Closing Argument – 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

On legaldictionary.com a closing argument is defined as “the final factual and legal argument made by each attorney on all sides of a case in a trial prior to a verdict or judgment.” It mentions that on television shows they are often very brief but that in reality they are often much longer, sometimes lasting an hour or more.

You might say Paul is ending his letter with a closing argument dressed in the clothes of a final greeting, and it is not lengthy.

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:11-14 ESV)

Paul closes this difficult letter, a letter filled with parrying accusations from the Corinthians, unveiling their foolishness, and giving rich tribute to the glory of the gospel. Paul has had to uphold humility while at the same time defending himself from the arrogant and erring people whom he led to Jesus. The ridiculousness of this is not lost on Paul, but as a loving parent he engages in what he hopes will turn them back to Christ and the true gospel, and away from the false teachers and their gospel of self-achievement.

He closes with a tender admonition. “Rejoice and aim for restoration.” Knowing Jesus should bring great joy (not conceitedness, feelings of superiority, anger, or apathy) and yet we need to be commanded to rejoice because it is our tendency to slip away from joy as if it is a hard fought prize that we cannot really keep. But it is inevitable when in the presence of the truly Joyful One. When He is all our occupation it is all our possession.

And restoration with the Lord will lead to restoration with each other and the giving up of self-centered relational interaction. Paul yearns for the Corinthians’ unity in the gospel. And that should be our yearning, too. Our mutual dependence on God for our strength should fill our hears with love for our fellow believers and the desire to promote the true gospel with them to the world.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

If you could be a star on TV, what type of show would it be and why?
What does it take to be a star in God’s show?
Does it seem appropriate for Paul to ask the Corinthians to greet one another with a holy kiss, after he has challenged their faith in the way he has?
What will cause the God of peace to be with the Corinthians?
What does Paul’s remark about the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, say to you about God?
How are you doing in the joy department?

About the Author Randall Johnson

A full-time pastor since 1979, Randall originally graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM) in 1979 and from Reformed Theological Seminary (DMin) in 1998. He is married with four grown children and a pile of epic grandchildren.

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