Bible Commentaries
2 Corinthians 13

Verses 1-9

14 What a fund of fatherly affection is revealed in his protest, "I am not seeking yours but you !" And it must have humbled them to think of their own lack of care and consideration. They deserved nothing further at his hands. But instead of rebuking them and asserting his rights as an apostle, he proposes to lavish still more affection on them. And he will do this even if it should still further dampen their affection for him. Is not this a reflection of God's dealings with us in grace? We accept His bounty with all too feeble a response, yet He is not offended, but pours it out in more lavish style.

16 Paul anticipates a subtle insinuation which his enemies might suggest, even if he had cleared himself of their charges. He had sent Titus and others to them. Perhaps he had used them as tools to overreach them, so as to shield himself from blame. But it seems that Titus and those whom he had dispatched to them all were worthy delegates of the apostle, for they followed the same course he had done.

19 Thus he closes his appeal. His own defense was necessary for their edification.

21 It was probably some months before Paul fulfilled his intention of visiting them again in person. During the interval he went over Macedonia, and possibly as far as Illyricum, giving them much exhortation. But all this time his heart was in Corinth. He had written to them. He had sent messengers to them. They had given him much sorrow not unmixed with joy. He had exhorted and he had threatened. He had made it plain that he would not spare when he came again in person. Can we imagine his feelings as he approached the city? How he shrank from being severe! Yet he must be severe, should it be necessary. Doubtless the majority would receive him with hearts full of joy and affection. But what of the rebellious minority? It was with such powerful emotions that he followed this epistle some months later. It would seem from the uncanonical epistle of Clement, that his efforts for the Corinthian ecclesia were not in vain, but bore precious fruit. According to Acts ( Act_20:2 ) , he stayed in Greece three months, and, as usual, had to leave because the Jews lay in wait for him.

4 The power of Christ had been manifested amongst the Corinthians, yet Paul reminds them that even He was once crucified in utter weakness. Pilate and Herod and the chief priests all seemed stronger than He. But out of that very weakness came the power that saved them and that triumphed over His adversaries and that raised Him to the highest place in all the universe. So, says Paul, will it be with my weakness. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will impart strength to my weakness, and triumph over my adversaries.

7 Paul had no desire, however, to exercise the power he possessed. This might serve to prove his qualification for the office of an apostle, but it would be ill for them. Rather would he appear as disqualified and spare them such a proof as this. No matter what he did, however, it would be for the sake of the truth, for he had no power against the truth.

Verses 10-14

10 Edification should ever be the aim of God's servant in dealing with His erring saints. All other means should be exhausted before sharpness and, severity should be used. They are a last resort, and seldom need be called into play if the example of Paul were followed, as it is given us in this epistle.

11 The epistle closes with characteristic tokens of affection. Throughout the appeal is to the feelings. This is especially true of the evangel and its proclamation. God on His part beseeches the sinner to be conciliated. The saint is reconciled. He is not merely righteous, but at perfect peace with God. This is the fruit of the evangel which is so delicious to God's heart and to ours. Let us not fail to appreciate the marvelous affection of His message!