The coming visit
2 Corinthians 13:1–4FocusAccountability and Christ's power
Connection to the wholePaul warns that his next visit will address unresolved wrongdoing and relates his ministry's weakness and power to Christ.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 13:11
KJVFinally, 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.
Read it in context
Final Exhortations and Benediction
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 13:1 (2 Corinthians 13:1 to 2 Corinthians 13:14).
The verse is part of Paul's concluding remarks and final exhortations to the Corinthian church, encompassing the entire final chapter of the epistle.
- 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
- 13:2 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:
- 13:3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
- 13:4 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.
- 13:5 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?
- 13:6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
- 13:7 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.
- 13:8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
- 13:9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
- 13:10 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.
- 13:11 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.
- 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
- 13:13 All the saints salute you.
- 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14): Paul answers challenges to his ministry among the Corinthians and warns the church before his next visit. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Paul's final exhortations to the Corinthian church, urging them to strive for perfection, comfort, unity, and peace, with the promise that the God of love and peace will be with them. stated in the text
- What is God revealing? God reveals Himself as the 'God of love and peace' who desires His people to live in these virtues and promises His presence to those who do. stated in the text
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an apostolic exhortation and a concluding farewell, characteristic of an epistle's closing remarks. stated in the text
When
- When was it written? Circa A.D. 56. book background
- When does the event take place? The writing of this letter and these exhortations occurred during Paul's third missionary journey. The call to 'be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace' is an ongoing command for the Corinthians. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The exhortations are directed to the church in Corinth, Greece. book background
- Where was the author located? Paul was located in Macedonia when he wrote this epistle. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Final Exhortations and Benediction (2 Corinthians 13:1 to 2 Corinthians 13:14). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 13:1. The verse is part of Paul's concluding remarks and final exhortations to the Corinthian church, encompassing the entire final chapter of the epistle.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as Paul's concluding exhortation to the Corinthian church, summarizing his desire for their spiritual well-being, unity, and peace after addressing various issues, defending his apostleship, and warning against unrepentant sin throughout the letter. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The call to 'be perfect' echoes Christ's own command for His followers to be perfect (Matthew 5:48). The promise that 'the God of love and peace shall be with you' points to Christ, who is the embodiment of God's love and the Prince of Peace, through whom believers experience God's presence and reconciliation (John 17:23, Romans 15:33, Philippians 4:9). interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to strive for spiritual maturity ('be perfect'), seek comfort in God, maintain unity ('be of one mind') within the church, and live peacefully with all people, trusting that God's loving and peaceful presence will accompany such obedience. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 13:1, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Matthew 5:48, John 17:23, Romans 15:33, Philippians 4:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- farewell Luke 9:61 Acts 15:29 Acts 18:21 Acts 23:30 Phil 4:4 1 Thess 5:16
- Be perfect 2 Cor 13:9 Matt 5:48 John 17:23 Jas 1:4 1 Pet 5:10
- be of good 2 Cor 1:4 Mark 10:49 Rom 15:13 1 Thess 4:18 2 Thess 2:16-17
- be of one Rom 12:16,18 Rom 15:5-6 1 Cor 1:10 Eph 4:3 Phil 1:27 Phil 2:1-3 Phil 3:16 Phil 4:2
- live Gen 37:4 Gen 45:24 Mark 9:50 Rom 12:18 Rom 14:19 1 Thess 5:13 2 Tim 2:22 Heb 12:14
- the God Rom 15:33 Rom 16:20 Phil 4:9 1 Thess 5:23 Heb 13:20 1 John 4:8-16
- with 2 Cor 13:14 Matt 1:23 2 Thess 3:16 Rev 22:21
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 13
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Examine yourselves
2 Corinthians 13:5–10FocusRestoration rather than display
Connection to the wholeThe call to self-examination joins Paul's desire for the church's right conduct with the purpose of his authority: building up rather than destroying.
interpretation FocusPeace, fellowship, and love
Connection to the wholeThe letter closes by calling the church toward completeness, agreement, and peace under the blessing Paul pronounces.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation The ministry entrusted to Paul
2 Corinthians 2:14–7:16FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.