1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

13 All the saints salute you.

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle threatens obstinate offenders.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I am coming this third time - He had been coming twice before, though he did not actually come.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
This will be the third.He goes on to reprove still farther the insolence of those of whom he had been speaking, some of whom living in profligacy and licentiousness, and others, carrying on contentions and strifes among themselves, cared nothing for his reproof. For his discourse did not apply to the entire body of the Church, but to certain diseased and half-rotten members of it. Hence he now, with greater freedom, uses sharpness, because he has to do with particular individuals, not with the whole body of the people, and besides this, it was with persons of such a stamp, that he perceived, that he would do them no good by kindness, and mild remedies. After having spent a year and a half among them, (Acts 18:11,) he had visited them asecond time. Now he forewarns them, that he will come to them athird time, and he says, that his three comings to them will be in the place of three witnesses. He quotes the law as to the authority of witnesses; not in the natural and literal sense, as it is termed, but by accommodation,or similitude, applying it to his particular purpose.“The declaration of the law,” says he, “is, that we must rest on the testimony of two or three witnesses for putting an end to disputes.”(Deuteronomy 19:15.)For the word establishedmeans that a decision is pronounced respecting a matter, that the strife may cease. “I, indeed, am but one individual, but coming athird time I shall have the authority ofthree witnesses, or, my three comings will be in the place of three testimonies.” For the threefold effort that was made for their welfare, and perseverance, as made trial of on three different occasions, might, with good reason, be held equivalent to three persons.
McArther Bible Commentary
the third time. See note on 2Co 12:14. two or three witnesses. Not a reference to Paul's three visits to Corinth, since he could be only one witness no matter how many visits he made. Paul informed the Corinthians that he would deal biblically (cf. Deu 19:15; Mat 18:16; Joh 8:17; Heb 10:28) with any sin he found in Corinth.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 17:6 Deuteronomy 19:15 Matthew 18:16 2 Corinthians 12:14

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle threatens obstinate offenders.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
All the rest - Who have since then sinned in any of these kinds. I will not spare - I will severely punish them.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
I told you before, and foretell you.The friendly and agreeable admonitions, that he had addressed to them so frequently, had been of no advantage. He, accordingly, betakes himself to a more severe remedy, with which he had previously threatened them in words when present with them. When we see him act with so much strictness, we need have no doubt, that they were surprisingly ungovernable and obstinate; for it appears from his writings, what mildness, and what unwearied patience he was otherwise prepared to manifest. As, however, it is the part of a good parent to forgive and bear with many things, so it is the part of a foolish parent, and one that has no proper regard for the welfare of his children, to neglect to use severity, when there is occasion for it, and to mingle strictness with mildness. We are well aware, that nothing is more hurtful than excessive indulgenceLet us, therefore, use mildness, when we can safely do so, and that too, dignified and properly regulated: let us act with greater severity, when necessity requires.It is asked, however, why it was, that the Apostle allowed himself to expose the particular faults of individuals in so open a manner, as in a manner to point his finger at the very persons? I answer, that he would never have done so, if the sins had been hid, but as they were manifest to all, and matter of notoriety, so as to furnish a pernicious example, it was necessary that he should not spare the authors of a public scandal. It is asked, secondly, what kind of chastisement he threatens to inflict upon them, as he could scarcely chastise them more severely in words. I have no doubt that he means, that he will inflict punishment upon them by excommunication. For what is more to be dreaded, than being cut off from the body of Christ, expelled from the kingdom of God, anddelivered over to Satan for destruction, (1 Corinthians 5:5,) unless you repent?
McArther Bible Commentary
I will not spare. See note on 2Co 12:21.
Bible Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:21 2 Corinthians 1:23 2 Corinthians 10:2 2 Corinthians 10:11 2 Corinthians 12:14 2 Corinthians 12:21 2 Corinthians 13:10

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle threatens obstinate offenders.
