Bullet Point Bible - 2 Corinthians 13

Paul's Third Visit and Stern Warning

¹ This is the third time I am coming to visit you. Bythe testimonyof two or three witnesses every matter will be established .² I said before when I was present the second time and now, though absent, I say again to those who sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone,³ since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you but is powerful among you.⁴ For indeed he was crucified by reason of weakness, but he lives because of God's power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live together with him, because of God's power toward you.

Paul confirms his intention for a third visit to Corinth, emphasizing its significance.
He invokes the Old Testament principle (Deut 19:15) requiring multiple witnesses, possibly applying it to his repeated warnings or the establishment of facts during his visit.
This serves as a final warning to those persisting in sin since his previous visits (cf. 2 Cor 12:21).
Paul's statement "I will not spare anyone" indicates he intends to exercise apostolic discipline decisively upon arrival if repentance has not occurred.
The Corinthians were challenging Paul, seeking "proof" (*dokimē*) that Christ genuinely spoke through him.
Paul counters by pointing to the power of Christ already evident *among* them, contrasting it with any perceived weakness in Paul himself.
He draws a parallel between Christ's crucifixion in weakness and subsequent resurrection power, and his own ministry: apostolic weakness reflects Christ, but will be followed by a demonstration of God's power.
The power Paul anticipates exercising is not his own but God's, directed towards correcting the situation in Corinth.
This section sets a serious tone, highlighting the gravity of the situation and Paul's resolve.

Examine Yourselves

⁵ Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you-unless, indeed, you fail the test!⁶ And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test!

Paul redirects the Corinthians' focus from testing him to testing themselves.
The crucial test is whether they are genuinely "in the faith," evidenced by the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ.
This self-examination is vital for assurance and spiritual authenticity.
The term "fail the test" (Greek *adokimos*) means to be disqualified, rejected after scrutiny, implying a counterfeit faith if Christ is not present and active within them.
Paul turns their demand for proof (v. 3) back on them: the primary evidence of Christ's power should be sought in their own lives.
He expresses confidence ("I hope") that through their self-examination, they will also realize that Paul himself is genuine and has *not* failed the test of apostleship.
This challenges the Corinthians to assess their own spiritual state before judging Paul's authority.
The presence of Christ within the believer is presented as the ultimate validation of faith.

Paul's Prayer for Their Perfection

⁷ Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we may appear to have passed the test, but so that you may do what is right even if we may appear to have failed the test.⁸ For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth.⁹ For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified.¹⁰ Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority-the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!

Paul's primary desire, expressed in prayer, is the Corinthians' sanctification ("that you may not do anything wrong").
His concern is their spiritual well-being ("do what is right"), not merely vindicating his own apostolic standing ("not so that we may appear to have passed the test").
He is willing to appear weak or even "failed" (*adokimoi*) if it means they are living faithfully.
Paul affirms that true apostolic authority operates only in alignment with God's truth, never against it.
He finds joy in his own perceived "weakness" if it coincides with their spiritual "strength" and maturity.
The ultimate goal of his prayers and ministry towards them is their "restoration" (Greek *katartisis*), meaning their mending, completion, or spiritual maturity.
He writes this stern letter beforehand hoping to prompt repentance, thus avoiding the need for "severe" disciplinary action when he arrives.
Paul reiterates that his authority, given by the Lord, is fundamentally for constructive purposes ("building up," *oikodomē*) rather than destructive ones ("tearing down," *kathairesis*).
This section reveals Paul's deep pastoral love and desire for reconciliation, tempering the preceding warnings.

Final Exhortations and Blessing

¹¹ Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, set things right, be encouraged, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.¹² Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.¹³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Paul concludes the letter with a series of concise, positive exhortations aimed at community health and unity.
"Be restored" (*katartizesthe*) echoes his prayer in v. 9, urging them to actively participate in their own spiritual mending.
"Be like-minded" and "live in peace" directly address the factionalism and conflict within the Corinthian church.
Obedience to these commands is linked to experiencing the presence of the "God of love and peace."
The "holy kiss" was a customary greeting signifying fellowship, forgiveness, and unity within the early Christian community.
Greetings are extended from "all the saints," likely the believers with Paul at the time of writing (perhaps in Macedonia).
The letter culminates in a profound Trinitarian benediction, one of the most explicit in the New Testament.
It invokes the distinct blessings associated with each person of the Godhead: grace from Christ, love from God (the Father), and fellowship (*koinōnia*) from the Holy Spirit.
This blessing encapsulates the divine resources available to the Corinthians for achieving the restoration and unity Paul desires.
It serves as a final prayer and powerful reminder of the triune God's active involvement in the life of the church.

The Bullet Point Bible

2 Corinthians 13