2 Corinthians 13

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�CTDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -)-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 13:1 10 ) rvcMiddlec.Data ?;-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 5. Final Warnings) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data +’-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 13:1 4 ) rvcMiddlec.Data OK-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. Christ s Powerful Word) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -)-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 13:5 10 ) rvcMiddlec.Data MI-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. Prayer for Perfection) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data /+-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 13:11 13 ) rvcMiddlec.Data 73-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 V. Conclusion) 8 1 3 8 0 0 5. Final Warnings) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 13:1 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 1 This is now the third time that I am coming to you. Every matter must be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 2 When I was with you the second time and now, although away from you, I forewarned and forewarn again those who sinned in the past and all the rest of them: When I return, I will not spare them. 3 Because you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me, [know that] he is not weak toward you but strong within you. 4 For indeed, he was crucified in weakness but lives by the power of God. For indeed, we are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God to serve you. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not know that Jesus Christ is within you? Unless perhaps you fail the test. 6 I hope that you will realize that we have not failed. 7 But we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong not that we seem to have passed the test, but that you do that which is right even as if we seem to have failed. 8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth but only for the truth. 9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we pray that you may be made perfect. 10 Therefore, I write these things while absent from you, so that when I am with you I will not have to act harshly on the authority that the Lord has given me for your edification and not for your destruction. ) Many commentators see not a break at the beginning of this chapter but rather a continuation of the admonitions Paul wrote in the preceding paragraph (12:19 21).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”

1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Even though this discourse is closely related to the previous chapter, there is an unequivocal emphasis on Paul s forthcoming visit to the congregation in Corinth. He already told the readers that he would visit them (12:14), but now he speaks judicially about verifying testimony, issuing warnings, their demand for proof of authority, and the manifestation of divine power. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. Christ s Powerful Word) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 13:1 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

1. This is now the third time that I am coming to you. Every matter must be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.11|AUTODETECT|” No congregation founded by Paul received more care, advice, and visits from the apostle than the church of Corinth. Paul had stayed with the Corinthians a year and a half during his first visit 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.31|AUTODETECT|” ). While he was in Ephesus for three years 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.31|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ), he wrote at least three letters to Corinth; afterward he penned one from Macedonia. He embarked from Ephesus to pay the people in Corinth his second and painful visit 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.1|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 2:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.1|AUTODETECT|” ). In Ephesus he received a letter from the Corinthian church 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 7:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.17|AUTODETECT|” ), and three of its members visited him there 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.17|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). No church meant more to Paul than the troublesome community of Corinth. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.21|AUTODETECT|” Paul purposely mentions his forthcoming visit once more (12:14) to focus attention on the importance of it. Earlier he had threatened to punish the arrogant in Corinth with a whip 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.21|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.19.15|AUTODETECT|” ); these were probably the people he rebuked on his second visit. Now he tells them that, if necessary, he will come to hold court and administer discipline. He would rather see people repent and change their ways than come and apply corrective measures. To make his point, he quotes from the law of Moses: A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.19.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 19:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.35.30|AUTODETECT|” Whenever a court brought a defendant to justice in biblical times, it rejected as insufficient evidence the testimony that came from only one witness 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.35.30|AUTODETECT|” Num. 35:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.17.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.17.6|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 17:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.19|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.28|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.16|AUTODETECT|” ). Protecting the innocent, a civil or an ecclesiastical judge would ask for more than one witness to bring indisputable proof of wrongdoing 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 18:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”

2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Why does Paul quote the Scriptures at this point? The most common answer comes from both ancient and modern commentators who have identified three witnesses and three visits.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
3. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.9|AUTODETECT|” �� We are unable to ascertain whether on his initial visit Paul issued warnings. Yet we know from a fragment of the missing letter that the Corinthians were not to associate with sexually immoral people 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The emphasis is on the repetition of his warnings, which he issued at least three times. Paul admonished recalcitrant Corinthians in letters and on visits. He repeatedly warned those who indulged in sexual immorality and other sins. By writing this epistle he again warns them; if they do not listen, he will take decisive action when he returns to Corinth.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In addition, he will now meet those Corinthians who have been influenced by the false apostles. Should Paul have to call witnesses at a meeting in Corinth, he can summon Titus and other leaders to testify. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The connection between the ordinal numbers (second and third visits) and the cardinal numbers is not accidental. Throughout his letters to Corinth, Paul reveals an abundance of direct and indirect quotations from the five books of Moses,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� the Psalms and Proverbs, and the Prophets. Both Jewish and Gentile Christians memorized many of these references and quoted them proverbially. Paul makes a mental leap from the ordinal numbers ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 second) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 third) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to the cardinal numbers ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 two) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 three) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.19.15|AUTODETECT|” in the proverbial passage of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.19.15|AUTODETECT|” Deuteronomy 19:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”
6. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.16|AUTODETECT|” �� He communicates the meaning of this proverb, because the people knew Jesus teaching on church discipline 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 18:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ). They indeed expelled a person who had committed incest 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ). Also, all the churches were fully acquainted with the rule of requiring the testimony of two or three witnesses 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.19|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

