What does 2 Corinthians 13:6 mean by "we have not failed the test"? Scriptural Context Paul is closing his most personal letter, preparing for his third visit to Corinth (13:1). Some in the congregation still question his authority. Chapters 10–13 form a vigorous defense of his apostleship against “false apostles” (11:13). The immediate section (13:1-10) alternates admonition (“Examine yourselves,” v. 5) with reassurance (“We pray to God that you will do no evil,” v. 7). Verse 6 is Paul’s confident postscript: if the Corinthians genuinely pass the examination of faith, that very fact vindicates Paul’s ministry—he “has not failed the test.” The Nature of the “Test” 1. Doctrinal Reality—Christ Indwelling “Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?” (13:5). The touchstone of genuine faith is the indwelling Christ (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27). Right belief about the crucified and risen Savior is non-negotiable (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 2. Moral Transformation—Spirit-Produced Fruit Evidence that Christ lives within includes repentance (12:21), holiness (7:1), obedience (10:5–6), and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). These practical outcomes are what Paul expects to witness on arrival (13:2). 3. Relational Submission—Acknowledging Apostolic Authority Accepting Paul’s gospel proves they are in the faith (11:4). Refusal to heed him would expose them—and thus him—as adókimos. Because their church was founded by Paul (Acts 18:1-11), their perseverance authenticates his commission (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:19). Reciprocal Logic of Verse 6 “If you stand approved, you confirm that the gospel I preached is authentic and that my apostleship is God-given. Therefore, when you pass, you simultaneously demonstrate that ‘we have not failed the test.’” The teacher’s credentials are verified by the fruitfulness of his pupils (3:2-3). Assurance and Self-Examination Scripture balances assurance (Romans 8:16; John 10:28) with continual self-examination (Lamentations 3:40; 2 Peter 1:10). Paul’s directive is pastoral, not skeptical. He assumes they will pass (13:6, 9)—but complacency is dangerous (1 Corinthians 10:12). No Significant Textual Variance All extant Greek manuscripts—p46 (c. A.D. 200), 𝔓^117, Codex Vaticanus (B), Codex Sinaiticus (ℵ), Codex Alexandrinus (A)—agree on the wording of 13:6. The consistency underscores the reliability of the passage. Historical Echoes Early church writers cite the verse in the same sense: • Ignatius, Smyrn. 6.2—calls believers to “prove yourselves true.” • Chrysostom, Hom. in 2 Corinthians 29—notes that Paul “stakes his own credit on theirs.” Practical Implications for Today • Personal Discipleship—Regularly align beliefs and behavior with Christ’s commands (John 14:15). • Church Health—Sound doctrine and holy living validate leadership. • Evangelism—Changed lives commend the gospel more powerfully than rhetoric (Matthew 5:16). Related Passages • 1 Corinthians 11:28—“Everyone ought to examine himself.” • James 1:22-25—Mirror imagery for self-testing. • Revelation 3:2—“Strengthen what remains and is about to die.” Summary 2 Corinthians 13:6 asserts Paul’s confidence that the Corinthians’ genuine, fruit-bearing faith will prove both their authenticity and his. The “test” is whether Christ truly indwells them, evidenced by transformed lives and doctrinal fidelity. Passing that test simultaneously exonerates Paul—he “has not failed”—and reaffirms the divine origin of the gospel he proclaims. |
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