2 Corinthians 13

1. The Apostle now again testifies, that if the former sins be not amended, he will come without further delay to punish the committers of them, 3. and to cause them really to find how powerful Christ was in him. 5. Admonisheth them that they should search themselves whether Christ be in them. 7. Wisheth again that they would prevent the punishment by well-doing, 9. and declareth that then he shall rejoice over them, 10. Seeing his power must tend to edification and not to demolishing. 11. Afterwards concludes the Epistle with an exhortation to divers Christian virtues, 12. with the accustomed salutation, 13. and with a prayer for them unto God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

1. This is the third time (that) I come unto you: [This he saith, not that he was thrice at Corinth, but because he having been there once Acts 18. afterward had twice purposed and promised to come: once in the first Epistle chapter 16. 5. and now again here] in the mouth of two or [Gr. and] three witnesses, shall every word stand. [that is, every matter, or truth be confirmed.]

2. I have said it before, and foretell it as if I were present the second time, and I write it now being absent to them that have sinned before [Namely, of whom he hath written in the former Epistle, and who have not repented] and to all the others, [namely, who have since followed their example] if I come again, I will not spare (them:) [namely, in the actual execution of the threatened punishment, or spiritual discipline and banishment.]

3. Seeing ye seek a proof [That is, seem to seek: for such a one is said to seek Gods judgment who being warned repenteth not] of Christ who speaketh in me, [or, by me] who is not weak in you, [namely, in the doing of mighty signs, and gifts of the spirit, knowledge of tongues, and other the like] but is powerful among you.

4. For although he was crucified [That is, as a weak man suffered himself to be crucified, and given up to death for us, whereas nevertheless he was also in the form of God, Philippians 2:7.] through [Gr. out of, as also in that which follows] weakness, notwithstanding he liveth [that is, is risen and advanced in glory] by the power of God. [that is, by the power of his divine nature, which then manifested itself; although before it kept itself in, John 2:19. and chapter 10. 18. For that Paul here speaketh of the divine power which is in Christ, appeareth from hence, that he threatens them with this power, which Christ will show forth by him against the rebellious, which he saith is the same, whereby Christ raised himself from the dead. See Romans 1:4. and 1 Pet. 3. 18.] for we also are weak [that is, we carry ourselves as if we were but weak contemptible men] in him, [that is, as being his members, and as comformable into him therein] but shall live with him by the power of God in you, [That is, after the example of Christ, we shall show towards you that the power of Christ liveth in us, and shall manifest itself by his punishing hand against the disobedient.]

5. Search your selves whether ye be in the faith. [Namely, to be certainly convinced in your mind of the truth of mine Apostleship: for so doing ye shall find ye have true faith in Christ, and that Christ liveth in you by Spirit, which ye have obtained by my Gospel] Prove your selves. [namely, by the true proofs and evidences of true faith, & of true union with Christ] Or know ye not your selves that Jesus Christ is in you? Except that in any wise ye are reprovable. [or, are rejected, i.e. be such persons as cannot endure the trial. The word in any wise mollifies this threatening of the Apostle, as if he should say, if ye do not say this, ye are in danger to be reprobable or rejected. For he that sincerely believes in Christ he is well assured that he is elected, John 6:37. and chapter 8. 47. Romans 8:30. etc. but he that embraceth not the preaching of the Gospel by a true faith, and neglecteth or despiseth the grace that is offered, is indeed in danger of being a rejected person, yet we must not despair of him as he liveth: because the Lord sometimes also calleth men at the eleventh hour, Mat. 20. ver. 6, 9. and also in the last moment of their life, as the murtherer on the cross, Luke 23:40. etc. Hebrews 3:7, 13. Others take this word reprobable nature, until they be made fit by Gods spirit, 2 Cor. 3. 5. And therefore this cannot be taken here.]

6. But I hope that ye shall understand [Namely, if ye duly search yourselves] that we are not to be rejected. [that is, reprobable or contemptible Apostles, as these backbite us.]

7. And I wish from God that ye do no evil; not [That is, not so much] that we might be found [Gr. be manifest, or seem] approved, [that is, faithful and upright: might be found, held and known for faithful Apostles] but that ye might do good, we might be as reprobable. [namely, before the eyes and according to the esteem of men, seeing in such a case we should give no signs of our spiritual power in punishing of sins.]

8. For we are able to do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. [That is, for defense and confirmation of the truth: under which he here also understands uprightness of life.]

9. For we rejoice when we are weak, [That is, in tribulation and contempt as diver’s times before] and ye are strong. [namely, in the gifts and grace of God] And we wish this also (namely) your perfecting. [or restoring, erecting, re-edifying.]

10. Therefore I write these things being absent, that being present I might not use severity, [Gr. severely] according to the power which the Lord both given me for building up, and not for pulling down. [That is, to break or smite down any one by this punishing hand, or to rend him from the body of the church: but thereby to raise him up again, and to reconcile and unite him again unto Christ and his church. See 1 Cor. 5. 5.]

11. Furthermore brethren be joyful, be perfect [Or set up again, re-edified, namely, unto union one with another] be comforted, be of one mind, live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

12. Salute one another with a holy kiss. [Namely, according to the custom of those Eastern churches, where this was token of unity, and of honour which they did one another. See Genesis 41:40. Psalms 2:12.] All the Saints salute you.

13. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ [Namely, whereby he hath reconciled us to God, Romans 5:10.] and the love of God, [namely wherewith he loveth us in Christ Jesus, and receiveth and keepeth us as his children, Romans 8:39.] and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [namely, whereby we are more and more strengthened in this grace and love, and are assured thereof, Romans 8:15. So that here is a clear testimony of the Holy Trinity: although the order of the persons is not set down here, as Matthew 28:19.] be with you all. Amen.