What does 2 Corinthians 13:11 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 13:11 provides both a farewell and a set of exhortations from the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth.

This verse is filled with a variety of imperatives that focus on the behavior of the Christian community.

"Be perfect" suggests a call to maturity and completeness in their faith and relationships. It does not imply sinless perfection but rather the idea of being equipped and restored, as well as aiming for spiritual maturity.

"Be of good comfort" encourages the believers to take heart and find encouragement in Christ, possibly in the midst of the challenges and persecutions they were facing.

"Be of one mind" stresses the importance of unity and harmony among the believers.

This implies that internal divisions and strife, which were issues in the Corinthian church, should be resolved.

"Live in peace" goes hand in hand with being of one mind.

Christians are to strive to live peacefully with one another, fostering a community where the peace of God governs relationships.

Finally, the promise that the "God of love and peace shall be with you" offers divine companionship and reassurance that God's presence accompanies a life characterized by the qualities Paul lists.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the second letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth around 55-57 AD.

Corinth was a bustling trade city in Greece known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity.

The Corinthian church had its fair share of problems, including internal divisions, moral issues, and challenges to Paul's authority and gospel.

This letter was written after Paul's first letter (1 Corinthians), where he addressed several issues in the church. The second letter (2 Corinthians) seems to address some ongoing problems and also defend Paul's ministry.

This verse specifically is part of the closing remarks in the letter where Paul provides final encouragements for the believers to live in accordance with their calling and in harmony with one another.

Theological Insights

This verse encapsulates important Christian theological principles, particularly those pertaining to ecclesiology (the theology of the church) and sanctification (the process of becoming holy or set apart for God).

From a theological standpoint, the call to be perfect reflects the transformative work of God in believers to become more like Christ. The unity and peace referenced allude to the Holy Spirit's role in creating community among believers.

Different denominations may emphasize certain aspects of this verse. For example, Catholic theology may stress the communal aspect of sanctification seen here, while Protestant theology may focus more on the individual's maturation in faith and the role of grace.

Practical Applications

The teachings in this verse can be applied in several ways:

• Christians are encouraged to seek spiritual maturity through discipleship, studying Scripture, and Christian fellowship.
• Believers should comfort and support one another, especially during trials or difficult seasons.
• Unity should be a priority in church life; differences and conflicts should be addressed with the goal of reconciliation.
• Peacemaking should be the modus operandi of Christians, mirroring the character of Christ.
• Recognizing that the presence of God is with a community that strives to live according to these principles can be a powerful motivator for positive change.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:3: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
• Philippians 2:2: "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
• Colossians 3:14: "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14: "Be at peace among yourselves... comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men."

Language Study

The original Greek language used in this verse provides insight into the specific commands Paul articulates:

• "Be perfect" (καταρτίζεσθε - katartizesthe) means to mend, repair, or make complete.
• "Be of good comfort" (παρακαλεῖσθε - parakaleisthe) carries the sense of to call to one's side, encourage, or console.
• "Be of one mind" (τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖτε - to auto phroneite) literally translates to think the same thing, suggesting harmony of thought.
• "Live in peace" (εἰρηνεύετε - eireneuete) comes from the root for peace (εἰρήνη - eirene), meaning to live in a state of tranquility or harmony.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The themes of harmony, peace, and communal well-being were also present in other ancient philosophies and religions. For instance, Stoic thought emphasized self-control and unity with the divine Logos as a path to harmonious living.

In Judaism, the concept of shalom (peace) encapsulated not just absence of conflict but a sense of wholeness and communal welfare.

These concepts, while similar, take on a distinct shape in Christianity, where the source of perfection, comfort, unity, and peace is rooted in the divine grace and work of God through Christ, rather than human effort alone.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary psychological and sociological studies support the idea that communities thriving in unity, support, and peace tend to exhibit increased wellbeing. For instance, strong social support networks are found to be associated with better mental health outcomes.

While scientific perspectives don't address the spiritual dimensions, they can affirm the benefits of the practices Paul advocates on human wellbeing.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer various insights:

• John Gill notes that the term "be perfect" might mean to be of "one and the same judgment" and to aim for perfection.
• Matthew Henry comments on the phrase "be of good comfort" as an appeal to mutual consolation in the church, especially by ministers to the people.
• The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the social implications of the verse, indicating that the entreaty to live in peace and harmony is a foundation for any thriving community.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary relates the phrase "the God of love and peace shall be with you" to the assurance that God supports and is present with those who seek these qualities.