2 Corinthians – Chapter 13

New Testament13 Verses

1Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand.

2I have told before and foretell, as present and now absent, to them that sinned before and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare.

3Do you seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me, who towards you is not weak, but is mighty in you?

4For although 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 towards you.

5Try your own selves if you be in the faith: prove ye yourselves. Know you not your own selves, that Christ Jesus is in you, unless perhaps you be reprobates?

6But I trust that you shall know that we are not reprobates.

7Now we pray God that you may do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is good and that we may be as reprobates.

8For we can do nothing against the truth: but for the truth.

9For we rejoice that we are weak and you are strong. This also we pray for, your perfection.

10Therefore I write these things, being absent, that, being present, I may not deal more severely, according to the power which the Lord hath given me unto edification and not unto destruction.

11For the rest, brethren, rejoice, be perfect, take exhortation, be of one mind, have peace. And the God of grace and of love shall be with you.

12Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the saints salute you.

13The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the charity of God and the communication of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.

Reflection for Today

As you read 2 Corinthians Chapter 13, the Catholic Church invites you to encounter God's living Word through the lens of Sacred Tradition. The Catechism teaches that Scripture must be read "within the living Tradition of the whole Church" (CIC 113). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words continues to guide the Church in understanding them today.

In Catholic theology, every passage of Scripture points ultimately to Christ and finds its fullest meaning in the Church's sacramental life. The Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops—guides the faithful in authentic interpretation. As you meditate on these verses, consider how the Church Fathers and saints have understood them.

Through lectio divina—the ancient Catholic practice of prayerful reading—allow these words to transform your mind and heart, drawing you deeper into communion with Christ and His Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these verses and show you how they call you to deeper faith, hope, and love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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