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2 Corinthians 13:11
Verse
Context
Benediction and Farewell
10This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. 11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Sermons
Bill McLeod
C.H. Spurgeon
Samuel Chadwick
St. John Chrysostom
Ignatius of Antioch
Smith Wigglesworth
John GillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Finally - Λοιπον· All that remains for me now to write is, to wish you all manner of happiness, and so to take my leave. Farewell - A good wish, from our old mother tongue, compounded of to go, and fairly, properly, or with felicity; go on prosperously! This is the spirit of this good wish. The Greek χαιρετε signifies nearly the same thing. Χαιρω means to be very joyous; χαιρετε, be joyous and happy, be ever prosperous; this was among the last words which Cyrus, when dying, spoke to his friends. Be perfect - Καταρτιζεσθε· Be compact; get into joint again; let unity and harmony be restored. See the note on Co2 13:9. Be of good comfort - Παρακαλεισθε· Receive admonition; for παρακαλεω signifies to admonish, beg, entreat, and also to comfort. Receive admonition, that ye may receive comfort. If ye take my advice, ye shall have consolation; if ye do not, ye will have nothing but misery and wo. Be of one mind - Το αυτο φρονειτε· Think the same; let there be no dissensions among you. Be of the same creed, and let disputes about that religion which should be the bond of peace for ever subside. Live in peace - Ειρηνευετε· Cultivate peace; or, as he says elsewhere, Follow peace, and pursue it, Heb 12:14. Cultivate a peaceable disposition, and neither say nor do any thing which has a tendency to irritate each other. And the God of love and peace shall be with you - While ye are full of contentions, dissensions, and discord, peace can have no place among you; and as to love, the fulfilling of the law, that worketh no ill to its neighbor, it has necessarily taken its flight. Love cannot live, neither exist, where there are brawls, contentions, and divisions. And where neither peace nor love is to be found, there God cannot be. And if He be not there, yourselves and the devil make the whole assembly.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
farewell--meaning in Greek also "rejoice"; thus in bidding farewell he returns to the point with which he set out, "we are helpers of your joy" (Co2 1:24; Phi 4:4). Be perfect--Become perfect by filling up what is lacking in your Christian character (Eph 4:13). be of good comfort-- (Co2 1:6; Co2 7:8-13; Th1 4:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Finally, brethren, farewell,.... Or "rejoice", with spiritual joy in Christ, their Saviour and Redeemer; in his person, in whom they were accepted; in his righteousness, by which they were justified; in his blood, by which they were washed and cleansed; and in his fulness, from which they were supplied; and particularly, that they had such a faithful monitor, such an hearty well wisher of their souls' welfare, and who was so naturally and affectionately concerned for their good: be perfect; seek after perfection in knowledge, grace, and holiness, and in the performance of good works: or "be restored"; or jointed and knit together, as before; see Co2 13:9 let every difference subside, all breaches be made up, every member take and fill up his place, and all things be done decently and in order: be of good comfort; or "exhort" one another to the diligent discharge of duty, to love and good works; or comfort one another in all distresses, inward and outward, both by words and deeds, according to the ability God has given; or take comfort, be of good heart, do not refuse to be comforted either by God or men. Be of one mind; in religious sentiments, in the doctrines and principles of grace, and ordinances of the Gospel; for as there is but "one Lord" to be believed in, so there is, and ought to be, but "one" system of "faith" to be received, and "one baptism" to be administered in one and the same way, to one and the same sort of persons; which sameness of judgment, in faith and worship, is very necessary to church communion, and the comfort of it; for how can two, and much less more, walk comfortably together, unless they are agreed in these things? Live in peace both with them that are without, and them that are within, with all men, and with the members of the church; which to do, is to the credit of religion, the comfort of church members, and the joy of Christ's ministers: and the God of love and peace shall be with you; he who is love itself, and has loved his people with an everlasting love, and who is the author and donor of spiritual and eternal peace, and who has called his people to peace, and expects and requires it among themselves, and all men, will grant to such his gracious presence; than which nothing can be more grateful and desirable.