2 Corinthians 13
Berean Standard Bible · Compare translations · AD 54 – AD 57 · The early church · Tap a verse to copy, share or highlight ·
14 verses · 326 words · ~2 min read · ~2 min listen
Examine Yourselves
1This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
2I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone, 3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by Godʼs power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by Godʼs power we will live with Him concerning you.
5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test? 6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.
7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed. 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
10This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Benediction and Farewell
11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13All the saints send you greetings.
14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Footnotes (3)
- a v1 Deuteronomy 19:15
- b v11 Or listen to my appeal
- c v14 Texts vary in verse numbering for the last three verses of this chapter. BYZ and TR end with Amen.
Study notes on this chapter · 1
Every matter established by two or three witnesses
The law required two or three witnesses to establish a charge. Jesus applies it to church discipline, John records Jesus citing it about the Father's witness to him, and Paul uses it when warning the Corinthians on his third visit.
When: Deuteronomy (traditionally c. 1406 BC); Jesus' teaching, c. AD 28–30; 2 Corinthians, c. AD 55–56.
Editorial note by BibleWay. Interpretations vary; dates are approximate scholarly estimates.