2 Corinthians 13:11-14 – Closing commands and blessings

These four closing verses are loaded. In quick successions Paul gave six commands, sent a greeting and two blessings. The six commands were given in six imperatives in verses 11-12. First they were called to rejoice. Secondly they were told to be made complete. In the NIV it is translated as ‘strive for full restoration’. This is a word used to describe repairing a net that was torn. Here Paul was calling the Corinthians to mend their relationship. Third, was the call to be comforted! The Corinthians were called to do what Paul mentioned at the beginning of this letter, to comfort others with the comfort with which God had comforted them. They were expected to support one another, and stand by each other and be encouraging. Fourthly, they were told to be like-minded i.e. to have the same mind. To do that, differences had to be mended. Fifthly, Paul asked them to live in peace. This suggested that they should not retaliate but to seek reconciliation. Besides being reconciled to God, they should seek to be reconciled with each other. Finally, they were called to greet each other with a holy kiss. This was to be their expression of warmth and fellowship. They ought to forgive and move on.

In verse 13, Paul greeted them on behalf of all the saints. This clearly indicated that Paul didn’t malign them when he was with others. Here the other saints obviously accepted the Corinthians as fellow brethren, so they sent their greetings to them. 

Verse 14 is one of the most used blessings that is pronounced over the church as they depart a worship service. Here we see the invocation of the blessings of the entire Trinity on the Corinthians. Grace from Christ enabled them to be Christians. Love from God was the foundation and it triggered the redemption process. Fellowship was the work of the Holy Spirit. He enabled Christians to participate in each other’s life. To participate in the Spirit is to participate in each other’s life.

In Christian fellowship unity must rule the day. Throughout his letter, we get the sense that this was one aspect Paul was concerned about. Let’s seek to unite our hearts with God and with one another. Paul sets us an example of perfect harmony with the Father. So must we.