The end of Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians is something every believer should consider. How easily we sometimes glide over verses such as this benediction, thinking them relatively unimportant or unnecessary. We certainly believe them to be inspired, but somehow they are only viewed (subconsciously) as a poetic, if not mundane, punctuation to the main message.

Let us now consider Paul’s benediction to his dysfunctional and petulant, yet beloved and now repentant Corinthians. The first thing, which has been often noticed is that it is a Trinitarian statement. This means that it reveals to us that the Godhead is a Trinity. Trinitarian is not a word that the Bible explicitly uses, but it is a theological term used to describe a biblical revelation or truth. God is One Being, of one substance or divine nature, who eternally exists as three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Today’s verse clearly reveals this foundational truth, as do many others (e.g. Mt. 28:19; Jn. 14:26; 1 Cor. 12:4–6; Eph. 2:18; 4:4–6; 1 Pet. 1:2).

How Paul’s heart overflowed with thankfulness and a deep desire for their (and our) blessing! Firstly, “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Yes, we know the grace of our Lord Jesus: He was rich but became poor for our sakes (2 Cor. 8:9), and He died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3)! Secondly, this was a manifestation of “the love of God” (the Father). In fact, there could be no higher expression of God’s love—He gave His best (1 Jn. 4:9). Thirdly, but not in any way the least, is “the communion of the Holy Spirit.” Without the divine Helper, we could not know any of these things. Let us rejoice in this wonderful, glorious mystery and that this God is “for us” (Rom. 8:31)!