Reflections on 2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13 (Contemporary English Version)


1. I am on my way to visit you for the third time. And as the Scriptures say, "Any charges must be proved true by at least two or three witnesses."
2. During my second visit I warned you that I would punish you and anyone else who doesn't stop sinning. I am far away from you now, but I give you the same warning.
3. This should prove to you that I am speaking for Christ. When he corrects you, he won't be weak. He will be powerful!
4. Although he was weak when he was nailed to the cross, he now lives by the power of God. We are weak, just as Christ was. But you will see that we will live by the power of God, just as Christ does.
5. Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith. If you pass the test, you will discover that Christ is living in you. But if Christ isn't living in you, you have failed.
6. I hope you will discover that we have not failed.
7. We pray that you will stop doing evil things. We don't pray like this to make ourselves look good, but to get you to do right, even if we are failures.
8. All we can do is to follow the truth and not fight against it.
9. Even though we are weak, we are glad that you are strong, and we pray that you will do even better.
10. I am writing these things to you before I arrive. This way I won't have to be hard on you when I use the authority that the Lord has given me. I was given this authority, so that I could help you and not destroy you.
11. Good-by, my friends. Do better and pay attention to what I have said. Try to get along and live peacefully with each other. Now I pray that God, who gives love and peace, will be with you.
12. Give each other a warm greeting. All of God's people send their greetings.
13. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will bless you and be kind to you! May God bless you with his love, and may the Holy Spirit join all your hearts together.
14. (SEE 13:13)
    
    

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    Enough of Paul's defense of his integrity and apostalic legitimacy. He planned to make another trip to Corinth and in that visit he would handle these issues directly. And in so doing, "On the testimony of two or three witnesses every word will be confirmed." (13:1) He now gives warning that when he comes he will not be lenient with those he finds who are still seeking "proof of Christ speaking in me." (13:2) In anticipation of his visit to them, he suggests they "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith." (13:5) In this manner they will also know if Paul passes the test.
    
    Herein lies the purpose of Paul's letter to them. He wants them to be prepared for his coming by clearing up these issues ahead of time. Then "when I am there I will not use severity, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down." (13:10) With this, he closes out the letter with blessings and salutations: "Be restored, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you." (13:14)