In 2 Corinthians Chapter 13, Paul concluded his second letter to the church in Corinth with a few final warnings and encouraging words.
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Paul Discusses His Visit
Paul reminded the Corinthians that he was on his way to visit them for the third time. He said that he would deal seriously with those who have sinned and been proven to be unfaithful to Christ. He reminded them further that sin was not trivial, and no one can be convicted of sin without the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Paul Explains His Authority
Paul offered the proof of his authority to speak for the church by asking them to recognize the truth – that Christ’s power has worked, through Paul, to establish the church in Corinth and to transform them into people in whom Jesus is present.
Strength through Christ
Paul reminded the church at Corinth that they themselves were weak, just as Jesus was crucified in his human weakness. But, Paul said, their lives were transformed by the power of God. He told them that this was a test of whether their faith was strong. They had recognized that the presence of Jesus was within them.
Paul told the Corinthians that he prayed to God for them regularly so that they will continue to stay strong in faith in Christ. He said he prays for them to be made perfect, even if he himself was weak and imperfect. He could not resist the truth, only pass it on to them.
Paul Describes His Purpose
He told the people that his job on behalf of Christ was to build them up, not to knock them down. Therefore, he said he hoped that his letter served as a warning to them to live in faith and turn away from sin so that he would not have to be harsh with them.
Paul’s Final Words to Corinth
Paul wished the Corinthians joy and asked them to seek perfection as they encouraged one another. He told them that if they lived in harmony with one another, they would enjoy God’s love and peace. He sent them the best wishes of the rest of the church and closed with a blessing that they may have Christ’s grace, God’s love, and the Spirit’s fellowship.
2 Corinthians 13 (King James Version)
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
2 I 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:
3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4 For 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.
5 Examine 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?
6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7 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, though we be as reprobates.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
10 Therefore 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.
11 Finally, 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.
12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
13 All the saints salute you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.