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.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Since ye seek a proofA twofold meaning may be drawn from these words. Thefirst is, “Since you wish to try me, whether I speak of myself, or whether Christ speaks by me;” and in this way Chrysostom, and Ambrose, explain it. I am rather inclined, however, to understand him as declaring, that it does not so much concern himself as Christ, when his authority is detracted from — that when his admonitions are despised, Christ’s patience is tried. “It is Christ that speaks by me; when therefore, you bring my doctrine under your lash, it is not so much to me as to him that you do injury.”Some one, however, will object thus: “What! Will a man’s doctrine, then, be exempted from all investigation, so soon as he makes it his boast, that he has Christ as his authority? And what false prophet will not make this his boast? What distinction, then, will there be between truth and falsehood, and what will, in that case, become of that injunction: Try the spirits, whether they are of God.” (1 John 4:1.)Every objection of this nature Paul anticipates, when he says that Christ has wrought efficaciously in them by his ministry. For these two clauses, Christ speaking in me, and,who is mighty in you, not weak, must be read in connection, in this sense: “Christ, by exercising his power towards you in my doctrine, has declared that he spoke by my mouth, so that you have no excuse on the ground of ignorance.”We see, that he does not merely boast in words, but proves in reality that Christ speaks in him, and he convinces the Corinthians, before requiring them to give him credit. Whoever, then, will speak in the Church, whatever be the title that he claims for himself, it will be allowable to inquire as to his doctrine, until Christ has manifested himself in him, and thus it will not be of Christ that judgment will be formed, but of the man. When, however, it is apparent, that it is the word of God that is advanced, what Paul says holds good — that it is God himself who is not believed Moses spake with the same confidence. (Numbers 16:11.)What are we — I and Aaron? You are tempting God.In like manner, Isaiah:Is it too small a thing that you grieve men, unless you grieve my God also? (Isaiah 7:13.)For there is no more room for shuffling, when it has been made apparent, that it is a minister of God that speaks, and that he discharges his office faithfully. I return to Paul. As the confirmation of his ministry had been so decided among the Corinthians, inasmuch as the Lord had shown himself openly, it is not to be wondered, if he takes it so much amiss, that he meets with resistance. On good grounds, truly, might he throw back upon them, as he does, the reproach, that they were rebels against Christ.
McArther Bible Commentary
a proof of Christ speaking in me. Those Corinthians still seeking proof that Paul was a genuine apostle would have it when he arrived. They may have gotten more than they bargained for, however, for Paul was going to use his apostolic authority and power to deal with any sin and rebellion he found there (2Co 13:2; see note on 2Co 12:21). who is not weak. Christ's power was to be revealed through Paul against the sinning Corinthians (cf. 1Co 11:30-32). By rebelling against Christ's chosen apostle (2Co 1:1), they were rebelling against Him.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 10:20 1 Corinthians 5:4 1 Corinthians 7:40 2 Corinthians 9:8 2 Corinthians 10:1 2 Corinthians 10:4 2 Corinthians 10:10

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle threatens obstinate offenders.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He was crucified through weakness - Through the impotence of human nature. We also are weak with him - We appear weak and despicable by partaking of the same sufferings for his sake. But we shall live with him - Being raised from the dead. By the power of God in you - By that divine energy which is now in every believer, (2 Corinthians 13:5) .
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For though he was crucified.He speaks, with particular intention, of Christ’s abasement, with the view of intimating indirectly,that nothing was despised in him, but what they would have been prepared to despise, also, in Christ himself, inasmuch as heemptied himself, even to the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8.)He shows, however, at the same time, how absurd it is to despise in Christ the abasement of the cross, inasmuch as it is conjoined with the incomparable glory of his resurrection. “Shall Christ be esteemed by you the less, because he showed signs of weakness in his death, as if his heavenly life, that he leads subsequently to his resurrection, were not a clear token of his Divine power?” For as the termflesh here means Christ’s human nature,so the wordGodis taken here to denote his Divinity.Here, however, a question arises — whether Christ labored under such infirmity as to be subjected to necessity against his will; for, what we suffer through weakness, we suffer from constraint, and not from our own choice. As the Arians of old abused this pretext for effectually opposing the divinity of Christ, the orthodox Fathers gave this explanation of it — that it was effected by appointment, inasmuch as Christ so desired, and not from his being constrained by any necessity. This answer is true, provided it be properly understood. There are some, however, that mistakenly extend the appointment to Christ’s human will — as if this were not the condition of his nature, but a permission contrary to his nature. For example: “His dying,” they say, “did not happen because his humanity was, properly speaking, liable to death, but by appointment, because he chose to die.” I grant, indeed, that he died, because he chose to do so; but, whence came this choice, but from this — that he had, of his own accord, clothed himself with a mortal natureIf, however, we make Christ’s human nature so unlike ours, the main support of our faith is overturned. Let us, therefore, understand it in this way — that Christ suffered by appointment, not by constraint, because,being in the form of God he could have exempted himself from this necessity, but, nevertheless, he sufferedthrough weakness, because heemptied himself (Philippians 2:6.)We are weak in him.To beweak in Christ means here to be a partaker of Christ’s weakness. Thus he makes his own weakness glorious, because in it he is conformed to Christ, and he no longer shrinks back from the disgrace, that he has in common with the Son of God; but, in the mean time, he says that he willlive towards them after Christ’s example. “I also,” says he, “will be a partaker of Christ’s life, after I shall have been exempted from weakness.”Toweakness he opposeslife, and, accordingly, he understands by this term a condition that is flourishing, and full of honor.The clausetowards you may also be taken in connection with thepower of God, but it is of no importance, as the meaning always remains the same — that the Corinthians, when they began to judge aright, would have respectful and honorable views of the power of God, which was in Paul, and would no longer despise outward infirmity.
