Bible Study 2 Corinthians 13: 1-14

 

A Commentary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: King James Version

Bible Study 2 Corinthians 13: 1-14

Text:

13 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.

The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

Reiterating his previous intentions, Paul prepares for his third visit to Corinth to carry out his apostolic duties. He intends for all matters to be fully disclosed and validated upon his arrival. During this visit, Paul will demonstrate the legitimacy of his apostleship, manifesting the power of Christ through his own human weakness.

Verse 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:”

Upon his arrival in Corinth, the apostle warns that he will take a firm stance against unrepentant sinners. Having already dispatched two epistles filled with necessary guidance and corrections to address their wrongdoings, Paul identifies these two letters as the "witnesses" referenced in the opening verse.

Verse 3: “since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.”

Paul’s assertion that Christ was "speaking in" him serves as a powerful testament to his apostolic authority. By having Christ speak through him, Paul’s words carried the divine weight necessary to effectively silence those who opposed him.

Verse 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.”

Throughout his earthly life, Paul shared in the resurrection power of Christ, for his own existence—much like that of every believer—was fundamentally joined to Christ through His death and subsequent resurrection.

Verse 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?”

Paul’s instructions provide clarity regarding the doctrine of assurance of faith. He challenges the Corinthians to scrutinize their lives for manifestations of salvation. This self-examination involves looking for specific markers, such as:

• A sincere trust in Christ;

• Commitment to obeying God and advancing in holiness;

• The presence of the Spirit’s fruit and affection for fellow believers;

• Exerting a constructive influence on others;

• Faithfulness to apostolic doctrine and the internal witness of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 6: “But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.”

Paul has conducted a personal assessment and intends for them to understand that he remains steadfast in his faith.

Verse 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.”

Paul expresses that his primary desire is for them to embody the character and conduct expected of faithful believers.

Verse 8: “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”

This passage makes clear a significant principle: the truth remains immutable regardless of opposition. Consequently, one need not be concerned by those who contest the Word of God, as their dissent cannot undermine its veracity. Our mandate is to proclaim the Word of God rather than dedicate resources to its defense. God does not require us to provide a defense for His Word; rather, He commands us to declare it and communicate it to others.

Verse 9: “For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.”

The phrase "even your perfection" should not be understood in the conventional sense of being flawless, but rather as a call to spiritual maturity. Paul's sincere desire is for the Corinthians to become fully developed in their walk, continuing to progress in grace and deepening their conformity to Christ Jesus.

Verse 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.” 

Paul expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to correspond with them. His objective in writing is to encourage their spiritual development rather than to cause pain.

Verse 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.”

The exhortation to "be perfect" serves as a mandate for spiritual maturation. It is a call for believers to transcend spiritual infancy and attain a higher degree of maturity, an admonition that remains pertinent for many contemporary practitioners of the faith.

The instruction to "be of good comfort" recalls the foundational theme of divine consolation introduced at the beginning of this epistle. This comfort is synonymous with divine assistance; it signifies that God is present to provide necessary aid, strength, and encouragement. This support is available to all individuals regardless of their circumstances, facilitated through the Holy Scriptures and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

These passages underscore the profound reality of God's presence as a source of consolation. Believers are encouraged to pursue spiritual growth and maturity, recognizing that while one cannot oppose the truth, one must actively support it. Such divine encouragement serves as a catalyst for advancing in one's spiritual commitment.

To "be of one mind" necessitates the adoption of the mind of Christ.

While individuals may not possess the capacity to establish peace, they are commanded to "live in peace."

The promise that "the God of love and peace shall be with you" refers to a divine peace that transcends human comprehension. This peace, established through the sacrificial atonement on the cross, is the environment in which believers are called to exist as they celebrate their salvation.

It is essential to recognize the significance of the phrase "with you." It provides the assurance that the believer is never solitary; God maintains a constant presence with His people.

Verse 12: “Greet one another with an holy kiss.”

In the biblical era, "an holy kiss" functioned as a standard greeting, comparable to the contemporary handshake. Within the Christian community, it served as a further expression of unity and brotherly love.

Verse 13: “All the saints salute you.”

The term “all the saints” identifies the believers residing in the local church where Paul was situated at the time of his writing.

Verse 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.

The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.”

By extending the Trinitarian blessing to "you all," Paul incorporates modern believers alongside the original congregation in Corinth. This call invites us to find deep joy in our inheritance through Christ: the Lord Jesus Christ's grace, the Father's love, and the Holy Spirit's fellowship. Consequently, it is our responsibility to testify of these truths, sharing our witness within our own local churches and throughout the wider world.