2 Corinthians 13

“This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which…” The line’s distinctive content terms include absent, foretell, heretofore. Its relationship to verses 1 and 3 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.” Naming Christ and Since keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“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…” The verse names God rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Greet one another with an holy kiss.” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“All the saints salute you.” Naming All keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” Naming Amen and Christ keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.