2 corinthians 13:4 - For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.
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What does "2 corinthians 13:4" mean?
This verse from 2 Corinthians 13:4 is a powerful statement about the nature of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, and its implications for believers. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"For he was crucified through weakness..."
This refers to Jesus' crucifixion. From a worldly perspective, it appeared to be a display of weakness. He allowed himself to be arrested, tried, and executed, rather than using his divine power to escape. His physical body was vulnerable and subject to pain and death. This 'weakness' highlights the human limitations Jesus took on.
"...yet he lives through the power of God."
This contrasts the apparent weakness of the crucifixion with the undeniable power of God in the resurrection. The resurrection proves that Jesus' defeat was not final. It demonstrates God's supreme power over death and sin. The resurrection is the ultimate victory and vindication of Jesus.
"For we also are weak in him..."
Paul is addressing the Corinthians (and, by extension, all believers). He acknowledges their own weakness. In the context of the letter, this likely relates to their struggles with sin, divisions, and questioning of Paul's authority. The phrase "in him" means that their weakness is seen and experienced within the context of their relationship with Christ. They are still human, still prone to mistakes and imperfections.
"...but we will live with him through the power of God toward you."
This is the key takeaway:
"Live with him": This likely refers to both a present reality of sharing in Christ's life and a future reality of eternal life with Him. It suggests a participation in Christ's resurrection life.
"Through the power of God": Just as God's power raised Jesus from the dead, the same power empowers believers to live a new life, overcome weakness, and serve others.
"Toward you": This phrase is crucial. The power of God working in the believers is not just for their personal benefit, but it is directed outward towards the Corinthian church. It means that through this power, they can authentically serve and minister to others effectively in love and grace. Paul's weakness, when combined with God's power, becomes a vehicle for blessing the Corinthians. He is communicating that God's power is available to them, even through a flawed vessel like Paul.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus' crucifixion seemed like a defeat, but it was followed by the ultimate demonstration of God's power: the resurrection. Just as Jesus experienced weakness and then was raised by God's power, believers, though still weak, can live a new life in Christ, empowered by God's grace. This power isn't just for their own benefit but is meant to be expressed in service and love toward others. Paul communicates the idea that the same power that raised Christ is accessible for ministry to others.
Context is also important: Paul is defending his ministry and his authority to the Corinthians, who have been questioning him. He is saying that his seeming weakness is not a sign of ineffectiveness, but rather an opportunity for God's power to be displayed through him, ultimately for their benefit. He is reminding them that true strength is found not in human power, but in God's power.
2 corinthians 13:4 - For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you.
What does "2 corinthians 13:4" mean?
This verse from 2 Corinthians 13:4 is a powerful statement about the nature of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, and its implications for believers. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"For he was crucified through weakness..."
This refers to Jesus' crucifixion. From a worldly perspective, it appeared to be a display of weakness. He allowed himself to be arrested, tried, and executed, rather than using his divine power to escape. His physical body was vulnerable and subject to pain and death. This 'weakness' highlights the human limitations Jesus took on.
"...yet he lives through the power of God."
This contrasts the apparent weakness of the crucifixion with the undeniable power of God in the resurrection. The resurrection proves that Jesus' defeat was not final. It demonstrates God's supreme power over death and sin. The resurrection is the ultimate victory and vindication of Jesus.
"For we also are weak in him..."
Paul is addressing the Corinthians (and, by extension, all believers). He acknowledges their own weakness. In the context of the letter, this likely relates to their struggles with sin, divisions, and questioning of Paul's authority. The phrase "in him" means that their weakness is seen and experienced within the context of their relationship with Christ. They are still human, still prone to mistakes and imperfections.
"...but we will live with him through the power of God toward you."
This is the key takeaway:
"Live with him": This likely refers to both a present reality of sharing in Christ's life and a future reality of eternal life with Him. It suggests a participation in Christ's resurrection life.
"Through the power of God": Just as God's power raised Jesus from the dead, the same power empowers believers to live a new life, overcome weakness, and serve others.
"Toward you": This phrase is crucial. The power of God working in the believers is not just for their personal benefit, but it is directed outward towards the Corinthian church. It means that through this power, they can authentically serve and minister to others effectively in love and grace. Paul's weakness, when combined with God's power, becomes a vehicle for blessing the Corinthians. He is communicating that God's power is available to them, even through a flawed vessel like Paul.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus' crucifixion seemed like a defeat, but it was followed by the ultimate demonstration of God's power: the resurrection. Just as Jesus experienced weakness and then was raised by God's power, believers, though still weak, can live a new life in Christ, empowered by God's grace. This power isn't just for their own benefit but is meant to be expressed in service and love toward others. Paul communicates the idea that the same power that raised Christ is accessible for ministry to others.
Context is also important: Paul is defending his ministry and his authority to the Corinthians, who have been questioning him. He is saying that his seeming weakness is not a sign of ineffectiveness, but rather an opportunity for God's power to be displayed through him, ultimately for their benefit. He is reminding them that true strength is found not in human power, but in God's power.