Note 9 at 2 Cor. 13:9: Paul is selfless in this matter. He would gladly be reviled if it meant the Corinthians would be strengthened. His only concern was their perfection.

Note 10 at 2 Cor. 13:9: The terms "perfect" (v. 11) and "perfection" (v. 9), when applied to believers, do not mean sinless or without problems. The Greek word that was used here is "katartisis," which means "thorough equipment." It comes from the Greek word "katartizo," which was translated "perfect" in verse 11. This Greek word means "to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair or adjust." It is stressing maturity, not flawlessness.

Even a Christian's body and soul are not perfect, and will not be until we receive our glorified bodies (1 Cor. 15:53) and our soul knows all things as also we are known (1 Cor. 13:9-12). The only time we can use the word "perfect" in the sense of being without defect, or flawless, is when we refer to the believer's born-again (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92) spirit. The believer's spirit is already perfect in the highest sense of that word (Heb. 10:14; 12:23).