2 Corinthians 13:11-14 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Finally, brethren, farewell Χαιπετε, rejoice; be happy; be perfect Aspire to the highest degrees of Christian wisdom and grace, of knowledge, holiness, and usefulness. Be of good comfort Filled with joy and peace through believing, and abounding in hope of the glory of God, through the power of the Holy Ghost, Romans 15:13. Be of one mind Desire, labour, pray for it, to the utmost degree that is possible. Or, as το αυτο φρονειτε may be rendered, mind, or pursue the same thing; or set your affections on the same great objects, namely, the glory of God, the success of his gospel, your own salvation, and the salvation of your fellow-creatures. Live in peace One with another, and, as far as possible, with all men; and the God of love and peace shall be with you Will graciously own you for his children, and fix his residence among you. And in token of this concord, harmony, and mutual affection, greet one another with a holy kiss See on Romans 16:16. All the saints salute you That is, the Christians in the place from whence I now write, or those who are now with me. The grace Or favour; of the Lord Jesus Christ By which alone we can come to the Father; and the love of God Manifested to you, and abiding in you; and the communion Or fellowship; of the Holy Ghost In all his gifts and graces; be with you all Continually, henceforth, and for ever. Amen So may it be. It is with great reason that this comprehensive and instructive blessing is pronounced at the close of our solemn assemblies. And it is a very indecent thing to see so many quitting them, and getting into postures of remove, before this short sentence can be ended. How often have we heard this awful benediction pronounced! Let us study it more and more, that we may value it proportionably; that we may either deliver or receive it with becoming reverence, with eyes and hearts lifted up to God, who giveth the blessing out of Sion, and life for evermore.