II Corinthians 13
Dear RTB’ers,
Yesterday’s comment – that is, John’s post on “Rearranging II Corinthians” – was enough comment for today’s first ten verses. Let’s look at Paul’s closing: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. (vv. 11-12, NASB) A nice closing, full of love and peace.
But I intentionally left something out of verse 11, following “rejoice”: mend your ways…!! Yes, Corinthians, MEND YOUR WAYS!! Yes, Fred; yes, Carol; yes, RTB’ers: Mend our ways! No doubt we all need to hear that! Continuing… The ESV has “aim for restoration” – a bit softer than the NASB and as Carol just now pointed out to me, more in line with Paul’s earlier comments asking the Corinthians to restore those with whom they had separated from fellowship.
We close with a fitting end to Paul’s Corinthian letters: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, mend your ways, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Blessings!