2. When I was with you the second time and now, although away from you, I forewarned and forewarn again those who sinned in the past and all the rest of them: When I return, I will not spare them.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The parallel Greek construction of the Greek text becomes cumbersome in translation. I have departed from Paul s original word order in which he writes three clauses, each having two components joined by the conjunction ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . He concludes the parallel with a warning. ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�CTDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ?;-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 I have forewarned) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data #-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 and) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data =9-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 I am forewarning) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data WS-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 while present the second time) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data #-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 and) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 1–8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 absent now) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ]Y-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 to those who have sinned earlier) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data #-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 and) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ;7-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 to all the rest) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data [W-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 when I return, I will not spare) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 From the parallel construction we learn that during Paul s second visit to Corinth he reproached those who sinned in the past, and during his third visit he will admonish all the others.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7” 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� But this does not mean that he will not take to task the sexually immoral people when he meets them. Nor does the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 all the others) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 have a clearly defined meaning. Paul indicates only that since his last encounter with these stubborn sinners, he also faces people who have followed his opponents. And he encounters other people who have overlooked flagrant sin in the Corinthian community (see the commentary on 2:6). In the last verse of the preceding chapter, Paul remarks that he mourns over those who not only sinned in the past but also continue in their sin (12:21). He now uses the same verbal construction: those who have sinned in the past. The sin of immorality strangles them. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The apostle is not interested in a confrontation. His ardent desire is that all those sinners repent and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they will support and strengthen the body of Christ. But if they fail to listen and obey, Paul will not spare them when he arrives in Corinth. He reminds them of his second visit, when he reproached them. Now away from them, he forewarns them in this letter. Further, as he confronted them during his painful visit, so he intends to confront them upon his third visit. The verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to spare) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 has no direct object in the Greek text, but the implication is that Paul does not intend to acquit unrepentant sinners. He is not addressing the entire congregation, for then we would have expected him to write the plural pronoun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (compare 1:23). Omitting the direct object, he asks the readers to supply it and thus he makes them conscious of the fact that they cannot ignore flagrant sin in their midst. We are not told how Paul plans to execute his threat. We surmise that his option is to excommunicate hardened sinners from the community of believers.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8” 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The church in Corinth had to take action and, guided by Paul, remove evil from its midst. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 3. Because you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me, [know that] he is not weak toward you but strong within you.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 a. Because you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. The last sentence in the preceding verse and this sentence are closely related. Paul states the reason that he will not spare rebellious people: the Corinthians question his apostolic authority and want proof that they hear the voice of Jesus Christ. They realize that Paul is determined to deal with hardened sinners, but before any action can take place the people in Corinth demand proof of Paul s authority. ) In the previous chapter (12:12), Paul had spelled out the marks of apostolicity. They should know that he had demonstrated these marks, for they had observed the power of the Holy Spirit at work in establishing the church.

