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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 13 verses 11–14
Thus the apostle concludes this epistle with,
I. A valediction. He gives them a parting farewell, and takes his leave of them for the present, with hearty good wishes for their spiritual welfare. In order to this,
1.He gives them several good exhortations. (1.) To be perfect, or to be knit together in love, which would tend greatly to their advantage as a church, or Christian society. (2.) To be of good comfort under all the sufferings and persecutions they might endure for the cause of Christ or any calamities and disappointments they might meet with in the world. (3.) To be of one mind, which would greatly tend to their comfort; for the more easy we are with our brethren the more ease we shall have in our own souls. The apostle would have them, as far as was possible, to be of the same opinion and judgment; however, if this could not be attained, yet, (4.) He exhorts them to live in peace, that difference in opinion should not cause an alienation of affections - that they should be at peace among themselves. He would have all the schisms that were among them healed, that there should be no more contention and wrath found among them, to prevent which they should avoid debates, envyings, backbitings, whisperings, and such like enemies to peace.
2.He encourages them with the promise of God's presence among them: The God of love and peace shall be with you, Co2 13:11. Note, (1.) God is the God of love and peace. He is the author of peace, and lover of concord. He hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us; he commands us to love him, and to be reconciled to him, and also that we love one another, and be at peace among ourselves. (2.) God will be with those who live in love and peace. He will love those who love peace; he will dwell with them here, and they shall dwell with him for ever. Such shall have God's gracious presence here, and be admitted to his glorious presence hereafter.
3.He gives directions to them to salute each other, and sends kind salutations to them from those who were with him, Co2 13:12, Co2 13:13. He would have them testify their affection to one another by the sacred rite of a kiss of charity, which was then used, but has long been disused, to prevent all occasions of wantonness and impurity, in the more declining and degenerate state of the church.
II. The apostolical benediction (Co2 13:14): The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Thus the apostle concludes his epistle, and thus it is usual and proper to dismiss worshipping assemblies. This plainly proves the doctrine of the gospel, and is an acknowledgment that Father, Son, and Spirit, are three distinct persons, yet but one God; and herein the same, that they are the fountain of all blessings to men. It likewise intimates our duty, which is to have an eye by faith to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost - to live in a continual regard to the three persons in the Trinity, into whose name we were baptized, and in whose name we are blessed. This is a very solemn benediction, and we should give all diligence to inherit this blessing. The grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion (or communication) of the Holy Ghost: the grace of Christ as Redeemer, the love of God who sent the Redeemer, and all the communications of this grace and love, which come to us by the Holy Ghost; it is the communications of the Holy Ghost that qualify us for an interest in the grace of Christ, and the love of God: and we can desire no more to make us happy than the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Paul is calling the Corinthians to holiness, so that they may be bold enough to return the greeting of the saints. For they are greeted by the saints with the intention that they should imitate them.
And having said, "Salute one another with an holy kiss," he added, "All the saints salute you." By this also giving them good hopes. He has added this in the place of the kiss, knitting them together by the salutation, for the words also proceed from the same mouth from which the kiss. Seest thou how he brings them all together, both those who are widely separated in the body and those who are near, these by the kiss and those by the written message?
All the saints sent their greetings, not just the leaders.
And that the holy Trinity is to be worshipped without either separation or alienation, is taught us by Paul, who says in his Second Epistle to the Corinthians: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with yon all."
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SUMMARY
This concluding verse of Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians serves as a warm, personal greeting from the collective body of believers accompanying Paul to the church in Corinth. Following Paul's final exhortations and a profound Trinitarian benediction, this salutation underscores the deep interconnectedness and shared identity of all Christians as "saints," emphasizing the communal bonds that transcend geographical distance and reinforce the unity of the global church.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but significant literary devices. Apostolic Greeting is the most prominent, as this verse functions as a standard closing salutation common in Pauline epistles, reinforcing the epistle's authenticity and communal nature. The use of "All the saints" demonstrates Inclusivity, emphasizing that the greeting extends from the entire community accompanying Paul, not just a select few. This highlights the collective identity and shared purpose of believers. Furthermore, the phrase offers a Personal Touch, humanizing the often-stern or theological discourse of the letter by conveying genuine affection and connection from distant believers, thereby strengthening the bonds of Christian fellowship and mutual care.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse carries profound theological weight, underscoring the essential nature of Christian community and the universal scope of the church. It reminds us that individual believers are not isolated but are integral parts of a larger, interconnected body, united by their shared identity in Christ. The concept of "saints" as all believers, set apart by God, emphasizes that holiness is a gift and a calling for every Christian, not just an elite few. The act of "saluting" exemplifies the practical outworking of Christian love, mutual care, and fellowship, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging and affirming fellow believers across geographical and cultural divides. This communal solidarity reflects the very heart of the gospel, which breaks down barriers and builds up a new humanity in Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief but potent message of 2 Corinthians 13:13 serves as a timeless reminder of the power and importance of Christian fellowship. In an increasingly fragmented world, this verse calls believers to actively recognize and cherish their connection with the wider body of Christ, both locally and globally. It challenges us to move beyond mere acquaintance to genuine solidarity, extending greetings, support, and prayer to fellow "saints" whom we may never meet face-to-face. This simple act of salutation fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens communal bonds, and reflects the love that should characterize those who are set apart by God. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of mutual care, recognizing that our individual faith journeys are intertwined with the collective journey of God's people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "the saints" referred to in this verse?
Answer: In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles, "the saints" (Greek: hagioi) does not refer to a select group of exceptionally pious individuals or canonized figures. Rather, it is a common designation for all believers in Jesus Christ. It signifies that they are "holy ones" because they have been set apart and consecrated by God through their faith in Christ, made holy by His work, and called to live lives that reflect that holiness. Therefore, "all the saints" refers to the entire community of Christians who were with Paul at the time of writing, extending their collective greetings to the church in Corinth. This understanding is consistent with how Paul addresses his letters, often to "the saints who are in [city]" (e.g., Ephesians 1:1).
Why is this brief greeting included at the very end of such a significant letter?
Answer: The inclusion of this greeting, though brief, is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a common feature in ancient letters, including Paul's epistles, serving as a customary closing that reinforces the personal nature of the communication. Secondly, it underscores the communal aspect of Christian faith. By relaying greetings from "all the saints" with him, Paul emphasizes that the Corinthian church is not isolated but part of a larger, interconnected family of believers. This fosters a sense of unity and solidarity within the broader body of Christ, reinforcing the idea that Christians are bound together by a common faith and shared identity. It serves as a warm, unifying touch after a letter that often contained stern warnings and difficult truths, reminding the Corinthians of the love and fellowship that transcends their immediate circumstances.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 13:13 is a simple greeting, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the very nature of the unity and identity it conveys. The "saints" are not merely a collection of individuals, but those who have been made holy and set apart in Christ Jesus. Their ability to "salute" one another with genuine affection and solidarity stems directly from their shared new life and common Head. Jesus Christ is the one who breaks down dividing walls, making Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, one in Him (Galatians 3:28). It is through His atoning work that believers are sanctified and brought into God's family, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). The mutual greetings exchanged between Christian communities, therefore, are not just polite formalities but expressions of the supernatural bond forged by the Holy Spirit, who unites believers into the one body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This verse, then, implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate source of Christian fellowship, the foundation of our holiness, and the unifying force that enables "all the saints" to genuinely greet "you" as beloved members of His redeemed family, reflecting His own love and unity.