McArther Bible Commentary
Paul was to come to Corinth armed with the irresistible power of the risen, glorified Christ (cf. Php 3:10).
Bible Cross References
Romans 1:4 Romans 6:4 Romans 6:8 1 Corinthians 1:25 1 Corinthians 2:3 1 Corinthians 6:14 2 Corinthians 12:10 2 Corinthians 13:9 Philippians 2:7 1 Peter 3:18

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle threatens obstinate offenders.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Prove yourselves - Whether ye are such as can, or such as cannot, bear the test - This is the proper meaning of the word which we translate, reprobates. Know ye not yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you - All Christian believers know this, by the witness and by the fruit of his Spirit. Some translate the words, Jesus Christ is among you; that is, in the church of Corinth; and understand them of the miraculous gifts and the power of Christ which attended the censures of the apostle.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Try yourselves.He confirms, what he had stated previously — that Christ’s power showed itself openly in his ministry. For he makes them the judges of this matter, provided they descend, as it were, into themselves, and acknowledge what they had received from him. In the first place, as there is but one Christ, it must be of necessity, that the same Christ must dwell alike in minister and people. Now, dwelling in the people, how will he deny himself in the minister.Farther, he had shown his power in Paul’s preaching, in such a manner that it could be no longer doubtful or obscure to the Corinthians, if they were not altogether stupid.For, whence had they faith? whence had they Christ? whence, in fine, had they every thing? It is with good reason, therefore, that they are called to look into themselves, that they may discover there, what they despise as a thing unknown.Then only has a minister a true and well grounded assurance for the approbation of his doctrine, when he can appeal to the consciences of those whom he has taught, that, if they have any thing of Christ, and of sincere piety, they may be constrained to acknowledge his fidelity. We are now in possession of Paul’s object.This passage, however, is deserving of particular observation on two accounts. For, in the first place, it shows the relation,which subsists between the faith of the people, and the preaching of the minister — that the one is the mother, that produces and brings forth, and the other is the daughter, that ought not to forget her origin.In thesecond place, it serves to prove the assurance of faith, as to which the Sorbonnic sophists have made us stagger, nay more, have altogether rooted out from the minds of men. They charge with rashness all that are persuaded that they are the members of Christ, and have Him remaining in them, for they bid us be satisfied with a “moral conjecture,”as they call it — that is, with a mere opinionso that our consciences remain constantly in suspense, and in a state of perplexity. But what does Paul say here? He declares, that all arereprobates, who doubt whether they profess Christ and are a part of His body. Let us, therefore, reckonthat alone to be right faith, which leads us to repose in safety in the favor of God, with no wavering opinion, but with a firm and steadfast assurance.Unless by any means you are reprobates.He gives them in a manner their choice, whether they would rather bereprobates, than give due testimony to his ministry; for he leaves them no alternative, but either to showrespect to his Apostleship, or to allow that they arereprobates. For, unquestionably, their faith had been founded upon his doctrine, and they had no other Christ, than they had received from him, and no other gospel than what they had embraced, as delivered to them by him, so that it were vain for them to attempt to separate any part of their salvation from his praise.
McArther Bible Commentary
The Greek grammar places great emphasis on the pronouns yourselves and you. Paul turned the tables on his accusers; instead of presuming to evaluate his apostleship, they needed to test the genuineness of their faith (cf. Jas 2:14-26). He pointed out the incongruity of the Corinthians' believing (as they did) that their faith was genuine and his apostleship false. Paul was their spiritual father (1Co 4:15); if his apostleship was counterfeit, so was their faith. The genuineness of their salvation was proof of the genuineness of his apostleship.
Bible Cross References
Lamentations 3:40 John 6:6 1 Corinthians 9:27 1 Corinthians 11:28 2 Corinthians 13:6 Ephesians 3:17

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle threatens obstinate offenders.
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.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And I trust ye shall know - By proving yourselves, not by putting my authority to the proof.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
I hope that you shall knowHe presses them still more urgently, while indulging this confident persuasion — that he will not be rejected by the Corinthians. One of two things was necessary — that they should either assign to Paul the honor due to an Apostle, or condemn themselves for unbelief, and acknowledge that they have no Church. He softens, however, the severity of the statement, by making use of the expression — Ihope; but in such a manner as to remind them the better of their duty; for to disappoint the hopes that have been entertained as to our integrity, is excessively cruel. “I hope,” says he, “that you shall know — when you have been restored to a sound mind.” He prudently, however, says nothing as to himself in this second clause, calling them to consider God’s benefits, by which they had been distinguished; nay more, he puts their salvation in the place of his authority.
Bible Cross References
Romans 1:28 2 Corinthians 13:5 2 Corinthians 13:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He prays for their reformation.
The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept from sin, that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that we may not do evil, than that we may not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we caution, that they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be glad for others to be strong in the grace of Christ, though it may be the means of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled to make a proper use of all our talents.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I pray God that ye may do no evil - To give me occasion of showing my apostolical power. I do not desire to appear approved - By miraculously punishing you. But that ye may do that which is good, though we should be as reprobates - Having no occasion to give that proof of our apostleship.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
I desire before God.Again hedeclares, that he cares nothing for his own honor, but is simply desirous of promoting their advantage. For nothing was so undesirable for them, as to deprive themselves of advantage from his doctrine — as they had begun to do, through their pride and contempt. “As to myself,” says he, “for my reputation among men, I am not concerned. My only fear is, lest you should offend God. Nay more, I am prepared to be as areprobate, provided you are free from all blame.” “I am areprobate,” says he, “in the judgment of mankind, who very frequently reject those who are deserving of the highest honor.”At the same time, the particleas is not superfluous. For it corresponds with what he says elsewhere —as deceivers and yet true. (2 Corinthians 6:8.) And this, certainly, is the true rule — that the Pastor, having no regard to himself, should be devoted exclusively to the edification of the Church. Let him be concerned as to his own reputation, in so far as he sees it to be conducive to the public advantage. Let him be prepared to feel indifferent to it, whenever he may do so, without public disadvantage.
McArther Bible Commentary
do what is honorable. Paul's deepest longing was for his spiritual children to lead godly lives (cf. 2Co 7:1)-even if they persisted in doubting him. Paul was even willing to appear "disqualified," as long as the Corinthians turned from their sin (cf. Rom 9:3).
Bible Cross References
Romans 1:28 2 Corinthians 13:6 2 Corinthians 13:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He prays for their reformation.
The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept from sin, that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that we may not do evil, than that we may not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we caution, that they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be glad for others to be strong in the grace of Christ, though it may be the means of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled to make a proper use of all our talents.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For we can do nothing against the truth - Neither against that which is just and right, nor against those who walk according to the truth of the gospel.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For we can do nothing: That is — “I do not seek, or desire any other power, than what the Lord has conferred upon me, that I may promote the truth. To false Apostles it is all one, provided they have power; and they feel no concern to make use of their power for the promotion of what is good.” In short, he defends and maintains the honor of his ministry, in so far as it is connected with the truth of God. “What does it matter to me? For unless I have in view to promote the truth, all the power that I shall claim will be false and groundless. If, however, I lay out, whatever I have, for the promotion of the truth, I, in that case, do not consult my own interest. Now, when the authority of doctrine is safe, and truth is uninjured, I have what I desire. In contending, therefore, so keenly, I am not influenced by any exclusive regard for myself personally.” By this consideration, however, he intimates, that the man, who fights and labors for the truth alone will not take it amiss, should occasion require it, to be regarded in the judgment of men as areprobate, provided this does not interfere with the glory of God, the edification of the Church, and the authority of sound doctrine.This passage must be carefully observed, because it limits the power, which the Pastors of the Church should have, and fixes its proper bounds — that they be ministers of the truth. Papists loudly tell us, that it is said, He that heareth you, heareth me; he that despiseth you, despiseth me, (Luke 10:16);and likewise:Obey them that are set over you, (Hebrews 13:17);and under this pretext they take to themselves the utmost liberty, so as to usurp unbounded dominion, while they are, at the same time, the avowed and sworn enemies of the truth, and aim at its destruction by every means in their power. For exposing such impudence, this one statement of Paul will suffice — which declares, that they must themselves be in subjection to the truth.
McArther Bible Commentary
Lest anyone think his reference to being disqualified (2Co 13:7) was an admission of wrongdoing on his part, Paul hastened to add that he had not violated "the truth" of the gospel. The apostle may also have meant that he needed to take no action against the Corinthians if he found them living according to "the truth." In that case, he would rejoice in his "weakness" (that is, his lack of opportunity to exercise his apostolic power), because that would mean that the Corinthians were spiritually "strong."
Bible Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:7 2 Corinthians 13:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He prays for their reformation.
The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept from sin, that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that we may not do evil, than that we may not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we caution, that they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be glad for others to be strong in the grace of Christ, though it may be the means of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled to make a proper use of all our talents.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For we rejoice when we are weak - When we appear so, having no occasion to show our apostolic power. And this we wish, even your perfection - In the faith that worketh by love.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For, we rejoice.Either the causal particleγὰρ, (for,) must be taken as meaning —therefore; or it is a second reason, why he does not refuse to be regarded as areprobate— for their sake, and with a view to their advantage. Let the reader select whichever he may choose, for it is of no consequence.When he says,Provided you are strong, I shall willingly submit to be reckoned weak,there is an antithesis in the words — not in the meaning; forweakness means here, as formerly, (2 Corinthians 13:4,)contempt. On the other hand, he means that the Corinthians will bestrong, if they are full of the power and grace of God.And this also, He now again repeats, what he had already stated several times, that he was from necessity — not from his own inclination, more severe than they would have wished; and farther, that by this means,too,hespared them, that he might not be constrained to resort to severer measures, when he was present with them.The perfection,of which he speaks, consists in a fit proportion, and sound condition, of all the members. Nowhe alludes to good physicians, who cure particular diseases in such a way as not in any part to mutilate the body;and, as he is concerned to secure a perfection of this nature, he says, that, for that reason, he provides against the necessity of having recourse to severer measures.For we see, that those, who at first shrink back from the slight pain, or uneasy feeling of a plaster, are at length constrained to endure the torture of burning, or amputating, and that, too, where the issue is extremely doubtful.
Bible Cross References
Romans 15:2 1 Corinthians 1:10 1 Corinthians 2:3 1 Corinthians 4:10 2 Corinthians 12:10 2 Corinthians 13:4 2 Corinthians 13:8 2 Corinthians 13:11 Ephesians 4:12 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He prays for their reformation.
The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept from sin, that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that we may not do evil, than that we may not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we caution, that they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be glad for others to be strong in the grace of Christ, though it may be the means of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled to make a proper use of all our talents.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
According to the powerIn thefirst place, he arms the strictness of which he speaks, with the authority of God, that it may not appear to be thunder without lightning, or a rashly excited onset.Farther, he lets them know, that he would rather employ his power to another purpose, for which it was peculiarly designed — the promoting of their edification. “I shall not rashly have recourse to cruel remedies, nor will I give indulgence to my passion, but will simply execute the commission that the Lord has given me.”When he speaks of power given him for edification, and not for destruction, he employs these terms for a somewhat different purpose from what he had done previously in2 Corinthians 10:8. For in that passage there was a commendation of the Gospel from the advantage it yields — because what is for our advantage is wont to be agreeable, and is willingly received by us. Here, however, he simply means to declare, that although he might justly inflict upon the Corinthians a severe blow, yet it was much more his inclination to exercise his power for theiradvantage, than for theirdestruction— the former being its proper design. For as the Gospel, in its own nature, is thepower of God unto salvation, (Romans 1:16,) and anodor of life unto life, (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16,) but in a way of contingency, is anodor of death; so the authority, which is conferred upon the Ministers of it, ought to be salutary to the hearers. If, on the other hand, it turns out to their condemnation, that is contrary to its nature. The meaning, therefore, is this: “Do not, through your own fault, allowthat to turn to your destruction, which God has appointed for salvation.” In the mean time, the Apostle admonishes all pastors by his example, in what manner they should limit the use of their power.
McArther Bible Commentary
A one-sentence summary of Paul's purpose in writing this letter.
Bible Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:21 1 Corinthians 5:4 2 Corinthians 2:3 2 Corinthians 6:6 2 Corinthians 10:2 2 Corinthians 10:4 2 Corinthians 10:8 2 Corinthians 13:2 Titus 1:13

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
And ends the epistle with a salutation and blessing.
Here are several good exhortations. God is the Author of peace and Lover of concord; he hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us. And let it be our constant aim so to walk, that separation from our friends may be only for a time, and that we may meet in that happy world where parting will be unknown. He wishes that they may partake all the benefits which Christ of his free grace and favour has purchased; the Father out of his free love has purposed; and the Holy Ghost applies and bestows.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Be perfect - Aspire to the highest degree of holiness. Be of good comfort - Filled with divine consolation. Be of one mind - Desire, labour, pray for it, to the utmost degree that is possible.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Finally, brethrenHe qualifies whatever there has been of sharpness throughout the whole of the epistle, as he did not wish to leave their minds in an exasperated state,but rather to soothe them. Forthen only are reproofs beneficial, when they are in a manner seasoned with honey, that the hearer may, if possible, receive them in an agreeable spirit. At the same time, he appears to turn from a few diseased personsto the entire Church. Hence he declares, that he aims at promoting itsperfection, and desires its consolation.To be of one mind, and tolive in peace, are expressions which mean two different things; for the one takes its rise from the other. Theformer relates to agreement of sentiment; thelatter denotes benevolence, and union of hearts.And the God of peaceThis he adds, that his exhortation may have more weight with them, but, at the same time, he intimates that God will be with us, if we cultivate peace among ourselves; but that those that are at variance with each other are at a distance from him.For where there are strifes and contentions,there, it is certain, the devil reigns.Now what agreement is there between light and darkness? (2 Corinthians 6.14.)He calls him the God of peace and love, because he has recommended to us peace and love, because he loves them, and is the author of them. Of thekisshere mentioned we have spoken in the two preceding Epistles.
McArther Bible Commentary
Paul's concluding exhortations expressed the attitudes he prayed (2Co 13:9) would characterize the Corinthians. the God of love and peace will be with you. An encouragement to the Corinthians to carry out the exhortations in the first part of the verse. Only here in the NT is God called "the God of love" (cf. 1Jn 4:8).
Bible Cross References
Mark 9:50 Romans 12:16 Romans 15:33 1 Corinthians 1:10 2 Corinthians 13:9 Ephesians 4:12 Ephesians 6:23 1 Thessalonians 3:10 1 Thessalonians 4:1 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
And ends the epistle with a salutation and blessing.
Here are several good exhortations. God is the Author of peace and Lover of concord; he hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us. And let it be our constant aim so to walk, that separation from our friends may be only for a time, and that we may meet in that happy world where parting will be unknown. He wishes that they may partake all the benefits which Christ of his free grace and favour has purchased; the Father out of his free love has purposed; and the Holy Ghost applies and bestows.
McArther Bible Commentary
a holy kiss. A greeting in biblical times (Mat 26:49; Luk 7:45), much like the modern handshake. For Christians, it further expressed brotherly love and unity (Rom 16:16; 1Co 16:20; 1Th 5:26; 1Pe 5:14).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:47 Romans 16:16

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
And ends the epistle with a salutation and blessing.
