2 Corinthians 13:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 13 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, holiness, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Analysis
Finally, brethren, farewell—The Greek loipon (λοιπόν, "finally") and chairete (χαίρετε, "rejoice/farewell") signal closing exhortations. Paul transitions from stern warning to brotherly encouragement. Be perfect (katartizesthe, καταρτίζεσθε, "be restored/complete/mended")—present imperative, ongoing process of being made complete, using the verb form of katartisis from v. 9.
Be of good comfort (parakaleisthe, παρακαλεῖσθε, "be encouraged/comforted"), be of one mind (to auto phroneite, τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε, "think the same thing"—unity, not uniformity), live in peace (eirēneuete, εἰρηνεύετε, "be at peace")—four imperatives addressing Corinthian dysfunction: immaturity, discouragement, factionalism, conflict. The promise: the God of love and peace shall be with you—God's presence accompanies obedience to these commands, showing divine initiative enables human response.
Historical Context
Corinth's church was fractured by divisions (1 Cor 1:10-12), competitive spiritual pride (1 Cor 12-14), and worldly values infiltrating Christian community. Paul's closing imperatives directly address these issues, calling them from factionalism to unity, from immaturity to perfection, from conflict to peace—transformation possible only through God's presence.
Reflection
- How do Paul's four imperatives (be perfect, be comforted, be of one mind, live in peace) address root issues in church conflict?
- What is the relationship between our obedience to these commands and God's presence with us?
- Why does Paul call them 'brethren' after such stern warnings—what does this reveal about church discipline?
Word Studies
- Love: ἀγάπη (Agape) G26 - Divine love
Cross-References
- 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