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2 Corinthians · Chapter 13

2 Corinthians 13

Berean Standard Bible · Public domain · Source credits

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Examine Yourselves

1This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”*

2I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,

3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.

4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. And though we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him to serve you.

5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?

6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.

7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed.

8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.

10This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Benediction and Farewell

11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one 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 send you greetings.

14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.*

Source notes

  1. 13:1 Deuteronomy 19:15 Read Deuteronomy 19:15
  2. 13:11 Or listen to my appeal
  3. 13:14 Texts vary in verse numbering for the last three verses of this chapter. BYZ and TR end with Amen.

Old Testament references

References from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Text from the Berean Standard Bible.

Deuteronomy 19:15

A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Numbers 35:30

If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.

Deuteronomy 17:6

On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.

1 Kings 21:10

But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”

1 Kings 21:13

And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.

Psalms 17:3

You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.

Psalms 26:2

Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.

Psalms 119:59

I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies.

Psalms 139:23

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

Psalms 139:24

See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.

Lamentations 3:40

Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.

Ezekiel 18:28

Because he considered and turned from all the transgressions he had committed, he will surely live; he will not die.

Read the commentary on 2 Corinthians 13

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