LISTEN TO THE DEVOTIONAL

The Deep Dive – Detailed Analysis of 2 Corinthians 13:5

Key verse:  “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” KJV

1. Immediate Context of the Passage

In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” This appeal fits into Paul’s larger discussion about his authority and the spiritual state of the Corinthian believers. In chapters 12 and 13, Paul is preparing to visit Corinth for the third time, addressing concerns about sin and rebellion among the believers. He challenges them to self-reflect, emphasizing personal accountability and authentic faith.

Paul’s stern tone arises from reports of divisions, immorality, and a lack of repentance (2 Corinthians 12:20-21). This self-examination is a call to ensure that their faith is genuine and that they live consistently with the gospel.

2. Thematic Insights and Influence on Interpretation

The overarching theme is self-examination as a marker of true faith. Paul contrasts outward appearances with inner realities, aligning with the broader themes of the letter: reliance on God’s power, integrity in ministry, and living as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The repeated motifs of testing (e.g., “prove yourselves”) and divine power underscore that authenticity in the faith involves both inward transformation and outward evidence of Christ’s work.

3. Cross-References

• Lamentations 3:40: “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” This Old Testament call for introspection parallels Paul’s emphasis on self-examination.
• Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” Here, David seeks God’s examination, aligning with the humility required for self-assessment in 2 Corinthians 13:5.
• James 1:22-25: Encourages believers not only to hear the word but to act on it, examining themselves as one who looks in a mirror.
• Galatians 6:4: “But let every man prove his own work.” Paul reiterates the importance of self-evaluation in a way that complements 2 Corinthians 13:5.

These references deepen our understanding of the biblical practice of self-examination, focusing on repentance, sincerity, and active faith.

4. Key Terms and Grammatical Structure

• “Examine yourselves” (πειράζετε ἑαυτούς): The Greek term “πειράζετε” (peirazete) means to test or scrutinize, often used in the sense of proving the authenticity of something.
• “Prove your own selves” (δοκιμάζετε ἑαυτούς): “Δοκιμάζετε” (dokimazete) carries the nuance of testing for approval, often associated with refining metals.
• “Whether ye be in the faith” (εἰ ἐστε ἐν τῇ πίστει): This phrase invites reflection on their status in Christ, urging believers to consider whether their lives align with the gospel.

The parallel verbs “examine” and “prove” create a rhetorical emphasis, urging both introspection and an outward demonstration of faith.

5. Comparative Translation Analysis

• KJV: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” The classic rendering emphasizes personal accountability.
• ESV: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” The ESV uses simpler language, focusing on clarity.
• NLT: “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves.” This paraphrase highlights the aspect of authenticity.
• NASB: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” The NASB reverses the order, but the essence remains the same.

The differences in translations are minor but reflect varying emphases, such as “genuine faith” in the NLT or “testing” in the NASB.

6. Insights from Thayer’s Lexicon, Strong’s Concordance, and Commentaries

• Thayer’s Lexicon: “Πειράζετε” and “δοκιμάζετε” imply a process of refinement and validation, akin to testing metals for purity.
• Strong’s Concordance: The word study highlights the rigorous and intentional nature of self-examination.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Henry emphasizes that Paul’s goal is not condemnation but restoration, encouraging self-reflection to confirm their union with Christ.
• John Calvin’s Commentary: Calvin underscores the balance between assurance and humility, noting that true faith evidences itself in transformation and perseverance.

7. Practical Application and Reflection

• Personal Growth: Regular self-examination aligns believers with God’s will, ensuring spiritual vitality and growth. For instance, journaling about personal faith practices or attitudes can illuminate areas needing repentance or improvement.
• Decision-Making: Applying this passage helps believers make godly decisions by aligning choices with scriptural principles.
• Relationships: The call for self-reflection fosters humility, which can improve interpersonal relationships by reducing pride and encouraging reconciliation.
• Church Life: This practice supports healthy congregational life by encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their spiritual state, thereby contributing to communal holiness.

Conclusion

2 Corinthians 13:5 invites believers to a profound spiritual practice of self-examination, emphasizing authenticity and alignment with Christ. It challenges us to reflect deeply on our faith, to rely on God’s power, and to live out the gospel in our daily lives.

Works Cited

• The Holy Bible, King James Version.
• Thayer, J. H. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.
• Strong, James. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.
• Henry, Matthew. Commentary on the Whole Bible.
• Calvin, John. Commentaries on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians.

