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2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Paul closes 2 Corinthians with a direct call for the church to examine itself and deal honestly with sin. He explains his concern, affirms Christ's power, and urges the believers toward unity, peace, and encouragement under God's grace.

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What happens in 2 Corinthians 13?

Paul says this will be his third visit and warns that issues will be handled with proper witness and seriousness. He reminds the Corinthians that Christ speaks with power, even though the Lord was crucified in weakness and now lives by God's power. The focus turns to self-examination: the believers must test whether they are truly in the faith. Paul also says his aim is their good, not his own appearance. He ends with a call to rejoice, seek harmony, encourage one another, and live in peace, followed by a blessing from Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This is the final chapter of 2 Corinthians and the close of Paul's long defense of his ministry. After answering criticism, correcting misunderstandings, and urging reconciliation, he ends with a last warning and a pastoral appeal. The chapter brings together his themes of weakness, divine power, truth, and the building up of the church.

Themes to notice

  • Self-examinationPaul urges believers to test their faith honestly and look for the reality of Christ in their lives.
  • Power in weaknessThe chapter points to Christ's crucifixion and risen power as the pattern for Paul's own ministry.
  • Peace and unityPaul wants the church to live in harmony, encourage one another, and receive God's peace.

Questions for 2 Corinthians 13

  • What does Paul mean when he tells believers to examine themselves?
  • How does Paul connect Christ's weakness and power to his own ministry?
  • What steps in this chapter point the church toward peace and maturity?

Read the full text of 2 Corinthians 13 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

2 Corinthians 13

Examine Yourselves

1This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”2I 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,3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.

5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.

7Now 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.8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.10This 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

11Finally, 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.12Greet one another with a holy kiss.

13All the saints send you greetings.

14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

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