Click here for 2 Corinthians 13 audio:
Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.
As Paul closes this letter, he reminds the Corinthians that he is coming to them for a third time, and this visit will not be casual (v. 1). Like a careful judge, he says that every matter will be established by “two or three witnesses,” and warns that if those who continue in sin do not repent, he “will not spare” them when he comes (v. 2). Some have questioned whether Christ is really speaking through Paul, but Paul turns this around: if Christ truly lives in them, they should be able to see His power at work through Paul too (vv. 3–4). The same Jesus who was crucified in weakness but now lives by the power of God is the One working in and through Paul—even when he looks weak on the outside (v. 4).
Paul then gives one of the most searching commands in the New Testament: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (v. 5). Instead of spending their energy judging Paul, they need to look honestly at their own hearts and lives. Are they walking in obedience to Christ, or clinging to sin (vv. 5–7)? Paul’s great desire is not to “win” against them but to see them restored—to see them strong in the truth, even if he looks weak or unimpressive in the process (vv. 7–9). His authority from the Lord is given not to tear them down but to build them up (v. 10).
He closes with a warm, pastoral call: rejoice, aim for restoration, listen to his appeal, agree with one another, and live in peace so that “the God of love and peace” will be with them (vv. 11). He reminds them that they are part of one family in Christ, greeting one another with a holy kiss and sharing in the unity of all the saints (vv. 12–13). Finally, Paul ends with a beautiful Trinitarian blessing: the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with them all (v. 14). This is the life he wants for them—a church humbled, examined, restored, and living together in the love and presence of the triune God.
🌀 Reflection:
It is easy to evaluate everyone else—leaders, churches, friends, even culture—but Paul calls us to turn the mirror on ourselves. Are there places where you resist correction, cling to hidden sin, or excuse patterns Jesus is calling you to lay down (13:5–7, 20–21)? Ask the Lord to help you see yourself truthfully—and to lead you toward real repentance, restoration, and peace.
💬 Mission Challenge:
Invite a trusted, mature believer to gently “help you examine yourself” this week—ask them where they see Christ at work in you and where they think He may be calling you to grow.
Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.3 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.
Just Keith Harris 