2 Corinthianschapter 13

14 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 259 cross-references outward and receives 227 — heaviest partner: 2 Corinthians.

Chapter summary

Paul's third visit — by the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. He prays for their perfection. 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 grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Henry reads the closing as a benediction of the Trinity upon the restored church.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 2 Corinthians overview for the book's full setting.

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

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

3 seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:

4 for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.

5 Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.

6 But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.

7 Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate.

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

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