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2 Corinthians 13

World English Bible

WEB

1This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” 2I have warned previously, and I warn again, 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, 3seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me who is not weak, but is powerful in you. 4For 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. 5Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know about your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified. 7Now 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 may seem to have failed. 8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect. 10For 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. 11Finally, 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. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints greet you. 14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Corinthians Chapter 13 serves as the concluding chapter of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, where he addresses the need for self-examination and the importance of unity within the church. Paul begins by stating that he will come to them for the third time, emphasizing the principle of establishing every matter by the testimony of two or three witnesses (#2Corinthians13:1). This reflects the biblical standard found in #Deuteronomy 19:15, highlighting the seriousness of his impending visit and the need for accountability among believers. Paul expresses his concern for the spiritual state of the Corinthians, urging them to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith, a call to introspection that resonates with #2Corinthians 5:17, where believers are reminded of their new identity in Christ.

In this chapter, Paul also defends his authority as an apostle, reminding the Corinthians that his power comes from the Lord and not from himself. He contrasts his approach with that of false apostles, emphasizing that his goal is not to dominate but to build them up in love (#2Corinthians 13:10). Paul encourages them to be of one mind and live in peace, assuring them that the God of love and peace will be with them (#2Corinthians 13:11). The chapter concludes with a heartfelt benediction, where Paul invokes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to be with all believers (#2Corinthians 13:14). This final exhortation encapsulates the essence of Christian community, urging unity and mutual support as they strive to live out their faith together.

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Referenced by

  1. 1 Corinthians 11:28v51 Corinthians 11:28 advises self-examination before partaking in Communion, similar to 2 Corinthians 13:5 which calls believers to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith.

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