II Corinthians 13 Commentary
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Greet one another with an holy kiss.
All the saints salute you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
II Corinthians 13 marks the conclusion of Paul's passionate and, at times, confrontational letter to the church in Corinth. In this chapter, Paul delivers a final warning, a heartfelt plea for self-examination, and a benediction filled with grace and hope. He addresses issues of sin and division while emphasizing the importance of unity, spiritual growth, and the transformative power of Christ. This chapter serves as a powerful call to live out the reality of Christ's presence in their lives, and ours.
A Final Warning and Call to Repentance (II Corinthians 13:1-4)
Paul's third visit to Corinth is looming, and he doesn't shy away from addressing the seriousness of unrepentant sin. He declares that "every charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses" (II Corinthians 13:1), echoing Old Testament legal principles. This isn't about personal vendettas, but about establishing truth and justice within the community. He warns that he "will not spare them" (II Corinthians 13:2) if he finds them continuing in sin. This isn't a threat from a power-hungry leader, but a loving warning from an apostle burdened for their spiritual well-being. He had warned them on his previous visit, and warns the Corinthians once more, that he will not be lenient on those found to be in unrepentant sin. Two categories of sin were named at the end of chapter 12: division and immorality.
The Corinthians had been seeking proof of Christ's power working through Paul. He assures them that they will indeed see it, perhaps in the form of discipline if necessary. Paul acknowledges his own perceived weakness, yet declares that "Christ is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you" (II Corinthians 13:3). Though Paul himself was weak, the risen Christ was operating in him, and God’s power will be displayed unless the sin was addressed (13:4). Paul's weakness is actually a strength, as it allows Christ's power to shine through him all the more brightly.
Self-Examination and the Reality of Christ (II Corinthians 13:5-7)
Paul then shifts from warning to encouragement, urging the Corinthians to "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves" (II Corinthians 13:5). This isn't just a superficial check-list; it's a call to deep introspection. Are they truly living in accordance with their professed faith in Christ? Is Jesus Christ truly in them?
This testing was not for the purpose of determining whether they were saved. Paul was confident that they had experienced God’s saving grace in Christ. Instead, he wants them to examine whether Christ’s abiding presence was operating through them. They needed to test whether they were operating in sync with the true faith or with the heretical teachings of the false apostles. Were they progressing in the faith as disciples? Or were they regressing due to sin and error?
Paul expresses a hope that they will pass this test, and that Christ will be found to be alive and active within them. He even states, "I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test" (II Corinthians 13:6). He earnestly prays that the Corinthians would do nothing wrong. He had no desire to vindicate himself or to see God discipline them (13:7). Paul’s confidence isn't in himself, but in the transformative power of Christ within the believers.
Strength in Weakness and the Pursuit of Truth (II Corinthians 13:8-10)
Paul makes a profound statement: "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth" (II Corinthians 13:8). The driving force behind Paul’s ministry was nothing less than the truth of the gospel and its impact in the spiritual development of these believers (13:8). This principle governs his entire ministry. He and his fellow ministers work for the truth. Period. Christ is the truth. They cannot do anything against the truth, even if that would somehow help them to be more impressive to others.
He embraces weakness, saying, "For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for" (II Corinthians 13:9). He was happy for them to become strong though he himself was weak. His longing was to see them continue their spiritual growth and become fully mature believers (13:9), so he wishes to avoid dealing harshly with them and disciplining them. Paul's greatest desire is for their spiritual maturity and restoration.
He concludes this section by explaining his purpose in writing: "That is why I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down" (II Corinthians 13:10). Better to have the privilege on the Lord’s behalf of building them up rather than tearing them down (13:10). His authority is not for personal gain or control, but for the edification of the church.
Final Exhortations and a Trinitarian Benediction (II Corinthians 13:11-14)
Paul closes the letter with a series of practical exhortations: "Rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace" (II Corinthians 13:11). These instructions are interconnected. Rejoicing comes from a restored relationship with God and with one another. Comfort and agreement flow from a shared commitment to Christ. Peace is the result of living in harmony with God's will and with fellow believers. We are capable of all these actions because of the work of God in our lives. If the Corinthians followed through, the God of love and peace would be with them and grant them his power (13:11).
He concludes with a beautiful Trinitarian benediction: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (II Corinthians 13:14). The apostle extends greetings of love and concludes with a Trinitarian benediction of grace, love, and fellowship (13:12-13). This blessing encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith: grace from Christ, love from the Father, and fellowship in the Spirit. It's a powerful reminder of the triune God's presence and provision in the lives of believers.
II Corinthians 13 is a fitting conclusion to a letter filled with both challenge and encouragement. It calls us to honest self-reflection, a commitment to truth, and a pursuit of unity and spiritual growth. It reminds us that true strength is found in Christ's power working through our weakness, and that the ultimate goal is to build up one another in love and faith. It is a chapter that continues to resonate with believers today, urging us to live out the reality of Christ's presence in our lives and to experience the fullness of God's grace, love, and fellowship.
