2 Corinthians – Chapter 13

New Testament13 Verses

Chapter Summary

2 Corinthians 13 opens with the words: "Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand." Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and prayer. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

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.

Important Verses in 2 Corinthians 13

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

2 Corinthians 13:1

For 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.

2 Corinthians 13:4

Now 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.

2 Corinthians 13:7

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

2 Corinthians 13:13

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, 2 Corinthians was written with the Corinthian church, reconciled to its apostle and to God in view. Chapter 13 of 13 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand." It concludes: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the charity of God and the communication of the Holy Ghost be with you all.…" Read against its original backdrop, Paul's most personal letter, written after a painful crisis with the Corinthian church and attacks on his authority. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 2 Corinthians around About AD 57, from Macedonia.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 57, from Macedonia

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

Catholic exegesis reads 2 Corinthians 13 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Paul's suffering models participation in Christ's passion (CIC 618). St. Gregory the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2683).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

Reflection for Today

2 Corinthians Chapter 13, containing 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2340). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands apostolic ministry and strength in weakness.

As you continue through 2 Corinthians, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Corinthians Chapter 13 about?

2 Corinthians 13 contains 13 verses. It opens with "Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand." and closes with "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the charity of God and the communication of the Holy Ghost be with you all.…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 2 Corinthians 13?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote 2 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 57, from Macedonia.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles