2 Corinthians 13 Overview
Paul prepares for a third visit and warns that persistent sin will be addressed with apostolic authority. He tells the Corinthians to examine themselves whether they are in the faith, while also expressing hope that they will recognize Christ’s work among them. He closes by seeking their perfection, comfort, unity, and peace under the grace of Christ, love of God, and communion of the Holy Ghost.
Before you read 2 Corinthians 13
Coming from
Paul describes a man caught up to the third heaven and hearing unspeakable words, then quickly shifts from visions to weakness. A thorn in the flesh keeps him from exaltation; after three requests for removal, Christ answers, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” Paul also reminds the Corinthians of apostolic signs and explains his pastoral concern for their spiritual good.
In this chapter
Paul prepares for a third visit and warns that persistent sin will be addressed with apostolic authority. He tells the Corinthians to examine themselves whether they are in the faith, while also expressing hope that they will recognize Christ’s work among them. He closes by seeking their perfection, comfort, unity, and peace under the grace of Christ, love of God, and communion of the Holy Ghost.
Leads into
The canonical sequence continues into Galatians.
Key understandingExplore deeper
The self-examination challenge occurs in a controversy where some Corinthians demand proof that Christ speaks in Paul. Paul turns the test back on them: if they recognize their own Christian standing, they have evidence of the apostolic ministry through which they received the gospel.
The verse should not be turned into a command to prove salvation by accumulating enough works; Paul appeals to whether Jesus Christ is in them and expects them to know that reality.
Major truths in this chapterExplore deeper
Christian communities remain accountable for persistent sin
Paul will not indefinitely ignore unrepentant disorder.
Self-examination should lead to truth, not endless insecurity
Paul expects believers to recognize Christ in them.
Correction aims at restoration
Paul writes strongly so that his in-person authority can build up rather than tear down.
Connections to the rest of ScriptureExplore deeper
1 Corinthians 1:4–9
Paul began his correspondence by recognizing God’s grace and confirming work among the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 1:21–22
The same letter already describes believers as established, anointed, sealed, and given the Spirit’s earnest.
Galatians 6:4
Believers are also told to examine their own work rather than living by comparison.
What is clear, and where care is neededExplore deeper
Do not use ‘examine yourselves’ as a works-based test of justification
The question is whether Christ is in them, not whether they have achieved sinless conduct.
Do not read Paul’s threat of severity as delight in punishment
His stated goal is edification and restoration.
Do not miss the Trinitarian close
The final blessing distinctly names the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost.
Read 2 Corinthians 13 watching for…
Why Paul turns the demand for proof back on the Corinthians.
The phrase ‘Jesus Christ is in you.’
Paul’s purpose for apostolic authority.
The repeated goal of perfection/restoration.
The grace-love-communion blessing.