2 Corinthians
Summary
Final Warnings, Examination, and Apostolic Benediction: 2 Corinthians Chapter 13 concludes the epistle with a stern warning of Paul’s upcoming third visit. He urges the Corinthians to "examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith" and to "test yourselves." Paul expresses his hope that he will not have to use his authority severely when he arrives, but rather for their edification. The letter ends with a series of final exhortations: "Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." It concludes with the tripartite apostolic blessing of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
This will be the third time I am coming to you. "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established."
I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare,
since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives 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.
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?, unless indeed you are disqualified.
But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honourable, though we may seem disqualified.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
Finally, brothers, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the saints greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.