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Thus the apostle concludes this epistle with, I. A valediction. He gives them a parting farewell, and takes his leave of them for the present, with hearty good wishes for their spiritual welfare. In order to this, 1. He gives them several good exhortations. (1.) To be perfect, or to be knit together in love, which would tend greatly to their advantage as a church, or Christian society. (2.) To be of good comfort under all the sufferings and persecutions they might endure for the cause of Christ or any calamities and disappointments they might meet with in the world. (3.) To be of one mind, which would greatly tend to their comfort; for the more easy we are with our brethren the more ease we shall have in our own souls. The apostle would have them, as far as was possible, to be of the same opinion and judgment; however, if this could not be attained, yet, (4.) He exhorts them to live in peace, that difference in opinion should not cause an alienation of affections - that they should be at peace among themselves. He would have all the schisms that were among them healed, that there should be no more contention and wrath found among them, to prevent which they should avoid debates, envyings, backbitings, whisperings, and such like enemies to peace. 2. He encourages them with the promise of God's presence among them: The God of love and peace shall be with you, Co2 13:11. Note, (1.) God is the God of love and peace. He is the author of peace, and lover of concord. He hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us; he commands us to love him, and to be reconciled to him, and also that we love one another, and be at peace among ourselves. (2.) God will be with those who live in love and peace. He will love those who love peace; he will dwell with them here, and they shall dwell with him for ever. Such shall have God's gracious presence here, and be admitted to his glorious presence hereafter. 3. He gives directions to them to salute each other, and sends kind salutations to them from those who were with him, Co2 13:12, Co2 13:13. He would have them testify their affection to one another by the sacred rite of a kiss of charity, which was then used, but has long been disused, to prevent all occasions of wantonness and impurity, in the more declining and degenerate state of the church. II. The apostolical benediction (Co2 13:14): The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Thus the apostle concludes his epistle, and thus it is usual and proper to dismiss worshipping assemblies. This plainly proves the doctrine of the gospel, and is an acknowledgment that Father, Son, and Spirit, are three distinct persons, yet but one God; and herein the same, that they are the fountain of all blessings to men. It likewise intimates our duty, which is to have an eye by faith to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost - to live in a continual regard to the three persons in the Trinity, into whose name we were baptized, and in whose name we are blessed. This is a very solemn benediction, and we should give all diligence to inherit this blessing. The grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion (or communication) of the Holy Ghost: the grace of Christ as Redeemer, the love of God who sent the Redeemer, and all the communications of this grace and love, which come to us by the Holy Ghost; it is the communications of the Holy Ghost that qualify us for an interest in the grace of Christ, and the love of God: and we can desire no more to make us happy than the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:11-14 The letter’s conclusion includes Paul’s final appeal (13:11), greetings (13:12-13), and a blessing (13:14). 13:11 These last words are Paul’s final instructions. • Be joyful: See also Phil 3:1; 4:4. • Grow to maturity: See study note on 2 Cor 13:9—Paul’s encouragement might be that they aim for restoration. • Encourage each other: The need for encouragement has been very prominent in 2 Corinthians, beginning with 1:3-7. • Live in harmony: Literally Be of the same mind (as in Phil 2:1-4).
2 Corinthians 13:11
Benediction and Farewell
10This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. 11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Prayer and Unity in Revival
By Bill McLeod1.3K52:46Revival PrayingPSA 133:1ACT 1:14ACT 5:12ROM 15:51CO 1:102CO 13:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is open to others, regardless of their background or circumstances. He shares a story about a Christian man who never explicitly explained the way of salvation, but through his actions and kindness, he led someone to accept Jesus as their Savior. The speaker also highlights the need to be patient and faithful in sowing seeds of the Gospel, even when there seems to be no immediate results. He encourages listeners to receive and accept one another, just as Paul did, and to treat every person as a child of God.