Conversely, Paul was aware that his opponents had exerted their influence in the congregation and had urged the members to ask Paul to prove his apostolicity. They used the Corinthians to pose the question: Is Christ speaking through you? ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.37|AUTODETECT|” Here then is the heart of the problem that Paul is addressing in the last four chapters of this epistle: Is Paul an ambassador for Christ? Has he brought the Corinthians the message of Christ and does he speak with divine authority? In the concluding part of his discourse, Paul states their question, which he had answered already in other settings. Thus, he concludes his discussion on tongue-speaking and prophecy by saying, If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord s command 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.37|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 14:37) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.18|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.18|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9-46.15.11|AUTODETECT|” ). And in his chapter on the resurrection, he clearly states that he is equal to Christ s apostles, even though he is the least of them 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9-46.15.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:9 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For the Corinthians, to raise the question is to answer it in the affirmative. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Paul s meekness and gentleness had confused the Corinthians, who had been awed by the forcefulness of his adversaries. They should know, however, that if they doubt that Paul is an ambassador of Jesus Christ, they are distrusting Christ himself, who has commissioned Paul. In other words, instead of facing Paul when he comes, they will meet the power of Christ. ) b. [Know that] he is not weak toward you but strong within you. This sentence must be interpreted by its context. Paul is not saying that by becoming followers of Christ the Corinthians now experience the Lord s power within them. Rather, by doubting Paul and the divine message he delivers, they face a powerful Christ. To restore order and administer discipline, the Christ who spoke in Paul was not weak, but mighty. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9” 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.38|AUTODETECT|” �� As Paul told the Corinthians in his first epistle, If anyone disregards [the command of the Lord], he is disregarded [by God] 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.38|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 14:38) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , my translation). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Scripture is replete with incidents in which God acted decisively against those who opposed his word. Listed are a few examples from both the Old and New Testaments: ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=3.10.1-3.10.5|AUTODETECT|”

1. The death of Aaron s sons Nadab and Abihu 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.10.1-3.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 10:1 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.1-4.12.15|AUTODETECT|”
2. Miriam and Aaron doubting Moses leadership 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.1-4.12.15|AUTODETECT|” Num. 12:1 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.1-4.16.33|AUTODETECT|”
3. The death of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.1-4.16.33|AUTODETECT|” Num. 16:1 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|”
4. The excommunication of the incestuous man 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.26-58.10.31|AUTODETECT|”
5. Falling into the hands of the living God 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=58.10.26-58.10.31|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:26 31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Through Paul, Jesus had demonstrated his power with signs, wonders, and miracles performed in their midst (12:12). The power of his word had been at work also in the hearts and lives of the people. They were like a letter from Christ written on tablets of human hearts (3:3). They themselves would have to acknowledge Christ s power at work in their lives. But if they doubt the evidence, the consequences for them will be severe. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
6. For indeed, he was crucified in weakness but lives by the power of God. For indeed, we are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God to serve you.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Parallels.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 This verse features two sentences with parallel messages and wording. Both are introduced with an emphatic for indeed. The subject of the first. sentence is Christ and that of the second the plural personal pronoun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Both sentences have weakness and weak, the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to live) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 by the power of God) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Also, both sentences have two clauses separated by the adversative ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 but;) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the second lists two phrases, in him and with him, and the purpose clause, to serve you. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Contrast.) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.21.23|AUTODETECT|” For indeed, he was crucified in weakness but lives by the power of God. This sentence affirms a truth concerning Jesus that unbelievers ridiculed. They considered Jesus crucifixion an evidence of weakness, for they had expected him to walk away from the cross and be immune to the power of death. Instead, Jesus permitted the shame of being nailed to a cross on which he died as an evildoer cursed by God 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.21.23|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 21:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Paul writes the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 weakness,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.8|AUTODETECT|” but what does he mean by it? Jesus assumed the figure of a servant who in human form humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ). He shared in our humanity and thus partook of our human frailty. But Jesus also had to die on the cross to fulfill God s will. Submissive to that will, he learned obedience from what he suffered 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 5:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God made Christ to become weak and so take upon himself our sins, that we might become God s righteousness in him (5:21). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.25|AUTODETECT|” Conversely, Jesus comforted grief-stricken Martha by saying, I am the resurrection and the life 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.25|AUTODETECT|” John 11:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.17-60.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ; see 14:6). He lives by the power of God, so that his divine power surmounted his human weakness. He rose victoriously from the grave and triumphantly lives and reigns forever. The people who scoff at Christ will meet the Judge at their appointed time and face his power 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.17-60.4.18|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 4:17 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Result.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For indeed, we are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God to serve you. This sentence continues to explain the preceding verse (v. 3) by saying that Christ s power is at work in the apostle and his associates. The numerous scars on Paul s body silently testified to the suffering he had endured in the interest of advancing Christ s gospel. He had frequently faced death when he was beaten with rods, was flogged, and was stoned. But God spared him, so that the life of Jesus might be manifested in Paul (4:10). And through this life Christ strengthened and renewed Paul in a real and intimate way. The apostle s weaknesses were counterbalanced by the evidence of Christ s power at work in him (see 12:9).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”

10. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 What is Paul saying with the clause, but we shall live with him by the power of God to serve you ? He speaks primarily of God s power that is at work in him not merely for personal strength and stamina but also for administering discipline to rebellious Corinthians.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
11. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Notice that he writes the future tense to indicate that when he is among them, God s power will be evident. As he already indicated in the first few verses of this chapter, he will exercise discipline, if necessary, not in his own name but by the power of God. The display of power such discipline presupposes will be supported by nothing less than the power of the resurrected Christ. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
12. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And disciplinary action in the case of the Corinthians is for their own benefit. The succeeding context indicates that the members of the church must examine and test themselves to see if they are in the faith and have Jesus Christ in their hearts (v. 5). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 13:1 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ������ ����� this combination means this the third [time], which in our idiom becomes for the third time. ) �v �������� the preposition with the genitive signifies on, and the noun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 mouth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 relates to the testimony that proceeds from it. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ��� �������� ��v ����� in English parlance we say, two ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 or) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 three witnesses. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 a� the particle may denote duration or concession . The concessive meaning is preferred. ) ��� a variant Western text and the Majority Text add the verb ����� after the adverb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 now) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13” KJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” NKJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But the better manuscripts support the reading without the verb . ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 p� ��� the particle normally introduces a conditional clause that expresses probability. But here it has a temporal connotation: when I come. ) �0� �x ����� this is an idiom in which the preposition is used figuratively related to time: again, for another visit. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”
13. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 E�� this is not the conjunction ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 that) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is the recitative E��, which introduces a saying and functions as a colon followed by quotation marks. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 ��v ��� note that Paul uses this combination twice to bring out a parallel of Christ on the one hand and we on the other. The Majority Text has the particle �0 after the first combination with the translation For though (KJV, NKJV). ) � the preposition governing the genitive case can be either cause or source. ) �0� Q��� the second sentence in this verse is disjointed; it is difficult to determine whether to take the last two words with either to live or the power of God. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16”
14. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. Prayer for Perfection) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 13:5 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 This is the last paragraph Paul writes before he pens his final greeting and benediction in the conclusion. He casts this paragraph in the form of exhortation and prayer. Not interested in having to deal harshly with the Corinthians, Paul urges them to test their faith in Jesus Christ to see whether he is living within them. If this proves to be the case, the apostle will not have to administer discipline. Thus, his prayer for the people in Corinth is for their restoration and maturity. He ends this segment with a summary of his lengthy discourse (12:19 13:10); and he states that his authority in Christ is not for their destruction but for their edification. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

5. Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not know that Jesus Christ is within you? Unless perhaps you fail the test.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 a. Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith; test yourselves. Paul continues with the subject of the preceding verses (vv. 2 4): he stresses self-examination of one s spiritual life and daily conduct. The last phrase in verse 4, to serve you, forms the bridge between the preceding and the present text. ) With two imperative verbs, examine and test, the apostle emphatically instructs his readers to undertake the crucial task of introspection.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17”

15. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In the Greek, moreover, the personal pronoun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 yourselves) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 precedes both imperatives for emphasis and is part of the commands. Paul, then, turns the matter on its head with respect to the Corinthians. They questioned whether Christ speaks through him, but he tells them to examine their own hearts to see whether Christ is living within them. They desire to find out whether Paul s credentials are genuine. But Paul matches this inquiry with an injunction for them to see if their own lives are authentic. He wants the readers to clean their spiritual houses before he arrives in Corinth, so that both they and he can enjoy peaceful and edifying relations. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Paul asks whether the readers are in the faith and indicates his confidence that they indeed are believers. The expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in the faith) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.13|AUTODETECT|” appears four times in the Greek text of the New Testament epistolary 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.5|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.5|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul is not referring to objective faith that is rooted in doctrine but to subjective trust in Jesus Christ. He has in mind the living faith of a believer who faithfully walks in the footsteps of the Lord and communes with him in prayer.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”
16. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.3|AUTODETECT|” True faith is active and constantly forces Christians to test themselves to see whether Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit lives in their hearts. True faith testifies to intimate fellowship with the Father and his Son 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. Or do you not know that Jesus Christ is within you? Unless perhaps you fail the test. The question Paul asks the Corinthians is rhetorical, and from them he expects an affirmative answer. The first word links the question to the preceding two clauses with imperative verbs. Having obeyed the commands, the readers are now asked to respond to the query whether Jesus Christ is living within them. We may call this question a direct appeal to the consciousness of [Paul s] readers. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”
17. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� If they know that the Lord lives and dwells within their hearts, they consequently want to exalt him, do his will, and forsake evil. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus Christ within you) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.20|AUTODETECT|” probably is a saying that originated with Jesus, who in his farewell discourse said to his disciples, You will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.20|AUTODETECT|” John 14:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Because the words appear more than once in Paul s epistles, we surmise that this phrase was a current saying in the early Christian church. No doubt Paul cites it here as a well-known formula.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20”
18. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Paul makes a last comment, a declarative clause that borders on a rhetorical question requiring a negative response. His emphasis in this paragraph is on testing; for the Corinthians, he poses the possibility of failing the test. He knows that they are able to pass it, yet he wants them to contemplate the consequences of failure. Failure leads to hardening of the heart, and hardening of the heart to spiritual death. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Practical Considerations in 13:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.27-46.11.29|AUTODETECT|” Churches with roots in the Reformation exhort their members to prepare themselves spiritually before coming to the communion table. They follow Paul s instruction not to come to the table in an unworthy manner but to examine themselves before they eat the bread and drink of the cup. If they fail to come prepared, they invoke God s judgment upon themselves 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.27-46.11.29|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:27 29) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.5|AUTODETECT|” We should not only prepare ourselves before celebrating the Lord s Supper, but also continually test our actions, words, and inclinations 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.12-58.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ). Human weakness, however, often causes us to underestimate the danger of failing to test ourselves. If failure occurs, our laxity turns into backsliding. Backsliding is characterized by failing to pray, to obey the message of Scripture, to worship, and to associate with fellow believers on the Lord s Day. It is a sad commentary on the church when corporate responsibility for oversight is lacking 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.12-58.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:12 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.1|AUTODETECT|” 4:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.11|AUTODETECT|”
19. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.19-59.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.19-59.5.20|AUTODETECT|” James 5:19 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). As a consequence, countless Christians gradually drift away from the Lord and, after some time passes, they no longer have fellowship with him. Every believer must give an answer to the question whether he or she is in the faith. ) 7 6 3 8 0 0 If I ask the question, What does it mean to me to be in the faith? I answer: ) I belong to Jesus Christ in this life and in the life to come; ) I dedicate my whole being to him as his faithful servant; ) I present my heart to him promptly and sincerely; ) I oppose sin and the works of the evil one; ) I long to be eternally with Jesus.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21”
20. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

6. I hope that you will realize that we have not failed. 7. But we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong not that we seem to have passed the test, but that you do that which is right even as if we seem to have failed.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 a. I hope that you will realize that we have not failed. When the Corinthians submit themselves to self-examination and seek the fellowship of the Lord through the working of the Holy Spirit, they will acknowledge the reality of Paul s directives. Paul and his associates have passed the test and are waiting for them to do likewise. When this happens, the Corinthians and Paul with his co-workers will be one in the Lord. More, the people in Corinth will recognize Paul as a true apostle of Jesus Christ. They will acknowledge that he has sought and will continue to seek their spiritual welfare by daily remembering them in prayer. ) b. But we pray��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22”

20. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� to God that you will not do anything wrong. In his epistles Paul describes himself as a man of prayer. Many times he writes that he constantly remembers the people and their needs in prayer.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23”
21. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Here he prays not that either God or he will wrong the Corinthians; instead, he prays to God that the readers will refrain from doing evil and do that which is good.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24”
22. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 The apostle calls on God to come to the aid of the Corinthians. He is asking for divine help to root out both evil practices in their conduct and inappropriate words directed against Paul. He prays that God may bring about a change for the good in the hearts and lives of the Corinthians. ) Paul does not have to explain what he means by doing wrong. The Corinthians know that he refers to their conduct and the influence of his opponents. Those wrongs must be removed, so that when Paul comes to Corinth the relations between him and the people will be harmonious. He wants a continuation of the amity that characterized their association before the difficulties began. ) c.

