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 is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” ​
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;
3
seeing that you seek a proof of Messiah who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you. ​
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. ​

Test Yourselves

5
Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know as to your own selves, that Yeshua the Messiah is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. ​
6
But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified.
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.
8
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. ​
9
For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting.
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. ​

Final Exhortations and Benediction

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. ​
12
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13
All the holy ones greet you.
14
The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. ​

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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