2 Corinthians 13 - Meaning, Themes & Application

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

2 Corinthians 13:1 means Paul is warning the church that his next visit will be serious and fair. He’ll deal with problems based on clear …

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:

2 Corinthians 13:2 means Paul is warning believers that if they keep sinning and refuse to change, he will confront them firmly when he visits …

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

2 Corinthians 13:3 means Paul is telling the church that Christ is truly speaking through him, and God’s power is clearly working in their lives. …

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.

2 Corinthians 13:4 means that Jesus looked weak when He died on the cross, but God’s power raised Him to life. In the same way, …

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?

2 Corinthians 13:5 means God calls you to honestly check your heart, not just your habits. Paul urges believers to ask, “Is Jesus really leading …

But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

2 Corinthians 13:6 means Paul is confident the believers will realize he is genuinely following Christ, not fake or failed in his faith. He’s saying …

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.

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

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

2 Corinthians 13:9 means Paul is happy to look weak or unimpressive if it helps believers grow strong in faith and character. His main goal …

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.

2 Corinthians 13:10 means Paul warns them in writing so he won’t have to be harsh when he visits. God gave him authority to build …

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.

2 Corinthians 13:11 means Paul is urging believers to keep growing, encourage each other, stay united, and choose peace. When you face conflict at home, …

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 encourages believers to show warm, genuine affection and unity. In today's life, it means greeting others kindly and with respect, fostering a …

All the saints salute you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:14 means God wants believers to live daily in Jesus’ kindness, the Father’s love, and the Holy Spirit’s close friendship. It’s a blessing …