A paved road running toward Corinth at dawn, the low roofs of the city ahead and the great rock of Acrocorinth rising beyond them.

The Book of

2 Corinthians 13

Paul is coming to Corinth a third time. Before he arrives, he asks them to look honestly at their faith, and he leaves them with a blessing.

14 verses≈ 3 min1 personBSB

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In this chapter

Where we are

1–2:13ComfortWhy Paul changed his plans
2:14–5:10Treasure in clayThe glory of the new covenant
5:11–7Be reconciledOpen your hearts; joy restored
8–9Generous givingThe gift for the saints
10–13Strong in weaknessPaul's defence of his ministryChapter 13

Examine Yourselves

This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

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I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you but is powerful among you.

For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power.

2 Corinthians 13:4

Question

Quick question

Some in Corinth wanted proof that Christ was really speaking through Paul.

How many times has Paul now said he is coming to Corinth?

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?

And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.

Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.

This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Weak, yet alive by God’s power

Whiteboard

The pattern runs through the whole letter. Christ “was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power.” Paul shares that weakness, and he will share that life. So he is glad to look weak if it means the church is strong: “our prayer is for your perfection.”

Reflect

Examine yourselves

Paul asks the Corinthians to “test yourselves,” and in the same breath reminds them that “Jesus Christ is in you.” Take a quiet, honest look today. Where do you see Christ at work in you: trust in Him, love for His people, a desire to do what is right? Write those down with thanks. Then write one area where you want Him to keep building you up.

Benediction and Farewell

Paul

Dawn light spreading over the Gulf of Corinth, seen from the hills above the city, the water and far mountains turning gold.

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All the saints send you greetings.

0:04

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

From PaulTo the church of God in Corinth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

2 Corinthians 13:14

Pray

Grace, love and fellowship

Paul’s last words are a blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” Pray it slowly, one part at a time. Thank Jesus for His grace, thank the Father for His love, and thank the Holy Spirit for His fellowship. Then pray the same blessing over the people in your church by name.

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2 Corinthians 13

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A verse to carry with you

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

2 Corinthians 13:14

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