2 Corinthians13
New International Version
1This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
2I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,
3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
4For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.
5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
6And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
10This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
11Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13All God’s people here send their greetings.
14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Corinthians 13.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle threatens obstinate offenders. (1–6). He prays for their reformation. (7–10). And ends the epistle with a salutation and blessing. (11–14).
vv1-6
Though it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, yet he will not bear always; at length he will come, and will not spare those who remain obstinate and impenitent. Christ at his crucifixion, appeared as only a weak and helpless man, but his resurrection and life showed his Divine power. So the apostles, how mean and contemptible soever they appeared to the world, yet, as instruments, they manifested the power of God. Let them prove their tempers, conduct, and experience, as gold is assayed or proved by the touchstone. If they could prove themselves not to be reprobates, not to be rejected of Christ, he trusted they would know that he was not a reprobate, not disowned by Christ. They ought to know if Christ Jesus was in them, by the influences, graces, and indwelling of his Spirit, by his kingdom set up in their hearts. Let us question our own souls; either we are true Christians, or we are deceivers. Unless Christ be in us by his Spirit, and power of his love, our faith is dead, and we are yet disapproved by our Judge.
vv7-10
The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept from sin, that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that we may not do evil, than that we may not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we caution, that they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be glad for others to be strong in the grace of Christ, though it may be the means of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled to make a proper use of all our talents.
vv11-14
Here are several good exhortations. God is the Author of peace and Lover of concord; he hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us. And let it be our constant aim so to walk, that separation from our friends may be only for a time, and that we may meet in that happy world where parting will be unknown. He wishes that they may partake all the benefits which Christ of his free grace and favour has purchased; the Father out of his free love has purposed; and the Holy Ghost applies and bestows.
Key Words
τοῦτο (toûto): that thing
τρίτος (trítos): third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
ἔρχομαι (érchomai): to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρός (prós): a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated)
ὑμᾶς (hymâs): you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
πᾶς (pâs): all, any, every, the whole
ῥῆμα (rhēma): an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever
ἵστημι (hístēmi): to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἐπί (epí): properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
στόμα (stóma): the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or edge (of a weapon)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 13Directly quoted by Paul regarding the requirement of two or three witnesses to establish a matter.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Jesus applies the same deuteronomic law of witnesses to church discipline and reconciliation.
Supported by John Calvin
Jesus references this law of two witnesses to validate His own testimony alongside the Father.
Supported by John Calvin
The author of Hebrews appeals to the same law of witnesses for capital offenses.
Supported by John Calvin
Refers back to those who sinned beforehand and have not yet repented of their uncleanness.
Supported by JFB
Parallels Paul's apostolic authority to deliver unrepentant sinners to Satan for severe discipline.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Parallels Christ being declared the Son of God with power by His resurrection.
Supported by JFB
Connects believers walking in newness of life with Christ being raised by the Father's glory.
Supported by JFB
Corroborates the reality of 'Jesus Christ is in you' unless one is disqualified.
Supported by JFB
Reminds the Corinthians of the signs of an apostle already performed among them with power.
Supported by JFB
Provides the metallurgical background for 'reprobate' silver rejected by God after being tested.
Supported by JFB
Reiterates that the authority given to Paul is for edification and building up, not destruction.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Matches the explicit triadic, Trinitarian structure used in the baptismal formula.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Old Testament Aaronic threefold blessing, finding its full Trinitarian expression in Paul's benediction.
Supported by Matthew Henry