2 Corinthians 13 contains Paul’s final warning and exhortation to the church in Corinth. He announces his third visit to the church in Corinth, urging them to repent and do the right thing. He also urges them to test their apostleship and examine their faith in Christ. Finally, he sends them his blessing and greetings.
1. The Third Visit and Warning (2 Corinthians 13:1-4)
- Third Visit : Paul mentions his third visit to the church in Corinth, and says that every word will be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This is a reference to the principle of the law in Deuteronomy 19:15, which is intended to prove all facts with certainty.
- Warning : Paul warns those who have sinned before and all others that he will not spare them this time. He emphasizes that Christ was weak but is alive through the power of God, and that he, too, is weak but will be alive among them through the power of Christ.
2. Test Yourself and Test Your Faith (2 Corinthians 13:5-10)
- Test Yourselves : Paul exhorts the Corinthians to test themselves and examine their faith. They must be sure that they are in Christ, that Jesus Christ is in them. If not, they are rejected.
- True Paul : Paul says that he wants them to know that he is not a rejected person. He prays that they will not do evil, and he wants them to do good rather than show them that he has passed the test. Paul rejoices in the truth, and rejoices that they are strong when he is weak.
- Authority for Building Up : Paul explains that he intends to use the authority he has received from the Lord not to tear down the church, but to build it up. He wants them to repent and do the right thing, and he wants his exhortations to promote their repentance.
3. Final Exhortation and Blessing (2 Corinthians 13:11-14)
- Final Exhortation : Paul finally urges the Corinthians to rejoice, be complete, be comforted, be of one mind, and be at peace. He says that if they do so, the God of love and peace will be with them.
- Greetings from the Saints : Paul urges them to greet one another with a holy kiss, and reports that all the saints greet them.
- Blessing : Paul concludes his letter by wishing them all the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
summary
2 Corinthians 13 contains Paul’s third visit to the church in Corinth, urging them to repent and act rightly. Paul urges them to examine their faith in Christ and follow the path of true faith. He also gives them final advice and blessings, and prays for unity and peace among the saints. This chapter emphasizes the importance of examining faith and repentance in the Christian life, and aims to maintain a perfect relationship with God.