Lesson 480: 2 Corinthians 13:4
The Blueprint — The Verse
For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.
Memorization Practice
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King James Version (KJV) — Public Domain.
The Context — The History
PaulPaul is the apostle who carried the message of Jesus into the Gentile world, transforming early Christianity through his missionary journeys, his letters, and his profound teaching on grace, faith, and the New Covenant. More closed 2 Corinthians with warnings, appeals, and final greetings after defending his ministry throughout the letter. He prepared to visit them a third time with accountability.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
PaulPaul is the apostle who carried the message of Jesus into the Gentile world, transforming early Christianity through his missionary journeys, his letters, and his profound teaching on grace, faith, and the New Covenant. More called for self-examination and rejoiced in weakness when Christ's power rested on him. He ended noting that ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More was crucified in weakness yet lives by God's power — the pattern for believers who share His weakness and life.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Since ye seek a proof of ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faithFaith is the act of trusting God’s character, promises, and redemptive work even before the outcome is seen. In Scripture, faith is not blind belief but a confident reliance on God’s truth, rooted in His past actions and revealed purpose. It is the foundation of the believer’s relationship with God and the driving force behind obedience, endurance, and hope.... More; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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How is God's power perfected in human weakness?
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Why does PaulPaul is the apostle who carried the message of Jesus into the Gentile world, transforming early Christianity through his missionary journeys, his letters, and his profound teaching on grace, faith, and the New Covenant. More highlight the cross's weakness alongside resurrectionResurrection is God’s act of raising the dead to new life — first seen in Christ’s victory over the grave, and ultimately fulfilled when all humanity is raised for judgment, transformation, and eternal destiny. More power?
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Where might weakness be an opening for Christ's strength?
