2 Corinthians 13
Lutheran reading notes
In 2 Corinthians chapter 13, the message of the gospel develops the theme of Paul’s defense of ministry and encouragement to believers. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
This {is} the third {time} I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
2 Corinthians 13:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
2 Corinthians 13:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. {in him: or, with him}
2 Corinthians 13:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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?
2 Corinthians 13:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
2 Corinthians 13:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
2 Corinthians 13:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, {even} your perfection. {perfection: or, reformation, or, restoration}
2 Corinthians 13:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
2 Corinthians 13:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 13:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Greet one another with an holy kiss.
2 Corinthians 13:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
All the saints salute you.
2 Corinthians 13:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, {be} with you all. Amen. «{The second epistle} to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, {a city} of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.»