2 Corinthians13

Paul announces his third visit to Corinth, warning that he will not spare those who remain unrepentant, and challenges them to examine their own faith to see if Christ is truly in them. He emphasizes that his apostolic power is for edification, not destruction, and expresses his desire for their spiritual perfection. The chapter concludes with a powerful Trinitarian benediction.

Final Warning and Apostolic Authority

1
This will be the third time that I have come to visit you. Any charge must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. ​
2
To those who sinned in the past and to the rest I say beforehand while absent the same thing I said when I was with you the second time: if I come again I will not spare you —
3
since you are looking for proof of the Messiah speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but he is powerful among you. ​
4
For although he was executed on a stake in weakness, now he lives by God’s power. And we too are weak in union with him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by God’s power. ​

Test Yourselves

5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are living the life of trust. Test yourselves. Don’t you realize that Yeshua the Messiah is in you? — unless you fail to pass the test. ​
6
But I hope you will realize that we are not failures.
7
And we pray to God that you will do nothing wrong. We are not concerned with our appearing successful, but with your doing what is right, even if we appear to be failures.
8
For we cannot act against the truth, only for it. ​
9
So we rejoice whenever we are weak and you are strong; indeed, what we pray for is that you become perfect.
10
I write these things while away from you, so that when I am with you I will not have to use my authority to deal sharply with you, for the Lord gave it to me for building up and not for tearing down. ​

Final Exhortations and Benediction

11
And now, brothers, shalom! Put yourselves in order, pay attention to my advice, be of one mind, live in shalom — and the God of love and shalom will be with you. ​
12
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13
All God’s people send greetings to you.
14
The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the love of God and the fellowship of the Ruach HaKodesh be with you all. ​

Study Notes for 2 Corinthians 13

Verse 1

This is the third time Paul planned to visit Corinth, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He quotes Deuteronomy 19:15, applying the legal principle of requiring multiple witnesses to establish truth, justifying his firmness in dealing with ongoing sin.

Verse 3

The Corinthians were demanding 'proof' that Christ truly spoke through Paul, likely due to the influence of rival teachers. Paul warns that if they force him to exercise sharp discipline, the proof will be undeniable.

Verse 4

Paul parallels his ministry with Christ's humiliation and exaltation. Christ was crucified in 'weakness' but resurrected by 'power'; similarly, Paul ministers in apparent weakness, but his authority will be demonstrated by God’s power upon his arrival.

Verse 5

Paul commands the Corinthians to stop testing his authority and instead test their own spiritual standing and faith. A 'reprobate' (adokimos) is one who fails the test, is found wanting, or is counterfeit—a severe warning concerning their salvation.

Verse 8

Paul clarifies the nature of his apostolic power: it is defensive and constructive. He cannot use it arbitrarily or against the truth of the gospel, only in support and defense of righteous behavior.

Verse 10

Paul explains that his sharp writing serves a preventative purpose. He hopes the letter will prompt repentance, allowing him to use his God-given authority for 'edification' (building up) rather than harsh 'destruction' (discipline) when he arrives.

Verse 11

Paul delivers a final series of commands focusing on unity and maturity: 'Be perfect' (strive for completeness/maturity), 'be of good comfort' (encourage one another), and 'be of one mind' (pursue doctrinal and relational harmony).

Verse 14

This verse contains the famous Trinitarian benediction, the most explicit statement of the three persons of the Godhead in Paul's letters. It summarizes the gifts received through each person: grace (Christ), love (God the Father), and fellowship (Holy Spirit).

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