2 Corinthians 13

• In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.

• These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:

  1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).

  2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.

  3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Paul announced his plan to return to Corinth for the third time (see study note on 12:14–15). He found support for his plan in the Scriptures. The reason for this quote is unclear. However, considering the context of Deuteronomy 19:15, Paul might have wanted to warn them. He intended to judge every wrongdoing (listed in 2 Corinthians 12:20–21) upon his arrival. The two or three witnesses against the Corinthian wrongdoers were Paul's letters or visits and his promise to come the third time.

• Christ is speaking through me: Paul represented Christ to the Corinthian congregation and used God's power to guide them.

• Paul's weakness mirrored Christ's humiliation, as Christ was crucified in weakness (see 8:9). Paul judged sinners with Christ's love in mind (5:14–21).

• We are also weak: Paul's humanity was frail, but he relied on Christ's strength (12:10).

The issue is straightforward. If the Corinthians cannot see that Jesus Christ is living among them, they have failed the test of true faith (literally are disproved). There is a wordplay here: They wanted "proof" of Paul's authority as an apostle, but Paul tells them to test themselves (or prove yourselves). If Christ is not present, it would show they are not true Christians. However, Paul has shown that he has passed the test of apostolic authority (literally not been disproved).

• that you will not do anything wrong: They would do wrong by following the false teachers who had appeared (11:5, 13–15; see study note on 10:1–13:13).

• even if we appear to have failed: Paul’s goal in ministry is to be faithful, not to seem successful (1 Corinthians 4:2). He modeled his service on Jesus Christ himself (2 Corinthians 13:4), who seemed weak and a failure by dying on the cross. But Jesus is now victorious as he lives by God's mighty power.

Despite the problems Paul faced at Corinth, his main goal was clear. He wanted the best for these people, hoping they would become mature and strong. Paul always aimed to improve their well-being, even when he corrected them.

for your perfection: This Greek word sometimes means repair or completion. It refers to restoring something to its proper condition, like returning to good health. A related word appears in 2 Corinthians 13:11 as "perfect harmony"; Mark 1:19 as "mending"; 1 Thessalonians 3:10 as "complete"; Hebrews 13:21 as "equip"; and 1 Peter 5:10 as "restore."

• Paul did not want to punish the Corinthians harshly (12:21). He aimed to use his apostolic authority positively. However, his role required him to both strengthen and tear down (compare Jeremiah 1:10).

• for building you up: This is Paul's favorite way to describe a stable Christian community (see Ephesians 4:12), where the Lord lives in and among the believers (2 Corinthians 13:5).

• These last words are Paul's final instructions.

• rejoice!: See also Philippians 3:1; 4:4.

• Aim for perfect harmony: See study note on 2 Corinthians 13:9. Paul encourages them to aim for restoration.

• encourage one another: The need for encouragement is very important in 2 Corinthians, starting with 1:3–7.

• be of one mind: Paul encourages them to live in harmony (as in Philippians 2:1–4).

The letter ends with:

• Paul's final request (13:11),

• greetings (13:12–13), and

• a blessing (13:14).

• holy kiss: The kiss was a common Jewish greeting, not just a sign of personal affection. It was common in the New Testament church (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). It may have held significance in worship services by uniting fellow believers (the "kiss of peace"). The word for sacred (Greek hagiō) is the same word translated as God’s people (literally the saints; Greek hagioi) in the next sentence.

• God’s people here were the believers in the place where Paul was writing in Macedonia.

• Paul ends his letter with a prayer and blessing. He mentions the three persons of the Trinity, starting with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (see 8:9). This is because we always rely on Christ’s sacrificial love, which reconciles us to God the Father (5:18–21) and unites us through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit with all believers.

• The love of God meets our needs and graciously brings us back to his family.

• The fellowship of the Holy Spirit refers to our connection with the Spirit, who unites Christians (Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:1).