2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13:1

The third time I am coming (τριτονερχομα). Either the third that he had planned to come or that he had been twice. The warning is made by quoting Deuteronomy 19:15.

2 Corinthians 13:2

As when I was present the second time (ωςπαρωντοδευτερον). This translation assumes the second visit as already made. It is a natural way to take the Greek ωςπαρων. But ως with παρων can also mean “as if present” the second time (Authorized Version). Probably “as when” is the more natural rendering, but the other cannot be ruled entirely out in view of 1:15-23.

If I come again (εανελθωειςτοπαλιν). Condition of third class. The use of παλιν of itself suits the idea that Paul had not yet made the second visit as it means simply “again” or “back,” but in Matthew 26:44 we find παλινεκτριτου (again a third time) and so it is not decisive.

2 Corinthians 13:3

A proof of Christ (δοκιμηντουΧριστου). He will give it to them. “I will not spare.” He will show that Christ speaks “in me” (ενεμο).

2 Corinthians 13:4

But we shall live with him through the power of God (αλλαζησομενσυναυτωεκδυναμεωςθεου). So real is Paul’s sense of his union with Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:5

Unless indeed ye be reprobate (εμηταδοκιμοεστε). Paul challenged his opposers in Corinth to try (πειραζετε) themselves, to test (δοκιμαζετε) themselves, whether they were “in the faith” (εντηπιστε), a much more vital matter for them than trying to prove Paul a heretic. Such tests can be made, unless, alas, they are “reprobate” (αδοκιμο, the very adjective that Paul held up before himself as a dreadful outcome to be avoided, 1 Corinthians 9:27).

2 Corinthians 13:6

That ye shall know (οτεπιγνωσεσθε). Such a testing of themselves will give them full knowledge that Paul is not

reprobate (αδοκιμος). The best way for vacillating Christians to stop it is to draw close to Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:7

Though we be as reprobate (ημειςδεωςαδοκιμοωμεν). Literally, “And that” (ιναδε). Paul wishes them to do no wrong (κακονμηδεν). He has no desire to exercise his apostolic authority and “appear approved” (δοκιμοφανωμεν, second aorist passive subjunctive of φαινω). He had far rather see them do “the noble thing” (τοκαλον) even if it should make him appear disapproved after all that he has said.

2 Corinthians 13:8

Against the truth (κατατηςαληθειας). He means in the long run. We can hinder and hold down the truth by evil deeds (Romans 1:18), but in the end the truth wins.

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we rejoice (χαιρομενγαρ). Paul had far rather be weak in the sense of failing to exercise his apostolic power because they did the noble thing. He is no Jonah who lamented when Ninevah repented.

Your perfecting (υμωνκαταρτισιν). Late word from καταρτιζω, to fit, to equip (see verb in verse 11). In Plutarch, only here in N.T.

2 Corinthians 13:10

That I may not when present deal sharply (ιναπαρωναποτομωςχρησωμα). Late adverb from αποτομος, curt, cut off. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:13.

2 Corinthians 13:12

With a holy kiss (εναγιωφιληματ). In the Jewish synagogues where the sexes were separated, men kissed men, the women, women. This apparently was the Christian custom also. It is still observed in the Coptic and the Russian churches. It was dropped because of charges made against the Christians by the pagans. In England in 1250 Archbishop Walter of York introduced a “pax-board” which was first kissed by the clergy and then passed around. Think of the germ theory of disease and that kissing tablet!

2 Corinthians 13:13

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all (ηχαριςτουΚυριουΙησουΧριστουκαηαγαπητουθεουκαηκοινωνιατουαγιουπνευματοςμεταπαντωνυμων). This benediction is the most complete of them all. It presents the persons of the Trinity in full form. From 2 Thessalonians 3:17 it appears that Paul wrote the greeting or benediction with his own hand. We know from Romans 15:19 that Paul went round about unto Illyricum before, apparently, he came on to Corinth. When he did arrive (Acts 20:1-3) the troubles from the Judaizers had disappeared. Probably the leaders left after the coming of Titus and the brethren with this Epistle. The reading of it in the church would make a stir of no small proportions. But it did the work.