The big picture
The letter ends with a visit still ahead. Paul, a messenger sent by Jesus Christ, has warned believers in Corinth, a city where he has served, about serious faults. Jesus is the Lord whose power Paul says works through him. Some demand proof that he truly speaks for Christ. Paul turns that demand back toward their own lives. He wants them to put things right before he arrives, so his visit can help them without harsh action.
In this chapter
- The Coming Visit Will Test Claims 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
Paul announces his third visit and sets a rule for hearing charges.
- Their Own Faith Needs Testing 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Instead of only testing Paul, the believers must test themselves.
- Peace Shapes the Closing Greeting 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Paul closes by urging the believers to mend what is wrong.
Central truth
Paul warns that his next visit will address wrongdoing, yet his aim remains a church made strong and whole.
Scripture beside the summary
2 Corinthians · King James Version · 142 Corinthians 13:1-4
The Coming Visit Will Test Claims
Paul announces his third visit and sets a rule for hearing charges. A claim must have support from two or three witnesses. Those who sinned before have already received warnings. If they persist, he will act when he comes. They want evidence that Christ speaks through him. He says Christ is not weak in dealing with them. Jesus was killed on a cross in weakness, but now lives through the power of God. Paul shares weakness too, yet expects that same power to work when he deals with the church.
In everyday life
A building safety inspector returns to a stairwell with two signed reports. The owner has ignored earlier warnings about a loose rail. She checks both accounts and orders the unsafe stairs closed. Her quiet manner has not removed her power to act. Paul claims power from the risen Christ, not authority granted by a safety code.
Notice
2 Corinthians 13:1 The warning begins with a rule about witnesses. Serious action needs supported charges, so Paul does not present personal anger as enough reason to punish.
2 Corinthians 13:1-4
King James Version1This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
2I 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:
3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4For 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.
2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Their Own Faith Needs Testing
Instead of only testing Paul, the believers must test themselves. Does their life show that Jesus Christ is in them? Paul hopes they will also see that his work passes the test. Yet his main prayer is for them to do right. He accepts looking weak or discredited if they become strong. His power must serve truth rather than oppose it. That is why he writes before arriving. He wants them restored now, so he will not have to use severe measures during the visit.
In everyday life
The rowing coach stands in the boathouse while a crew checks its race log. They blame his drills for their poor finish. He asks them to compare their actual strokes with the plan, then works through each fault. He accepts their doubts if the crew learns to row well. Paul seeks a sound life in Christ, not faster race times.
Notice
2 Corinthians 13:9 Paul is willing to appear weak while they become strong. The goal of his warning is their restored life, not a public display of his own rank.
2 Corinthians 13:5-10
King James Version5Examine 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?
6But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7Now 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.
8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
10Therefore 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.
2 Corinthians 13:11-14
Peace Shapes the Closing Greeting
Paul closes by urging the believers to mend what is wrong. He calls for courage, shared purpose, and peace with each other. God is described as the God of love and peace. A holy kiss is a greeting that expresses their bond as believers. Other believers send greetings too, so this troubled group is not alone. The final blessing names Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Ghost, meaning the Spirit of God. It asks for grace, love, and shared life through the Spirit to remain with them all.
In everyday life
Three chess club friends pack the boards away after a tense vote. One stacks the boxes while another straightens the chairs. They agree to keep talking and each offers a warm farewell. Their dispute has not made care for each other pointless. Paul ends with a blessing from God, not only a pledge between friends.
Notice
2 Corinthians 13:14 The final blessing includes every member of the church. After such firm warnings, Paul still asks for shared grace and love rather than ending with a threat.
2 Corinthians 13:11-14
King James Version11Finally, 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.
12Greet one another with an holy kiss.
13All the saints salute you.
14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Details worth noticing
The opening image
2 Corinthians 13:1 begins with “This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
Where the chapter turns
2 Corinthians 13:7 forms a natural hinge: “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.”
The final note
2 Corinthians 13:14 leaves the reader with “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
A word trail through the chapter
The words Christ, power, reprobates, weak, absent, holy help reveal the chapter’s repeated concerns.
KJV words made clear
- hath
- has
- lest
- so that something does not happen
Music and video connected to the passage
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