To Others an "Ensample"
By C.H. Spurgeon0Peace Of GodImitation of ChristPSA 29:11ISA 26:3MAT 5:9JHN 14:27ROM 15:332CO 13:11PHP 4:9COL 3:151TH 5:23JAS 3:17C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of imitating the Apostle Paul in our daily lives, urging believers to practice the teachings they have received from him. He highlights the promise that comes with this imitation: the presence of the God of peace, who grants us a profound peace that transcends understanding, even amidst turmoil. Spurgeon warns against seeking peace through compromise of faith, asserting that true peace is found in adhering to truth and righteousness. He encourages believers to be peacemakers, reflecting the character of the God of peace in their interactions. Ultimately, by following Paul's example, we can experience the divine assurance of God's presence in our lives.
What Christian Perfection Implies
By Samuel Chadwick0PSA 139:23MAT 5:48ROM 8:3ROM 12:22CO 13:11PHP 3:12PHP 3:15HEB 10:14HEB 13:211JN 4:18Samuel Chadwick delves into the concept of Christian Perfection, emphasizing the ambiguity surrounding the term 'perfect' and its various meanings in Scripture and common speech. He highlights that absolute perfection is only found in God, while human perfection is relative, with stages of initial, progressive, and final perfection. Chadwick explores the paradox of Apostle Paul claiming imperfection yet also being perfect, illustrating that truth is often expressed in apparent contradictions that reveal a fundamental unity.
2 Corinthians 13:10
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 20:6DEU 10:12MAT 5:3ROM 15:301CO 1:91CO 6:111CO 7:121CO 12:112CO 13:11John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, reconciliation, and unity among believers, urging them to rejoice, be perfected, comforted, be of the same mind, and live in peace, knowing that God's love and peace will be with them. He highlights the significance of showing love through deeds, as God Himself demonstrated through His actions of reconciliation and mercy towards us. Chrysostom encourages believers to imitate God's love and to strive for a pure conscience, unity, and peace among each other, knowing that God delights in these virtues and that they lead to salvation and blessings.
The Church of Antioch
By Ignatius of Antioch02CO 13:11PHP 4:6COL 3:14JAS 1:4Ignatius of Antioch urges the Church of Antioch to elect a worthy delegate to journey to Syria and congratulate them on their peace and restored greatness, emphasizing the importance of completing God's work on earth and in heaven. He encourages the church to send someone with an epistle to rejoice over the tranquility obtained through their prayers and to aim for perfection, as God is ready to assist those who desire to do well.
Unity of the Spirit
By Smith Wigglesworth0Spiritual EdificationUnity in the ChurchPSA 133:1JHN 17:21ROM 12:41CO 12:122CO 13:11GAL 5:22EPH 4:3PHP 2:2COL 3:141PE 3:8Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the vital importance of maintaining the unity of the Spirit within the church, urging believers to guard against division and discord that can harm the body of Christ. He warns that any prophecy or teaching that brings trouble should be judged by the Word and denounced if it disrupts the assembly. The preacher highlights that true prophecy is characterized by hope, compassion, and edification, and calls for prayer to eliminate anything that threatens unity. He reminds the congregation that there is one body in Christ, and that schism contradicts the essence of the church. Ultimately, Wigglesworth encourages believers to be faithful to the church, fostering a spirit of intercession to unlock God's blessings.
1 John 4:12
By John Gill0Love for One AnotherGod's Presence in Our LivesMAT 22:39JHN 1:18ROM 5:52CO 13:11GAL 5:22JAS 2:221JN 3:141JN 4:71JN 4:121JN 4:20John Gill emphasizes that while no one has seen God in His fullness, we are called to express our love for God through our love for one another. He explains that God's presence dwells in those who love each other, reflecting the Spirit's work in their lives. Gill further clarifies that God's love is perfect and unchanging, while our love for Him and others is a growing and sincere expression of faith. The sermon highlights that true love is demonstrated through actions, not just words, and that our love for fellow believers is a reflection of our love for God.
