2 Corinthians 13

Final Warnings

1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). be established. Word: Matthew 18:16. Witness: Numbers 35:30, Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:15, 1 Kings 21:10. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:14

2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:23, 13:10, 1 Corinthians 5:5

3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:12, Matthew 10:20, Luke 21:15

4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally.. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. References God: Romans 1:4, 1 Peter 3:18. Cross: Acts 2:36. Parallel theme: John 10:18, Romans 6:4, 14:9, 1 Corinthians 2:3, 15:43, Philippians 3:10, Hebrews 5:7 +5

Examine Yourselves

5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1).; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? References Jesus: John 14:23. Faith: Galatians 2:20. Parallel theme: Psalms 26:2, Lamentations 3:40, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 11:28, 11:31, Galatians 6:4, Hebrews 12:15, Revelation 2:5 +5

6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. References God: 1 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15. Prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Evil: 2 Timothy 4:18. Parallel theme: Philippians 4:8, James 1:12

8 For we can do nothing against the truthTruth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia). The Greek aletheia (ἀλήθεια) denotes truth or reality—that which corresponds to actuality. Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6), embodying ultimate reality., but for the truth. Parallel theme: Proverbs 21:30, Mark 9:39

9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Corinthians 4:10, 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Peter 5:10

10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. References Lord: 2 Corinthians 10:8. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 2:3, 10:2, 13:8, 1 Corinthians 4:21, Titus 1:13

Final Greetings

11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate. and peace shall be with you. Peace: Mark 9:50, Romans 12:18, 15:33, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 3:11. Love: 2 Corinthians 13:14. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 13:9, Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 1:10, James 1:4 +5

12 Greet one another with an holyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. kiss. Holy: Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:26. Parallel theme: 1 Peter 5:14

13 All the saints salute you.

14 The graceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. Grace: 2 Corinthians 8:9, Romans 16:20, 1 Corinthians 16:23, Jude 1:21. Spirit: Romans 8:9, Ephesians 2:22. Love: Romans 5:5, Galatians 5:22, Philippians 2:1. Holy: 1 Corinthians 6:19 +5