Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 13:14

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." — 2 Corinthians 13:14 (ASV)

Paul grounds his pastoral appeal for unity of spirit and for the rejection of discord (vv.11–12) in the theological doctrine of the Trinity. The “grace” (GK 5921) of Christ banishes self-assertiveness and self-seeking, the “love” (GK 27) of God puts jealousy and anger to flight, while the “fellowship” (GK 3126) created by the Spirit leaves no room for quarreling and factions (cf. 12:21).

This embryonic Trinitarian formulation is noteworthy for the unusual order of Son, Father, and Holy Spirit. It is through the grace shown by Christ (8:9) in living and dying for humankind that God demonstrates his love (Romans 5:8) and the Spirit creates fellowship (Ephesians 4:3). This order also reflects Christian experience.