Bible Commentaries
2 Corinthians 13

Verse 1

Verse 1 Paul had visited Corinth twice before and is now prepared to come a third time. Paul was further prepared to deal with the false teachers. It would not be rash action, but would be confirmed by two or three witnesses ( Num_35:30 ; Deu_17:6 ; Deu_19:15 ; Mat_18:15-17 ).

Verse 2

Verse 2 The time of patient waiting was over. Any still involved in sin would be punished severely. Division and carnal thinking must end.

Verse 3

Verse 3 They had challenged Paul's inspiration and accused him of preaching a weak Christ. He responds by reminding them that Christ's power had been evident in his work in Corinth.

Verse 4

Verse 4 Christ was crucified because of weakness, man's. He was raised in power, God's ( Romans 4:24; 64; 8:11 ; 1 Peter 121 ). Because of Christ, Paul had suffered trials and the weaknesses of man. But, he was now prepared to show God's power to them in punishment.

Verse 5

Verse 5 Paul challenges them to test themselves as Christians, just as they had tested him as an apostle. Jesus would be in them if they were obedient ( John 1423 ). To be reprobate, they would have to fail the test ( Jer_6:30 ).

Verse 6

Verse 6 Paul hoped they knew that he would not fail the test.

Verse 7

Verse 7 His prayer for the Corinthians was that they be faithful. He did not pray that so that his name would be cleared and they would again respect him. Rather, he would allow his name to remain stained in their sight if they could be found faithful.

Verse 8

Verse 8 Instead of rejoicing over a chance to show his power because of this evil, Paul would pray that their good would cause his authority to go without proof.

Verse 9

Verse 9 Paul would gladly have them keep on thinking him weak and without authority, since that would mean he had not been required to discipline them.

Verse 10

Verse 10 While he was away from them, Paul wrote to them hoping they would change. The authority and power he had was intended for use in making congregations grow. He would hate to have to use that power to cut out infected and diseased members.

Verse 11

Verse 11 "Farewell" should be translated "rejoice, or joy to you". He calls them "brethren" to show the letter was written in a spirit of love. He wanted them to strive to be perfect in God's sight and reassured by the promises of His word. They would be of the same mind if they all submitted to the rule of God's word. Such submission would bring peace. They would be more concerned with the good of others than self, which would bring peace and love.

Verse 12

Verse 12 They should greet each other as friends and brethren.

Verse 13

Verse 13 Those who were with Paul sent their greetings to them as brethren.

Verse 14

Verse 14 Paul would close by praying that they should receive all the blessings the Godhead

had to offer.