Main Highlights
Paul calls the Corinthians to examine themselves, warns them of his coming judgment, and urges them toward perfection.
Key Verses
“This is the third time I am coming to you. ‘On the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter shall be established.’”- 2 Corinthians 13:1
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail the test.”- 2 Corinthians 13:5
“Finally, brothers, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”- 2 Corinthians 13:11
Related Scripture
“Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”- 2 Corinthians 13:14
Scholar Insight
"“The final appeal of Paul is for genuine conversion and a life lived in accordance with the gospel.” - Scott Hafemann, 2 Corinthians (IVP New Testament Commentary)"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
We learn that God is a God of love and peace, and that He desires us to live in harmony with one another (2 Corinthians 13:11).
Christological Connection
Jesus Christ is identified as the one who should be within the believers, and His grace is invoked in the final benediction (2 Corinthians 13:5, 14).
Systematic Theology
The doctrine of the Trinity is implicitly referenced in the benediction, with the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit mentioned together (2 Corinthians 13:14).
Law & Grace
Paul urges the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they are truly "in the faith," meaning if they are genuinely relying on God's grace rather than their own works. Paul doesn't promote a legalistic self-examination but rather encourages introspection to ensure that the grace of Christ is evident in their lives.
Personal Application
We should examine ourselves to ensure that we are truly living in the faith, striving for perfection, and living in peace with one another, relying on God's grace and love (2 Corinthians 13:5, 11).