Today we finish 2Corinthians, our time together is passing fast. 2Cor.13 and verse 1 reads.
2Cor.13:1] This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Having witnesses is important for the legality of the works performed for the Lord.
2Cor.13:2] 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:
Wanting them to fix their sins and turmoil within the church before he gets there. That sin that had him write to begin with, incest within the congregation and the false teachers that they had at their pulpit.
2Cor.13:3] Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
You seek me in power, but when I’m weak then I’m strong in the Lord.
2Cor.13:4] 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.
By Jesus Christ only do we receive our powers (gifts), Jesus received his powers from God.
2Cor.13:5] 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?
[6] But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
We prove to ourselves that we are Christians, Christ men, for we are not stupid.
2Cor.13:7] 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.
[8] For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
Amen means “that’s that”, but better said “that is truth”, now this made me wonder so I looked this word truth up in the Strongs’ and found G225. G225 is Aletheia in the Greek. Given what was just said it could mean only the “C” definition. Which is:
c. the truth as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man, opposing alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians
Knowing that he is writing before he gets there for them to fix their problems brings to fact, “and the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians”. Back to 2Cor.13 and verse 9 reads.
2Cor.13:9] For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Glad to weak and not perfect. Meaning he is glad to be mature in the word.
2Cor.13:10] 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.
Writing for them to fix it before he gets there because if not, he will use tough love. Now, Paul not wanting to be that guy, would rather come to them and teach the Word of God. But don’t overlook that God gave him the power to discipline the church.
2Cor.13:11] 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.
Be mature, invite the Comforter into the church. Be peacemakers, be in the LORD and the LORD will be within you.
2Cor.13:12] Greet one another with an holy kiss.
A kiss on the cheek was customary at that time and still is in some parts of the world today.
2Cor.13:13] All the saints salute you.
Surrounded by many of God’s saints when this letter was written, most likely written by Luke and Titus. Saints are “set aside ones”. Those doing the works for the Lord. Take this as an example, surround yourself with those that not only love the Lord, but work for the Lord.
2Cor.13:14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Giving the whole Trinity here. the Father, and Son and the Holy Spirit. Why communion? The Father and the Son are One, and where ever the two are the Holy Spirit is with them and joins them together as One. Understanding the Trinity is easy, you have a flesh body and you have a spiritual body. Your soul brings the two together as one. Created in his image made them he male and female. Awesome book, hope you enjoyed it as much as I have enjoyed bringing it to you. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible