2 Corinthians 13:1

2Co 13:1-14. He Threatens a Severe Proof of His Apostolic Authority, but Prefers They Would Spare Him the Necessity for It. 1. This is the third time I am coming to you--not merely preparing to come to you. This proves an intermediate visit between the two recorded in Ac 18:1; 20:2. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established--Quoted from De 19:15, Septuagint. "I will judge not without examination, nor will I abstain from punishing upon due evidence" [Conybeare and Howson]. I will no longer be among you "in all patience" towards offenders (2Co 12:12). The apostle in this case, where ordinary testimony was to be had, does not look for an immediate revelation, nor does he order the culprits to be cast out of the church before his arrival. Others understand the "two or three witnesses" to mean his two or three visits as establishing either (1) the truth of the facts alleged against the offenders, or (2) the reality of his threats. I prefer the first explanation to either of the two latter.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Introduction to 2nd Corinthians Chapter 13

THIS closing chapter of the epistle relates to the following subjects:

(1.) The assurance of Paul that he was about to come among them, 2Cor 13:1-4, and that he would certainly inflict punishment on all who deserved it. His enemies had reproached him as being timid and pusillanimous. 2Cor 10:1,2,10,11. They had said that he was powerful to threaten, but afraid to execute. It is probable that they had become more bold in this from the fact that he had twice purposed to go there and had failed. In reply to all this, he now in conclusion solemnly assures them that he was coming, and that in all cases where an offence was proved by two or three witnesses, punishment would be inflicted, 2Cor 13:1. He assures them 2Cor 13:2 that he would not spare; and that since they sought a proof that Christ had sent him, they should witness that proof in the punishment which he would inflict, 2Cor 13:3; for that Christ was now clothed with power, and was able to execute punishment, though he had been crucified, 2Cor 13:4.

(2.) Paul calls on them solemnly to examine themselves, and to see whether they had any true religion, 2Cor 13:5,6. In the state of things which existed there, in the corruption which had abounded in the church, he solemnly commands them to institute a faithful inquiry to know whether they had been deceived; at the same time expressing the hope that it would appear, as the result of their examination, that they were not reprobates.

(3.) He earnestly prays to God that they might do no evil; that they might be found to be honest and pure, whatever might be thought of Paul himself, or whatever might become of him, 2Cor 13:7. Their repentance would save Paul from exerting his miraculous power in their punishment, and might thus prevent the proof of his apostolic authority which they desired; and the consequence might be that they might esteem him to be a reprobate, for he could not exert his miraculous power except in the cause of truth, 2Cor 13:8. Still he was willing to be esteemed an impostor if they would do no evil.

(4.) He assures them that he earnestly wished their perfection, and that the design of his writing to them, severe as he had appeared, was their edification, 2Cor 8:9,10.

(5.) Then he bids them an affectionate and tender farewell, and closes with the usual salutations and benedictions, 2Cor 13:11-14.

Verse 1. This is the third time, etc. 12:4. For an interesting view of this passage, see Paley's Horae Paulinae on this epistle, No. xi. It is evident that Paul had been to Corinth but once before this, but he had resolved to go before a second time, but had been disappointed.

In the mouth of two or three witnesses, etc. This was what the law of Moses required, De 19:15. Jn 8:17. Comp. Mt 18:16. But in regard to its application here, commentators are not agreed. Some suppose that Paul refers to his own epistles which he had sent to them as the two or three witnesses by which his promise to them would be made certain; that he had purposed it and promised it two or three times; and that as this was all that was required by the law, it would certainly be established. This is the opinion of Bloomfield, Rosenmuller, Grotius, Hammond, Locke, and some others. But, with all the respect due to such great names, it seems to me that this would be trifling and childish in the extreme. Lightfoot supposes that he refers to Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who would be witnesses to them of his purpose. See 1Cor 16:17. But the more probable opinion, it seems to me, is that of Doddridge, Macknight, and others, that he anticipated that there would be necessity for the administration of discipline there, but that he would feel himself under obligation in administering it to adhere to the reasonable maxim of the Jewish law. No one should be condemned or punished where there were not at least two or three witnesses to prove the offence; but where there were, discipline would be administered,according to the nature of the crime.

(d) "In the mouth" De 19:15, Heb 10:28,29

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Introduction

The apostle again says that this is the third time he has purposed to come and see them; and threatens that he will, by the power of Christ, punish every incorrigible sinner, 2Cor 13:1-4. Exhorts them to examine themselves, whether they be in the faith, 2Cor 13:5, 2Cor 13:6. Prays that they may do no evil, 2Cor 13:7. And shows how ardently he wished their complete restoration to unity and purity, 2Cor 13:8, 2Cor 13:9. Tells them for what reason he writes to them, 2Cor 13:10. Bids them farewell, 2Cor 13:11, Gives them some directions, and concludes with his apostolical benediction, 2Cor 13:12-14.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Though it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, yet he will not bear always; at length he will come, and will not spare those who remain obstinate and impenitent. Christ at his crucifixion, appeared as only a weak and helpless man, but his resurrection and life showed his Divine power. So the apostles, how mean and contemptible soever they appeared to the world, yet, as instruments, they manifested the power of God. Let them prove their tempers, conduct, and experience, as gold is assayed or proved by the touchstone. If they could prove themselves not to be reprobates, not to be rejected of Christ, he trusted they would know that he was not a reprobate, not disowned by Christ. They ought to know if Christ Jesus was in them, by the influences, graces, and indwelling of his Spirit, by his kingdom set up in their hearts. Let us question our own souls; either we are true Christians, or we are deceivers. Unless Christ be in us by his Spirit, and power of his love, our faith is dead, and we are yet disapproved by our Judge.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain