Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 13:11

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you." — 2 Corinthians 13:11 (ASV)

Paul closes with several general instructions. He wants the Corinthian believers to strive to achieve that perfection for which Paul himself was praying (v.9b). They are to heed his “appeals”—for a break with all idolatry (6:14–7:1), for warm hospitality to be shown the three delegates, for a generous and prompt contribution to the Jerusalem relief fund (chs. 8–9), and for a changed attitude toward him (chs. 10–13). They are also to agree in the Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10) and live in peace without divided loyalties (11:2–3; 12:20).

The second part of this verse has two possible senses. If Paul is stressing love and peace as characteristics of God (cf. Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 14:33), the meaning will be: “[If you] aim for perfection, etc., then the God of love and peace will be with you” (cf. Php 4:9). But if love and peace are here viewed as God’s gifts (cf. Php 4:7), Paul is indicating the divine resources that will enable the Corinthians to follow his injunctions.