III.Polemical: Paul's Vindication of His Apostolic Authority (chs. 10-13)
Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Authority and the Area of His Mission (ch. 10)Paul Forced into Foolish Boasting (chs. 11-12)- Final Warnings (13:1-10)
- Conclusion, Final Greetings and Benediction (13:11-14)
2 Corinthians 13 NIV
1 This
will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the
testimony of two or three witnesses.”
2 I
already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it
while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of
the others,
3 since
you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in
dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
4 For
to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power.
Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our
dealing with you.
5Examine
yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not
realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
6 And
I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
7 Now
we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see
that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though
we may seem to have failed.
8 For
we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 We
are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you
may be fully restored.
10 This
is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have
to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building
you up, not for tearing you down.
11 Finally,
brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one
another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be
with you.
12 Greet
one another with a holy kiss.
13 All
God’s people here send their greetings.