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Greet one another with an holy kiss.
All the saints salute you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.
II Corinthians 13 marks the conclusion of Paul's passionate and, at times, confrontational letter to the church in Corinth. In this chapter, Paul delivers a final warning, a heartfelt plea for self-examination, and a benediction filled with grace and hope. He addresses issues of sin and division while emphasizing the importance of unity, spiritual growth, and the transformative power of Christ. This chapter serves as a powerful call to live out the reality of Christ's presence in their lives, and ours.
A Final Warning and Call to Repentance (II Corinthians 13:1-4)
Paul's third visit to Corinth is looming, and he doesn't shy away from addressing the seriousness of unrepentant sin. He declares that "every charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses" (II Corinthians 13:1), echoing Old Testament legal principles. This isn't about personal vendettas, but about establishing truth and justice within the community. He warns that he "will not spare them" (II Corinthians 13:2) if he finds them continuing in sin. This isn't a threat from a power-hungry leader, but a loving warning from an apostle burdened for their spiritual well-being. He had warned them on his previous visit, and warns the Corinthians once more, that he will not be lenient on those found to be in unrepentant sin. Two categories of sin were named at the end of chapter 12: division and immorality.
The Corinthians had been seeking proof of Christ's power working through Paul. He assures them that they will indeed see it, perhaps in the form of discipline if necessary. Paul acknowledges his own perceived weakness, yet declares that "Christ is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you" (II Corinthians 13:3). Though Paul himself was weak, the risen Christ was operating in him, and God’s power will be displayed unless the sin was addressed (13:4). Paul's weakness is actually a strength, as it allows Christ's power to shine through him all the more brightly.
Self-Examination and the Reality of Christ (II Corinthians 13:5-7)
Paul then shifts from warning to encouragement, urging the Corinthians to "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves" (II Corinthians 13:5). This isn't just a superficial check-list; it's a call to deep introspection. Are they truly living in accordance with their professed faith in Christ? Is Jesus Christ truly in them?
This testing was not for the purpose of determining whether they were saved. Paul was confident that they had experienced God’s saving grace in Christ. Instead, he wants them to examine whether Christ’s abiding presence was operating through them. They needed to test whether they were operating in sync with the true faith or with the heretical teachings of the false apostles. Were they progressing in the faith as disciples? Or were they regressing due to sin and error?
Paul expresses a hope that they will pass this test, and that Christ will be found to be alive and active within them. He even states, "I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test" (II Corinthians 13:6). He earnestly prays that the Corinthians would do nothing wrong. He had no desire to vindicate himself or to see God discipline them (13:7). Paul’s confidence isn't in himself, but in the transformative power of Christ within the believers.
Strength in Weakness and the Pursuit of Truth (II Corinthians 13:8-10)
Paul makes a profound statement: "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth" (II Corinthians 13:8). The driving force behind Paul’s ministry was nothing less than the truth of the gospel and its impact in the spiritual development of these believers (13:8). This principle governs his entire ministry. He and his fellow ministers work for the truth. Period. Christ is the truth. They cannot do anything against the truth, even if that would somehow help them to be more impressive to others.
He embraces weakness, saying, "For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for" (II Corinthians 13:9). He was happy for them to become strong though he himself was weak. His longing was to see them continue their spiritual growth and become fully mature believers (13:9), so he wishes to avoid dealing harshly with them and disciplining them. Paul's greatest desire is for their spiritual maturity and restoration.
He concludes this section by explaining his purpose in writing: "That is why I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down" (II Corinthians 13:10). Better to have the privilege on the Lord’s behalf of building them up rather than tearing them down (13:10). His authority is not for personal gain or control, but for the edification of the church.
Final Exhortations and a Trinitarian Benediction (II Corinthians 13:11-14)
Paul closes the letter with a series of practical exhortations: "Rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace" (II Corinthians 13:11). These instructions are interconnected. Rejoicing comes from a restored relationship with God and with one another. Comfort and agreement flow from a shared commitment to Christ. Peace is the result of living in harmony with God's will and with fellow believers. We are capable of all these actions because of the work of God in our lives. If the Corinthians followed through, the God of love and peace would be with them and grant them his power (13:11).
He concludes with a beautiful Trinitarian benediction: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (II Corinthians 13:14). The apostle extends greetings of love and concludes with a Trinitarian benediction of grace, love, and fellowship (13:12-13). This blessing encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith: grace from Christ, love from the Father, and fellowship in the Spirit. It's a powerful reminder of the triune God's presence and provision in the lives of believers.
II Corinthians 13 is a fitting conclusion to a letter filled with both challenge and encouragement. It calls us to honest self-reflection, a commitment to truth, and a pursuit of unity and spiritual growth. It reminds us that true strength is found in Christ's power working through our weakness, and that the ultimate goal is to build up one another in love and faith. It is a chapter that continues to resonate with believers today, urging us to live out the reality of Christ's presence in our lives and to experience the fullness of God's grace, love, and fellowship.