This chapter continues the topic from the previous chapter - the planned third visit - and Paul is very strong here (2 Cor 10:9–10).
13:1–2
Deut 19:15 indicate seriousness of the matter. Was this third trip to Corinth going to be a deciding one, with a strict judgement over those who kept on sinning? (1 Cor 5:3–5; 2 Cor 2:6–8).
13:3
Till now Paul was tolerating their ‘stubborn’ attitude and lack of repentance. But, it could not be tolerated for ever. Few things we learn from this passage:
13:4
How to properly understand Christ’s death? For those, who did not understand the Gospel, it was disaster and sign of weakness. But for the believers it was an outcome of Christ’s obedience to God’s will. Then, the Cross turned out to be the tool of redemption - a powerful tool of redemption - destroying the power of darkness. Moreover, Christ’s was rewarded for His obedience: he won people for God and was raised to life. But, that is not the end of the story. Christ will come to judge the living and the dead, then He will show himself in great power.
In the case of Paul, things are similar. By submitting to God’s will he appeared weak to some in Corinth. Nevertheless God would sustain him too supernaturally. That supernatural power would be evident to the Corinthians when Paul arrived in Corinth and dealt with them as Jesus Christ will deal with His people when He returns (cf. 5:10).
The pattern of being weak in Christ and then alive with Him is the corner stone of Paul’s spirituality.
13:5–6
Before Paul’s coming, he invites them to test themselves in faith. Living in sin is incompatible with true faith. In 13:3, the Corinthians seek proof of Christ speaking in Paul. Now, Paul points to them as the proof of Christ speaking in him. It was Paul who preached Gospel to them and brought them Christ (Acts 18:1–11; 1 Cor. 2:1–5).
What is troubling here is the possibility of not passing the test. The word “adokimoi” means 1) not standing the test, not approved 1a) properly used of metals and coins 2) that which does not prove itself such as it ought 2a) unfit for, unproved, spurious, reprobate.
As Paul sees in the Corinthians the proof of Christ speaking through him, so he hopes that the Corinthians we also see the same thing in Paul. Paul passed the test of faith by proclaiming the Gospel to them and others.
13:7–10
Note that Paul is absolutely not interested in himself. He is entirely focused on the Corinthians. The only objective is the quality of their life of faith. It does not matter to him whether he passes the test. He does not mind even if some consider him failing the test of faith. It is ok for him, as long as the Corinthians live a truly Christian life.
We see a similar attitude in Rom 9:2–3.
Yet, truth remains truth and therefore an immoral behavior has to be confronted. It aims to lead the Corinthians to repentance. Paul also prays for this to happen - their restoration (13:9). That is also the aim of those strong words. Paul hopes to avoid the usage of his power. If the letter led them to repentance, Paul would not have to judge harshly those who commit immoral acts within the community.
Conclusion 13:11–13
We have here few advice:
The blessing describes God as the God of love and peace. A fitting definition of God for a community that lacked love (1 Cor 13) and peace - divided by factions.
13:12 - 1 Cor 16:20; 1 Peter 5:14.
“Holy kiss” traditional (liturgical) greeting among the first Christians.
Again other Christians together with Paul, who greet the Corinthians, are called ‘saints’.
13:13
This verse entered our missal. We here it at the beginning of the Eucharist. A Trinidadian formula.
Jesus Christ and grace
God the father and love
The Holy Spirit and koinonia - fellowship
God’s love expressed itself in the grace of giving us Christ. Christ brings us the grace of salvation and we are given the pledge of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit unites us - the whole world - in one community - the Church.
Such strong words
13:9 see 1 Cor 4:8