About the book

Author

The Apostle Paul is the author of 2 Corinthians, as identified in the opening verse (2 Corinthians 1:1) and supported by early church tradition.

Date Written

A.D. 55–57, written approximately a year after 1 Corinthians, during Paul’s third missionary journey.

Time Span

2 Corinthians does not cover a specific time span but addresses recent events in Paul’s ministry, including his earlier correspondence with the Corinthians.

Background

The church in Corinth was plagued by division, immorality, and false teachings. After writing 1 Corinthians, Paul made a painful visit to Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:1). This letter was written after Titus brought a favorable report of some reconciliation, though significant challenges, including opposition from false apostles, remained.

Where Written

Likely written from Macedonia, during Paul’s travels.

To Whom

The letter is addressed to the church in Corinth and believers throughout Achaia (1:1). Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan city, notorious for its immorality and idolatry.

Content

2 Corinthians is deeply personal, revealing Paul’s emotions, defense of his apostleship, and passion for the gospel. It includes a mix of encouragement, correction, and theological teaching.

Keywords

• Comfort (παράκλησις, paraklēsis)
• Suffering (πάθημα, pathēma)
• Reconciliation (καταλλαγή, katallagē)
• Ministry (διακονία, diakonia)
• Weakness (ἀσθένεια, astheneia)
• Glory (δόξα, doxa)

Themes

1. Comfort in Suffering: God provides comfort in trials, equipping believers to comfort others (1:3–7).
2. Authenticity in Ministry: Paul defends his apostleship, emphasizing integrity and sincerity (4:1–2).
3. Reconciliation through Christ: God reconciles the world to Himself through Christ and entrusts believers with this ministry (5:17–21).
4. Strength in Weakness: God’s power is perfected in human weakness (12:9–10).
5. Generosity and Giving: Paul exhorts the Corinthians to support the saints in Jerusalem (8:1–9:15).

Outline with Scripture References

1. Introduction: Comfort in Trials (1:1–11)
2. Paul’s Defense of His Ministry (1:12–2:13)
3. The Ministry of the New Covenant (2:14–4:6)
4. Strength in Weakness (4:7–5:10)
5. Reconciliation and the Gospel Ministry (5:11–6:10)
6. Paul’s Appeal to Holiness and Reconciliation (6:11–7:16)
7. Encouragement in Generous Giving (8:1–9:15)
8. Paul’s Apostolic Authority (10:1–13:10)
9. Conclusion and Benediction (13:11–14)

Emotions

• Comfort: God’s care in suffering (1:3–7).
• Joy: Titus’ report of the Corinthians’ repentance (7:5–7).
• Concern: Paul’s anguish over the church’s divisions (2:1–4).
• Gratitude: For God’s surpassing grace (9:15).
• Humility: Paul’s boasting in weakness (12:9–10).

Summary of Each Section

1. 1:1–11: Paul praises God for comfort during suffering and shares his experiences to encourage others.
2. 1:12–2:13: Paul explains his change of plans and appeals for forgiveness and reconciliation.
3. 2:14–4:6: Paul contrasts the Old and New Covenants, highlighting the surpassing glory of the gospel.
4. 4:7–5:10: Human weakness reveals God’s power; believers live with an eternal perspective.
5. 5:11–6:10: Paul describes the ministry of reconciliation, calling believers to live as ambassadors of Christ.
6. 6:11–7:16: Paul urges holiness and rejoices in the Corinthians’ repentance.
7. 8:1–9:15: Paul encourages generosity, citing the Macedonians’ example and God’s abundant provision.
8. 10:1–13:10: Paul defends his apostolic authority against false teachers, boasting in his weaknesses.
9. 13:11–14: Paul concludes with exhortations to unity, love, and peace.

Content Analysis

2 Corinthians is both theological and deeply personal. Paul defends his ministry, revealing the heart of a servant leader who relies on God’s grace. The letter balances rebuke, encouragement, and practical teaching, addressing the challenges of living faithfully amid opposition.

Contextual Analysis

The church in Corinth faced external cultural pressures and internal division. Paul’s letter addresses false apostles who questioned his authority, encouraging believers to align their lives with the gospel. It reflects the reality of ministry: suffering, perseverance, and reliance on God’s strength.