2 Corinthians 13 - Paul's Final Warning and Blessing
Paul closes the letter with a call to self-examination and a benediction.
In this final chapter, following the thorn-in-the-flesh account of 2 Corinthians 12, Paul warns that on his coming third visit he 'will not spare' those still unrepentant. He urges the Corinthians to 'examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith' before he arrives.
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
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:
Since ye seek a proof of the Messiah speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of יהוה. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of יהוה toward you.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Yahushua the Messiah is in you, except ye be reprobates?
But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
Now I pray to יהוה 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.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which יהוה hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the Elohim of love and peace shall be with you.
Greet one another with an holy kiss.
All the saints salute you.
The favour of the Master Yahushua the Messiah, and the love of יהוה, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. amein.