The Farewell
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 107:7MAT 26:392CO 13:11GAL 6:14TIT 2:12J.C. Philpot preaches on the concept of 'farewell' from 2 Corinthians 13:11, reflecting on the spiritual implications of faring well or ill. He delves into the characteristics of those who fare ill, including enemies of God and backsliding believers, contrasting them with the blessings of faring well in God's grace. Philpot emphasizes the importance of spiritual appetite, resignation to God's will, and walking in the footsteps of Christ as key elements of faring well in the Christian journey. He concludes with a heartfelt farewell, expressing his desire for the congregation to remain steadfast in faith and avoid straying from the truth.
The Sermon on the Mount - Part 1
By St. Augustine0MAT 4:21MRK 1:19LUK 6:40ROM 9:221CO 1:102CO 13:11GAL 6:11TH 3:10HEB 10:5HEB 11:31PE 5:10The preacher from Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'katartízō,' which signifies fitting or joining together to mend or repair, restoring to a former condition. This term is used in various contexts in the New Testament and the Septuagint, emphasizing equipping, restoring, and making whole. The essence of 'katartízō' is to prepare, equip, and supply what is lacking, ultimately restoring individuals to their intended purpose and completeness, especially in the face of trials and suffering.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Finally - Λοιπον· All that remains for me now to write is, to wish you all manner of happiness, and so to take my leave. Farewell - A good wish, from our old mother tongue, compounded of to go, and fairly, properly, or with felicity; go on prosperously! This is the spirit of this good wish. The Greek χαιρετε signifies nearly the same thing. Χαιρω means to be very joyous; χαιρετε, be joyous and happy, be ever prosperous; this was among the last words which Cyrus, when dying, spoke to his friends. Be perfect - Καταρτιζεσθε· Be compact; get into joint again; let unity and harmony be restored. See the note on Co2 13:9. Be of good comfort - Παρακαλεισθε· Receive admonition; for παρακαλεω signifies to admonish, beg, entreat, and also to comfort. Receive admonition, that ye may receive comfort. If ye take my advice, ye shall have consolation; if ye do not, ye will have nothing but misery and wo. Be of one mind - Το αυτο φρονειτε· Think the same; let there be no dissensions among you. Be of the same creed, and let disputes about that religion which should be the bond of peace for ever subside. Live in peace - Ειρηνευετε· Cultivate peace; or, as he says elsewhere, Follow peace, and pursue it, Heb 12:14. Cultivate a peaceable disposition, and neither say nor do any thing which has a tendency to irritate each other. And the God of love and peace shall be with you - While ye are full of contentions, dissensions, and discord, peace can have no place among you; and as to love, the fulfilling of the law, that worketh no ill to its neighbor, it has necessarily taken its flight. Love cannot live, neither exist, where there are brawls, contentions, and divisions. And where neither peace nor love is to be found, there God cannot be. And if He be not there, yourselves and the devil make the whole assembly.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
farewell--meaning in Greek also "rejoice"; thus in bidding farewell he returns to the point with which he set out, "we are helpers of your joy" (Co2 1:24; Phi 4:4). Be perfect--Become perfect by filling up what is lacking in your Christian character (Eph 4:13). be of good comfort-- (Co2 1:6; Co2 7:8-13; Th1 4:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Finally, brethren, farewell,.... Or "rejoice", with spiritual joy in Christ, their Saviour and Redeemer; in his person, in whom they were accepted; in his righteousness, by which they were justified; in his blood, by which they were washed and cleansed; and in his fulness, from which they were supplied; and particularly, that they had such a faithful monitor, such an hearty well wisher of their souls' welfare, and who was so naturally and affectionately concerned for their good: be perfect; seek after perfection in knowledge, grace, and holiness, and in the performance of good works: or "be restored"; or jointed and knit together, as before; see Co2 13:9 let every difference subside, all breaches be made up, every member take and fill up his place, and all things be done decently and in order: be of good comfort; or "exhort" one another to the diligent discharge of duty, to love and good works; or comfort one another in all distresses, inward and outward, both by words and deeds, according to the ability God has given; or take comfort, be of good heart, do not refuse to be comforted either by God or men. Be of one mind; in religious sentiments, in the doctrines and principles of grace, and ordinances of the Gospel; for as there is but "one Lord" to be believed in, so there is, and ought to be, but "one" system of "faith" to be received, and "one