Read & explore together
Examine Yourselves
Paul urges the Corinthians to test themselves honestly. In these verses, he explains why he is warning them before he arrives and shows that his goal is not harshness for its own sake, but their strengthening in Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage is part of Paul’s written warning before another visit to Corinth. He says this will be his third time coming and repeats an earlier warning to those who have sinned and to the rest. He also answers their desire for proof that Christ speaks in him.
2 Corinthians 13:1–10Main takeaway
This passage teaches that believers should examine themselves seriously, while recognising that Paul’s authority is meant to build up the church in line with the truth.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A serious warning before Paul arrivesPaul says this will be his third visit and quotes the rule that a matter is established by two or three witnesses.
Explanation
Paul says this will be his third visit and quotes the rule that a matter is established by two or three witnesses. He repeats his warning to those who have sinned and to everyone else. If he comes again, he says he will not spare. The tone is firm and deliberate, not casual.
02Christ’s power is seen through weaknessSome were seeking proof that Christ was speaking in Paul. Paul answers by speaking about Christ, who was crucified through weakness yet now lives through God’s power.
Explanation
Some were seeking proof that Christ was speaking in Paul. Paul answers by speaking about Christ, who was crucified through weakness yet now lives through God’s power. Paul includes himself in weakness, yet says he and his companions will live with Christ through God’s power toward the Corinthians.
03Examine yourselvesInstead of putting Paul on trial, the Corinthians are told to test themselves and ask whether they are in the faith.
Explanation
Instead of putting Paul on trial, the Corinthians are told to test themselves and ask whether they are in the faith. Paul points them to the reality of Jesus Christ being in them, unless they are disqualified. He then adds that he hopes they will recognise that he and his companions are not disqualified.
04Truth, growth, and building upPaul prays that they will do no evil and instead do what is honourable, even if that makes him seem unapproved.
Explanation
Paul prays that they will do no evil and instead do what is honourable, even if that makes him seem unapproved. He says he can do nothing against the truth, only for it. His joy is their strength and maturity, and his authority from the Lord is for building up, not tearing down.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Why does Paul mention two or three witnesses before warning the church again?
Notice how Paul links a careful standard for establishing matters with his coming visit and repeated warning.
02How does Paul connect weakness and power in both Christ and his own ministry?
Look at the contrast between crucifixion through weakness and life through the power of God, then see how Paul applies that pattern to himself.
03What shows that Paul’s main goal is the Corinthians’ good rather than his own image?
Trace his prayer that they do what is honourable, his commitment to the truth, and his statement that his authority is for building up.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
2 Corinthians 13:1–10
1This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
2I have warned previously, and I warn again, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now and to all the rest that if I come again, I will not spare,
3seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me who is not weak, but is powerful in you.
4For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.
5Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know about your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
6But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified.
7Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we may seem to have failed.
8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect.
10For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.