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 13:5
KJVExamine 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?
Read it in context
Examine yourselves
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 13:5 (2 Corinthians 13:5 to 2 Corinthians 13:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The 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.
- 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.
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 topic of this reading unit? Examine yourselves. Read 2 Corinthians 13:5 through 2 Corinthians 13:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The 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
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Examine yourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5 to 2 Corinthians 13:10). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 13:5. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Corinthians 13:10, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
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
- Examine Ps 17:3 Ps 26:2 Ps 119:59 Ps 139:23-24 Lam 3:40 Ezek 18:28 Hag 1:5,7 1 Cor 11:28,31
- in the faith Col 1:23 Col 2:7 1 Tim 2:15 Titus 1:13 Titus 2:2 1 Pet 5:9
- Know 1 Cor 3:16 1 Cor 6:2,15,19 1 Cor 9:24 Jas 4:4
- Jesus Christ 2 Cor 6:16 John 6:56 John 14:23 John 15:4 John 17:23,26 Rom 8:10 Gal 2:20 Gal 4:19
- reprobates 2 Cor 13:6-7 Jer 6:30 Rom 1:28 2 Tim 3:8 Titus 1:16 1 Cor 9:27 Heb 6:8
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
FocusRestoration 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 Closing appeal and blessing
2 Corinthians 13:11–14FocusPeace, 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.