2 Corinthians 13:11

In 2 Corinthians 13:11, the Apostle Paul delivers his concluding exhortations and a powerful benediction to the believers in Corinth. This verse serves as a summary of his pastoral concerns and a final plea for unity, maturity, and peace within the church community before his anticipated third visit.

Context

This verse comes at the very end of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, a letter characterized by both stern rebukes and tender affection. Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses various issues, including challenges to his apostolic authority, the need for repentance, financial matters (the collection for Jerusalem), and the struggles within the Corinthian church. His "farewell" is not merely a polite closing but a summation of the spiritual state he desires for them, emphasizing reconciliation and healthy communal living as they prepare for his arrival. It reflects his earnest desire for their spiritual well-being and a harmonious church.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Maturity and Wholeness: The call to "be perfect" (Greek: katartizo) implies a process of being mended, restored, or thoroughly equipped. It's not about achieving sinless perfection, but about being made complete in Christ, spiritually mature, and fit for service. This echoes Paul's broader teaching on growing into the fullness of Christ.
• Comfort and Encouragement: "Be of good comfort" (Greek: parakaleo) speaks to mutual encouragement and finding strength in God and one another, especially in times of trial or internal conflict.
• Unity of Mind: The exhortation to "be of one mind" highlights the critical importance of unity in purpose and thought among believers. This does not mean uniformity of opinion on every minor detail, but a shared commitment to Christ, His teachings, and the mission of the Gospel, fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than division. Paul frequently stresses the need for Christian unity and humility.
• Peaceful Living: "Live in peace" is a direct command to cultivate harmonious relationships within the community. It's an active pursuit of reconciliation and avoiding strife, which was a recurring problem in Corinth.
• God's Presence as a Consequence: The promise, "and the God of love and peace shall be with you," serves as both an incentive and a blessing. When believers strive for these qualities—maturity, comfort, unity, and peace—they experience the manifest presence of God, whose very nature is love and peace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "perfect," katartizo (καταρτίζω), is significant. It can mean to mend nets, to restore a broken bone, or to equip for a task. Thus, "be perfect" implies being fully equipped, restored, or brought to a state of spiritual completeness and readiness, rather than moral faultlessness. It's a call to be made whole and healthy in their faith and relationships.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 13:11 offers timeless principles for personal spiritual growth and healthy church life:

• Pursue Maturity: Continually seek to grow in your understanding and application of God's Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape your character.
• Encourage One Another: Actively comfort and build up fellow believers, fostering a supportive community.
• Strive for Unity: Prioritize the spiritual unity of the body of Christ over personal preferences or divisive issues, focusing on core Gospel truths.
• Live Peacefully: Be a peacemaker, seeking reconciliation and harmony in all your relationships, especially within the church.
• Experience God's Presence: As we earnestly pursue these Christian virtues, we can be confident that the "God of love and peace" will indeed dwell among us and bless our fellowship.