2 Corinthians 13 WEB
Summary: Announcing this will be his third visit, Paul warns that he will not spare those who sinned and have not repented, and urges the Corinthians to "examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith" (v. 5), testing whether Christ is truly in them. He hopes they will pass the test and prove his own ministry genuine, and prays for their restoration even if it means he appears weak by comparison. The letter closes with an exhortation to aim for restoration, comfort, agreement, and peace, a call to greet one another with a holy kiss, and the well-known benediction: "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" (v. 14).
1This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
2I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;
3seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.
4For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.
5Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know about your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
6But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified.
7Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate.
8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect.
10For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.
11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected. Be comforted. Be of the same 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 greet you.
14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
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