2nd Corinthians Chapter 13

From The Open Bible Project

13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."[11]

13:2 I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

13:3 seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.

(1) A most sharp reprehension, because, while they despise the apostle’s admonitions, they tempt Christ’s own patience: and also while they condemn him as wretched and miserable, they lay nothing against him, which is not common to him with Christ.
(a) And will be most mighty to be avenged upon you, when need will be.

13:4 For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.

(b) Regarding that base form of a servant which he took upon him when he abased himself.

13:5 Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don't you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.

(2) He confirms that which he spoke about the power of God appearing in his ministry, and he gathers by the mutual relation between the people’s faith and the minister’s preaching, that they must either reverence his apostleship, upon whose doctrine their faith is grounded, or they must condemn themselves of infidelity, and must confess themselves not to be of Christ’s body.

13:6 But I hope that you will know that we aren't disqualified.

(3) He appeases that sharpness, trusting that they will show themselves towards their faithful apostle, able and willing to be taught. And he also adds this, that he does not seek his own fame and estimation, so that they may serve their saviour, which is the only mark that he shoots at.

13:7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate.

13:8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

13:9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting.

(d) That all things may be in good order among you, and the members of the church restored into their place, which have been shaken and are out of place.

13:10 For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.

13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.