2 Corinthians 13:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 13:5
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 13 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, holiness, faith. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 13:5
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Analysis
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves—Paul turns the tables: those demanding proof (dokimēn, v. 3) of Paul's authority must now dokimazete (δοκιμάζετε, "examine/test") themselves. The present imperative demands ongoing self-examination. The phrase whether ye be in the faith (ei este en tē pistei, εἰ ἐστὲ ἐν τῇ πίστει) questions their fundamental standing—not peripheral issues but salvation itself.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? The word adokimoi (ἀδόκιμοι, "reprobates/disqualified/failing the test") is the negative form of the dokimē they demanded—those failing the test are rejected. Paul's logic: if Christ is not in you (Christos en hymin, Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν), you've failed the ultimate examination. This doctrine of Christ in you (compare Col 1:27, "Christ in you, the hope of glory") is the essence of Christian identity—union with Christ, not mere intellectual assent.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church exhibited all external marks of Christianity—spiritual gifts, church gatherings, even claims of superior knowledge (1 Cor 8:1)—yet struggled with fundamental sins (incest, factionalism, idolatry). Paul's call to self-examination addresses the dangerous possibility of religious activity without genuine conversion, a perennial danger in church history.
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'examine yourself' whether you are 'in the faith'—what are you looking for?
- How does 'Christ in you' differ from mere intellectual belief in Christian doctrine?
- Why does Paul raise the possibility that professing Christians might be 'reprobates' who failed the test?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- 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