One Year Journey Through the New Testament
2 Corinthians 13
Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!
Coming with Authority
1 This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” 2 I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare—3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. 4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives 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.
5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
(2 Corinthians 13:1–6, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul again said that he is coming to them for a third time. He reminded them of the standard rule that all things should be verified by two or three witnesses. His three visits are his verification that he will not spare those who are living in sin from his judgment and punishment.
- Just as Jesus died in weakness, he rose in power. While they considered Paul weak, he would appear among them in power.
- He told them to examine themselves and their faith. Be sure that Jesus is in you, lest you be disqualified.
Paul Prefers Gentleness
7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
(2 Corinthians 13:7–10, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul told them that he would rather come in gentleness. That is why he wrote to them in strength.
- However, if they were honorable, there would be no need for harshness at his appearing.
- Paul would gladly be weak if they were strong.
Greetings and Benediction
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
(2 Corinthians 13:11–14, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul the offers final greetings and a prayer of benediction.
- He instructs them to be mature and at peace, and to live in unity with God and one another.
- He sent greetings from the saints.
- Finally, Paul offers the grace of the Lord, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit to them.
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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.
Devoted To You 