2 Cor. 13:1 the third time. See note on 12:14–15. evidence of two or three witnesses. The legal requirement for accepting evidence at a trial (Deut. 19:15).
2 Cor. 13:2 not spare. Paul did not specify what form the discipline would take. Perhaps he did not know exactly, but it certainly would not be pleasant (see Acts 5:1–11; 13:8–11; 1 Cor. 5:4–5).
2 Cor. 13:3–4 Following the pattern of Christ’s own weakness (1:5; 8:9; Phil. 2:7–8), Paul too has been weak for the sake of God’s people. This showed them God’s Spirit and glory through his own sufferings (2 Cor. 1:3–11; 2:14–16a; 4:7–15; 6:3–10; 11:23–33; 12:7–10). But also like Christ, Paul will exercise the power of God in judging the Corinthians’ behavior and beliefs (see 1 Cor. 5:12–13; 6:1–3).
2 Cor. 13:5 The test to see if Christ is in the Corinthians will be their response to Paul and his call to repent. God’s message and the messenger are one (5:18–6:2).
2 Cor. 13:7–9 Paul desires the Corinthians’ restoration even at this late hour.
2 Cor. 13:11–14 Closing Greetings. Paul highlights the important themes he has covered. As in 1 Corinthians (see 1 Cor. 16:13–14), he also summarizes the central conclusions of this letter with five commands.
2 Cor. 13:11 Brothers here is a generic reference to both men and women (see esv Preface: Translation Principles and Style). Paul also speaks of the Corinthians as “brothers” in the first two sections of the letter. There he primarily addressed those who were repentant (see 1:8 and 8:1). In chs. 10–13, Paul does not address those who are rebellious as “brothers.” Now, in closing the letter, Paul again uses this loving expression to address the entire church. This indicates his hope that they truly will be “brothers and sisters” in Christ as a result of their right response to his letter (13:6–10).
2 Cor. 13:12–13 Greet. . . . All the saints greet. These two greetings stress the unity of the church, local and universal. with a holy kiss. Usually reserved for special reunions among family members or formal greetings. An entire group practicing this public kiss was unique to the early church. It signified their mutual acceptance as a family. See note on 1 Cor. 16:20.
2 Cor. 13:14 This is the only Trinitarian benediction in Paul’s letters. It stresses that grace, love, and fellowship with one another come from God in Christ through the Spirit. you all. A final emphasis on the unity of the reconciled church, brought about by God himself, one of the main goals of Paul’s letter (1:7; 5:18–6:2; 7:2–4; 12:19).
The ESV Global Study Bible
Copyright © 2012 by Crossway.
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Used by permission.
The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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