2 Corinthians 13
About 2 CorinthiansWritten by AI
Second Corinthians is Paul's most personal letter. He wrote it from Macedonia, probably around AD 55 or 56, to the same church in Corinth after a painful season: a hurtful visit, a tearful letter, and rivals who questioned whether he was a real apostle. Paul's authorship is not in doubt, though some scholars think the letter as we have it gathers more than one of his letters.
The movement is uneven, like a real conversation. Chapters 1 to 7 explain Paul's change of plans and describe his ministry, full of suffering and hope. Chapters 8 to 9 encourage a generous gift for poor believers in Jerusalem. Chapters 10 to 13 turn sharp as Paul answers the "super-apostles" by boasting, of all things, in his weakness.
Watch for comfort in trouble, treasure in jars of clay, and the surprising way God's strength shows up in weakness. As the Lord tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.”
Before you read 2 Corinthians 13Written by AI
Paul warns that on his third visit he will not spare those who keep sinning. He urges them to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith. He would rather be weak and see them strong. The letter ends with a blessing of grace, love and fellowship from Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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.”
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. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you.
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.
Benediction and Farewell
Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, 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 send you greetings.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.