2 Corinthians — Chapter 13
The coming visit and the test
13:1
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
This third time I am coming to you. “On the mouth of two witnesses and three every matter will be established.”
Textual & reception notes
And three preserves kai in the witness formula; the expression refers to two or three witnesses without altering the actual conjunction.
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: Repeated visits and warnings establish the seriousness of impending discipline. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:1].
13:2
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
I have said beforehand and say beforehand now, as when present the second time and now absent, to those who sinned before and to all the rest: if I come again, I will not spare,
Textual & reception notes
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: Advance warning provides another opportunity for repentance. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:2].
13:3
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. He is not weak toward you, but is powerful among you.
Textual & reception notes
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: The demanded proof of Christ's power could bring unwanted disciplinary consequences. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:3-4].
13:4
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
For indeed He was crucified out of weakness, but lives out of the power of God. For we too are weak in Him, but will live with Him out of the power of God toward you.
Textual & reception notes
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: Apparent weakness at the cross is compatible with divine power. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:3-4].
13:5
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
Test yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove yourselves. Or do you not recognize yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you are unapproved?
Textual & reception notes
Unapproved renders adokimos, failing a test, in the repeated proof/approval vocabulary through 13:7; it is not expanded into an unspoken final judgment on each reader.
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: Christ's presence in the converts also witnesses to their teacher's ministry. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:5-6].
13:6
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
But I hope you will know that we are not unapproved.
Textual & reception notes
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: Their own faith supplies evidence of the apostle's authenticity. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:5-6].
13:7
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
And we pray to God that you may do nothing evil, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do what is honorable, even if we should be as unapproved.
Textual & reception notes
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: Paul prefers their good conduct to an opportunity for punitive vindication. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:7-9].
13:8
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
Textual & reception notes
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: Apostolic power cannot rightly be used against those doing good. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:7-9].
13:9
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
For we rejoice whenever we are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for: your restoration.
Textual & reception notes
Restoration renders katartisis, putting into proper order or completeness; the related verb appears in 13:11.
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: He accepts apparent weakness if the community becomes strong and mature. [Homily 29, on 2 Corinthians 13:7-9].
13:10
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
For this reason I write these things while absent, so that when present I may not act sharply according to the authority the Lord gave me, for building up and not for pulling down.
Textual & reception notes
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: The written warning aims to prevent severity at the coming visit. [Homily 30, on 2 Corinthians 13:10].
Restoration and blessing
13:11
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
Finally, brothers, rejoice, be restored, be encouraged, think the same thing, be at peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Textual & reception notes
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: Repentance makes possible the joy, unity, and peace Paul commands. [Homily 30, on 2 Corinthians 13:11].
13:12
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
Textual & reception notes
Source numbering: this single entry contains both greetings, commonly numbered 13:12 and 13:13 separately. Both are translated in full.
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: The sincere kiss and distant saints' greetings unite the community. [Homily 30, on 2 Corinthians 13:12–13 (conventional numbering)].
13:13
Greek–English: Literal-Smooth (Saints Priority)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Textual & reception notes
Source numbering: the final blessing is 13:13 in this Greek file, commonly 13:14. Koinōnia is fellowship or participation in the Holy Spirit. Text [G]: No final Amen is present in the accessed running text.
Reception (Tier A; direct commentary) — St John Chrysostom: He reads the blessing as affirming the Spirit with Father and Son. [Homily 30, on 2 Corinthians 13:14 (conventional numbering)].