination
  4. 2 Corinthians 13:7–9Desire for Righteousness
  5. 2 Corinthians 13:10–11Final Instructions and Encouragement
  6. 2 Corinthians 13:12–13Greeting and Unity
  7. 2 Corinthians 13:14Benediction of Grace

Key verse: 2 Corinthians 13:5

One thing to notice

In vv. 4-5, Paul discusses the relationship of weakness and strength, explaining that Christ, while 'crucified through weakness,' lives through the 'power of God.' He calls on the Corinthians to examine themselves to confirm that Christ is in them, even amid their struggles.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

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Paul's Authority and Warning 2 Corinthians 13:1–2

Verse 1. This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” Verse 2. I 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;

Christ's Power in Weakness 2 Corinthians 13:3–4

Verse 3. seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you. Verse 4. For 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.

Call for Self-examination 2 Corinthians 13:5–6

Verse 5. Examine 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. Verse 6. But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified.

Desire for Righteousness 2 Corinthians 13:7–9

Verse 7. Now 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. Verse 8. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. Verse 9. For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting.

Final Instructions and Encouragement 2 Corinthians 13:10–11

Verse 10. For 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. Verse 11. Finally, 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.

Greeting and Unity 2 Corinthians 13:12–13

Verse 12. Greet one another with a holy kiss. Verse 13. All the saints greet you.

Benediction of Grace 2 Corinthians 13:14

Verse 14. The 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)

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Main themes in 2 Corinthians 13

Self-examination

Paul instructs the Corinthians to engage in self-examination by stating, 'Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith' (v. 5). This directive serves as a call for individuals to assess their personal faith and relationship with Christ. By encouraging this introspection, Paul aims to promote spiritual growth and integrity within the community, ensuring that believers are aligned in their faith.

Repentance

Paul addresses the need for repentance in light of previous sins within the church. He states, 'if I come again, I will not spare' (v. 2), highlighting the seriousness of turning away from wrongdoing. This context of accountability is coupled with his desire for the Corinthians to do what is honorable, indicating a path towards restoration.

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Unity in the Faith

In his final instructions, Paul urges the Corinthians to 'be of the same mind, live in peace' (v. 11). He calls for harmony and mutual support among the believers, reinforcing that the 'God of love and peace will be with you.' This appeal for unity contributes to the strength of the church and affirms the communal bonds that should exist among its members.

Apostolic Authority

Paul reaffirms his apostolic authority by stating the purpose of his writings: 'according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down' (v. 10). His authority is linked to the power of Christ, indicating that his role is meant to edify the church and help believers grow in faith.

Chapter outline

How 2 Corinthians 13 unfolds

  1. 2 Corinthians 13:1–2 Paul's Authority and Warning

    Paul states he is coming for the third time and invokes the principle that 'at the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established' (v. 1), warning those who have sinned of his authority.

  2. 2 Corinthians 13:3–4 Christ's Power in Weakness

    He asserts that Christ speaks through him with power, contrasting Christ's crucifixion in weakness with His living power (vv. 3-4), emphasizing both human weakness and divine strength.

  3. 2 Corinthians 13:5–6 Call for Self-examination

    Paul urges the Corinthians to test themselves to confirm that 'Jesus Christ is in you' unless they find themselves disqualified (vv. 5-6), calling for personal reflection on their faith.

  4. 2 Corinthians 13:7–9 Desire for Righteousness

    He expresses his desire for them to act righteously, praying they do no evil, while stating their behavior is more important than his own approval (vv. 7-9).

  5. 2 Corinthians 13:10–11 Final Instructions and Encouragement

    Paul writes to avoid being harsh when present, mentioning that his authority is for building up rather than tearing down, and he concludes with an exhortation to rejoice and seek peace (vv. 10-11).

  6. 2 Corinthians 13:12–13 Greeting and Unity

    He instructs them to greet each other with a holy kiss and mentions that 'all the saints greet you' (vv. 12-13), promoting unity among believers.

  7. 2 Corinthians 13:14 Benediction of Grace

    Paul concludes with a benediction, invoking 'the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit' to be with them all (v. 14).

Key verses

  • 2 Corinthians 13:5Paul instructs the Corinthians to test their faith and recognize Christ’s presence within them, an act that determines their standing as faithful believers.

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Study questions

Questions for studying 2 Corinthians 13

SummarizeObserveInterpretApply

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v5, what are the Corinthians asked to examine about themselves?
  2. observeWhat authority is Paul referring to in v10 when he mentions building up?
  3. interpretPaul's statement in v4 about being 'weak' and living through God's power: how can this duality be understood?
  4. interpretIn v9, what does Paul mean when he says he rejoices when 'we are weak and you are strong'?
  5. applyWhen have you had to examine yourself like Paul urges in v5 about being 'in the faith'?

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2 Corinthians 13: frequently asked questions

What is 2 Corinthians 13 about?+
Paul states that this is his third visit to the Corinthians and refers to the principle of establishing facts by two or three witnesses (vv. 1-2).
What is the key verse in 2 Corinthians 13?+
2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine 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.”
What are the main themes of 2 Corinthians 13?+
The main themes of 2 Corinthians 13 are Self-examination, Repentance, Unity in the Faith, Apostolic Authority.

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Study Notes