baptism" to be administered in one and the same way, to one and the same sort of persons; which sameness of judgment, in faith and worship, is very necessary to church communion, and the comfort of it; for how can two, and much less more, walk comfortably together, unless they are agreed in these things? Live in peace both with them that are without, and them that are within, with all men, and with the members of the church; which to do, is to the credit of religion, the comfort of church members, and the joy of Christ's ministers: and the God of love and peace shall be with you; he who is love itself, and has loved his people with an everlasting love, and who is the author and donor of spiritual and eternal peace, and who has called his people to peace, and expects and requires it among themselves, and all men, will grant to such his gracious presence; than which nothing can be more grateful and desirable.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Thus the apostle concludes this epistle with, I. A valediction. He gives them a parting farewell, and takes his leave of them for the present, with hearty good wishes for their spiritual welfare. In order to this, 1. He gives them several good exhortations. (1.) To be perfect, or to be knit together in love, which would tend greatly to their advantage as a church, or Christian society. (2.) To be of good comfort under all the sufferings and persecutions they might endure for the cause of Christ or any calamities and disappointments they might meet with in the world. (3.) To be of one mind, which would greatly tend to their comfort; for the more easy we are with our brethren the more ease we shall have in our own souls. The apostle would have them, as far as was possible, to be of the same opinion and judgment; however, if this could not be attained, yet, (4.) He exhorts them to live in peace, that difference in opinion should not cause an alienation of affections - that they should be at peace among themselves. He would have all the schisms that were among them healed, that there should be no more contention and wrath found among them, to prevent which they should avoid debates, envyings, backbitings, whisperings, and such like enemies to peace. 2. He encourages them with the promise of God's presence among them: The God of love and peace shall be with you, Co2 13:11. Note, (1.) God is the God of love and peace. He is the author of peace, and lover of concord. He hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us; he commands us to love him, and to be reconciled to him, and also that we love one another, and be at peace among ourselves. (2.) God will be with those who live in love and peace. He will love those who love peace; he will dwell with them here, and they shall dwell with him for ever. Such shall have God's gracious presence here, and be admitted to his glorious presence hereafter. 3. He gives directions to them to salute each other, and sends kind salutations to them from those who were with him, Co2 13:12, Co2 13:13. He would have them testify their affection to one another by the sacred rite of a kiss of charity, which was then used, but has long been disused, to prevent all occasions of wantonness and impurity, in the more declining and degenerate state of the church. II. The apostolical benediction (Co2 13:14): The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Thus the apostle concludes his epistle, and thus it is usual and proper to dismiss worshipping assemblies. This plainly proves the doctrine of the gospel, and is an acknowledgment that Father, Son, and Spirit, are three distinct persons, yet but one God; and herein the same, that they are the fountain of all blessings to men. It likewise intimates our duty, which is to have an eye by faith to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost - to live in a continual regard to the three persons in the Trinity, into whose name we were baptized, and in whose name we are blessed. This is a very solemn benediction, and we should give all diligence to inherit this blessing. The grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion (or communication) of the Holy Ghost: the grace of Christ as Redeemer, the love of God who sent the Redeemer, and all the communications of this grace and love, which come to us by the Holy Ghost; it is the communications of the Holy Ghost that qualify us for an interest in the grace of Christ, and the love of God: and we can desire no more to make us happy than the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:11-14 The letter’s conclusion includes Paul’s final appeal (13:11), greetings (13:12-13), and a blessing (13:14). 13:11 These last words are Paul’s final instructions. • Be joyful: See also Phil 3:1; 4:4. • Grow to maturity: See study note on 2 Cor 13:9—Paul’s encouragement might be that they aim for restoration. • Encourage each other: The need for encouragement has been very prominent in 2 Corinthians, beginning with 1:3-7. • Live in harmony: Literally Be of the same mind (as in Phil 2:1-4).