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Summary

2 Corinthians 13:1–4 – Final Warnings and Christ’s Power

What happens: Paul prepares for a third visit and reminds them that every charge must be established by two or three witnesses. He warns that if there is unrepentant sin, he will not spare. Though Christ was crucified in weakness, He lives by God’s power; likewise Paul is weak in Him, yet will live with Him by God’s power toward them.

What it means: Church discipline follows just standards and seeks restoration. God’s pattern is power through what seems weak. Christ’s life shapes how leaders act with courage and care.

2 Corinthians 13:5–6 – Examine Yourselves

What happens: Paul urges them to test themselves to see if they are in the faith. Jesus Christ is in them unless they fail the test. He hopes they will see that he has not failed the test.

What it means: Self-examination is a grace that guards integrity and faith. Christ in us is the mark of true life. God desires genuine repentance and assurance grounded in Him.

2 Corinthians 13:7–10 – Aim for Truth and Building Up

What happens: Paul prays they do no wrong, not to prove him right, but so they do what is right. He can do nothing against the truth, but only for it. He writes to avoid using harshness when present, because his authority is for building up, not tearing down.

What it means: Truth and love guide authority in the church. God gives power to serve and edify. Peaceful correction is better than severe measures, when possible.

2 Corinthians 13:11–14 – Final Exhortations and Blessing

What happens: Paul says, rejoice, aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree, and live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with them. He calls for a holy kiss and notes the saints’ greetings. He closes with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

What it means: Unity flows from God’s own love and peace. The closing blessing shows the triune God’s grace toward His people. Community life is worship when shaped by grace, love, and fellowship.

Application

  • Receive correction that follows just rules and seeks your restoration.
  • Examine your life in the light of Christ’s presence and the gospel.
  • Use any authority to build up, serve truth, and pursue peace.
  • Live in the triune blessing: rest in Christ’s grace, the Father’s love, and the Spirit’s fellowship.

Bible

1This 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.

5Examine 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.

11Finally, 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.

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