Here are several good exhortations. God is the Author of peace and Lover of concord; he hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us. And let it be our constant aim so to walk, that separation from our friends may be only for a time, and that we may meet in that happy world where parting will be unknown. He wishes that they may partake all the benefits which Christ of his free grace and favour has purchased; the Father out of his free love has purposed; and the Holy Ghost applies and bestows.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The grace - Or favour. Of our Lord Jesus Christ - By which alone we can come to the Father. And the love of God - Manifested to you, and abiding in you. And the communion - Or fellowship. Of the Holy Ghost - In all his gifts and graces. It is with great reason that this comprehensive and instructive blessing is pronounced at the close of our solemn assemblies; and it is a very indecent thing to see so many quitting them, or getting into postures of remove, before this short sentence can be ended. How often have we heard this awful benediction pronounced! Let us study it more and more, that we may value it proportionably; that we may either deliver or receive it with a becoming reverence, with eyes and hearts lifted up to God, "who giveth the blessing out of Sion, and life for evermore."
McArther Bible Commentary
All the saints. Those in Macedonia (possibly Philippi; see Introduction: Background and Setting), from where Paul wrote 2 Corinthians. While encouraging unity within the Corinthian church, Paul did not want the Corinthians to lose sight of their unity with other churches.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:47 Philippians 4:22

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
And ends the epistle with a salutation and blessing.
Here are several good exhortations. God is the Author of peace and Lover of concord; he hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us. And let it be our constant aim so to walk, that separation from our friends may be only for a time, and that we may meet in that happy world where parting will be unknown. He wishes that they may partake all the benefits which Christ of his free grace and favour has purchased; the Father out of his free love has purposed; and the Holy Ghost applies and bestows.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
The grace of the Lord Jesus.He closes the Epistle with a prayer, which contains three clauses, in which the sum of our salvation consists. In thefirst place, he desires for them thegrace of Christ; secondly, thelove of God; and,thirdly, thecommunion of the SpiritThe termgrace does not here mean unmerited favor, but is taken by metonymy, to denote the whole benefit of redemption. The order, however, may appear to be here inverted, because thelove of God is placedsecond, while it is the source of that grace, and hence it isfirst in order. I answer, that the arrangement of terms in the Scriptures is not always so very exact; but, at the same time, this order, too, corresponds with the common form of doctrine, which is contained in the Scriptures — thatwhen we were enemies to God, we were reconciled by the death of his Son, (Romans 5:10,)though the Scripture is wont to speak of this in two ways. For it sometimes declares what I have quoted from Paul — that there was enmity between us and God, before we were reconciled through Christ. On the other hand, we hear what John says — that God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, etc. (John 3:16.)The statements are apparently opposite; but it is easy to reconcile them; because in the one case we look to God, and in the other to ourselves. For God, viewed in himself, loved us before the creation of the world, and redeemed us for no other reason than this — because he loved us. As for us, on the other hand, as we see in ourselves nothing but occasion of wrath, that is, sin, we cannot apprehend any love of God towards us without a Mediator. Hence it is that, with respect to us, the beginning of love is from the grace of Christ. According to the former view of the matter, Paul would have expressed himself improperly, had he put the love of God before the grace of Christ, or, in other words, the cause before the effect; but according to the latter, it were a suitable arrangement to begin with the grace of Christ, which was the procuring cause of God’s adopting us into the number of his sons, and honoring us with his love, whom previously he regarded with hatred and abhorrence on account of sin. The fellowship of the Holy Spiritis added, because it is only under his guidance, that we come to possess Christ, and all his benefits. He seems, however, at the same time, to allude to the diversity of gifts, of which he had made mention elsewhere, (2 Corinthians 12:11;) because God does not give the Spirit to every one in a detached way, but distributes to each according to the measure of grace, that the members of the Church, by mutually participating, one with another, may cherish unity.
McArther Bible Commentary
The trinitarian benediction reminded the Corinthians of the blessings they had received: grace from the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. 2Co 8:9), love from God the Father (cf. 2Co 13:11), and communion with God and one another through the Holy Spirit (cf. 2Co 1:22; 2Co 5:5). Jesus was mentioned before the Father because His sacrificial death is the ultimate expression of God's love.
Bible Cross References
Acts 15:11 Romans 5:5 Romans 16:20 2 Corinthians 8:9 Philippians 2:1 Jude 1:21