Keraia
2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine Yourselves · 2 Corinthians 13:1–10
Read 2 Corinthians 13

Translations

Modern
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?
Traditional
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?
Literal
Test yourselves, whether you are in the faith; examine yourselves. Or do you not recognize yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you are unapproved.
Latin
Vosmetipsos tentate si estis in fide: ipsi vos probate. An non cognoscitis vosmetipsos quia Christus Jesus in vobis est? nisi forte reprobi estis.

Original

Greek
English
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?

Notes

2 Corinthians 13:5–6

The issue is straightforward. If the Corinthians cannot see that Jesus Christ is living among them, they have failed the test of true faith (literally are disproved). There is a wordplay here: They wanted "proof" of Paul's authority as an apostle, but Paul tells them to test themselves (or prove yourselves). If Christ is not present, it would show they are not true Christians. However, Paul has shown that he has passed the test of apostolic authority (literally not been disproved).

2 Corinthians 10:1–13:13

  • In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.

  • These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:

    1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).

    2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.

    3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Haggai, Book of Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Union with God and Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Union with God and Christ Being Lukewarm Carnality Character of the Wicked: Reprobate Companionship Faith: Examine Whether You be In Fellowship with Christ Growth Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Jesus Christ Questioning your Faith Reprobacy: General Scriptures Concerning Righteous: Unity of, with Christ Righteousness: Fruits of Seeing Yourself Self Awareness Self Examination Self-Examination: Enjoined Self-Examination: General Scriptures Concerning Titles and Names of the Wicked: Reprobates