(The Lord speaking is red text)
All the saints salute you.
All God’s people send greetings to you.
All the saints send you greetings.
All the saints salute you.
All{G3956} the saints{G40} salute{G782} you{G5209}.
2 Corinthians 13:13, which reads, "All the saints salute you," is the final verse of the second epistle that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. This verse serves as a closing greeting, conveying the affection and solidarity of the broader Christian community, referred to as "the saints," towards the Corinthian believers.
The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early Christian church's efforts to maintain unity and fellowship among its widely dispersed and diverse congregations. The church in Corinth, which Paul had helped to establish, faced numerous challenges, including divisions, moral lapses, and doctrinal disputes, as reflected in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians and throughout 2 Corinthians.
In the broader thematic context of 2 Corinthians, Paul's letters address issues of church discipline, the nature of Christian ministry, and the defense of his apostolic authority. He also emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and the transformative power of the Gospel. The salutation in 2 Corinthians 13:13 is significant as it represents the communal support and spiritual kinship that was vital for the early church's sense of identity and mission. It reflects the early Christians' understanding of themselves as a holy community, set apart by their faith in Jesus Christ and bound together by mutual love and encouragement.
The verse also echoes the themes of unity and love that are central to Paul's teachings, encouraging the Corinthians to live in harmony with one another and with the wider Christian community. It serves as a reminder that the Christian life is not to be lived in isolation but within the context of a supportive and nurturing faith community. Thus, 2 Corinthians 13:13 encapsulates the early church's ethos of interconnectedness and shared faith, which continues to be a cornerstone for Christian fellowship today.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)