14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Second Corinthians closes with a benediction from the Trinity. This prayer invokes the Trinity to meet the need of the Corinthians.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
The Corinthians needed the Lord to deal with them in “grace.” Grace is what the Lord did for the church without their merit (2 Co 8:9). He is generous toward His own. Grace addresses the failures and sins of the Christian, giving him the freedom to continue to fellowship with God.
and the love of God,
Paul wanted God the Father’s love to be present in the church. God’s love brings satisfaction to the soul that He cares for us and does not reject us.
and the communion [fellowship] of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
The Corinthians needed the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to be with them. Paul included “all” of the church, even those who opposed him.
Amen.
“Amen” is omitted in the oldest manuscripts. The word “amen” means so be it. Paul expressed his desire for the Corinthians with the three-fold benediction from the Trinity.
PRINCIPLE:
The Trinity has different roles for different purposes.
APPLICATION:
The greeting of verse 14 shows the roles of the Trinity. Jesus made the provision of redemption by His sacrifice, His grace (2 Co 8:9). The Father’s love showed itself in sending His only Son to die on the cross (Jn 3:16). It is the Holy Spirit who creates fellowship among believers.
Verse 14 is a clear expression of the doctrine of the Trinity. Each member of the Trinity has a role in meeting the needs of the church.