Not that we seem to have passed the test, but that you do that which is right even as if we seem to have failed. This sentence is the continuation of Paul s prayer.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25” 23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In the first two clauses the negative ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 not) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and the adversative ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 but) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 contrast the concepts of failing and doing right. The principal motif in Paul s argument is a change for the better in the spiritual lives of the Corinthians. When changes have taken place in the people, the apostle need not resort to discipline. He states his sentiment not out of selfish motives but out of a desire to advance the Corinthians. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Paul s adversaries, however, will attack him if the Corinthians repent of their sins. They will accuse him of being mild and meek, of failing to produce evidence of his apostolicity, and of not being Christ s spokesman. In their eyes, Paul s conduct proves that he is a failure when the Corinthians listen to him. But those members of the Corinthian church who take his words to heart will have to commend his integrity and authenticity. They will know that he has not failed the test, but instead has proven to be Christ s apostle. They will also acknowledge that Paul does not come to Corinth to protect his personal integrity; he comes as their spiritual father who promotes the interests of his children. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 8. For we are not able to do anything against the truth but only for the truth. 9. For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we pray that you may be made perfect.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. For we are not able to do anything against the truth but only for the truth. To say that verse 8 follows verse 7 is self-evident. But the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 truth) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” shows that verse 8 clarifies the hypothetical situation described in the previous passage. In the present context, what is the meaning of truth ? Paul is neither dogmatic nor poetic in mentioning truth; he is utterly practical by asking the readers to look at reality rather than appearance. The Corinthians are advised to see everything in the light of truth. Let no one think that Paul played loosely with the truth in a seemingly contradictory way (see v. 7). As an apostle and an ambassador for Christ, he must promote truth at all times. By contrast, servants of Satan, who is the father of the lie, constantly subvert truth. Not so the servants of Jesus, who said, I am & the truth 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” John 14:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). With every word Paul speaks or writes, he promotes truth. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Paul s zeal for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians coincides with his zeal for the truth, which is Christ s gospel. He proclaims the Word of God, the gospel of Christ, and the message of truth. He already noted that his opponents have proclaimed another Jesus and a different gospel (11:4). Conversely, Paul is Christ s apostle and can do nothing but represent him. Should he fail to do so, he would no longer be Christ s apostle. ) b. For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong.

At first sight, Paul appears to reintroduce the subject of weakness and strength without linking it to the preceding discussion. But we see the apostle responding to the content of verse 7 with two arguments, the first one in verse 8 and the other in verse 9. Each is introduced by the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.6|AUTODETECT|” . When we see the arguments in sequence, we read a continuous discourse. Verse 9, then, explains verse 7b, in which Paul writes that he desires nothing better than that the Corinthians seek to do that which is right even as if we seem to have failed. He rejoices in the truth 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.6|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) when he knows that the members of the church in Corinth are strong in their faith. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The contrast of weak and strong was the subject of the preceding chapter (12:8 10). Paul is not now saying that when he is weak, he is strong in the Lord. Rather, he points to himself as weak and to the Corinthians as strong. He writes the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to be weak) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the present tense to describe his condition and the present tense of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to be strong) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 with reference to the Corinthians. He also uses the personal pronouns ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for emphasis. His weakness and their strength is a source of joy for Paul, for their strength proves that he is an apostle through whom Christ speaks (v. 3). And their spiritual strength speaks better than his own strength would do. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26” 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Paul minimizes himself by saying that he is weak, so that the power of the gospel may energize the people in Corinth and make them spiritually strong. When he sees the local church at work through the Spirit s power, he rejoices. Then the Christians in Corinth are strong in the truth and serve the Lord in the light of his Word. The apostle rejoices and calls himself weak because not he but God has made the people strong. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.1|AUTODETECT|” c. And this we pray that you may be made perfect. The last sentence in this verse refers to and repeats part of verse 7. Once more Paul says that he and his co-workers pray; he even specifies the content of their petition. They pray that the Corinthians may be made perfect. The process of making someone perfect is that of restoring him or her 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul alludes to the spiritual restoration and the perfection of the Corinthians, which in this earthly life will always remain a process. His request to God is that the Corinthians will mend their ways and then as the body of Christ live in conformity with the teachings of the gospel. Restoration can come only by forsaking evil practices, striving to do good, living harmoniously with fellow believers, and obeying God. Reinier Schippers succinctly observes, The life of the saints is to correspond to the grace given, and this itself is the standard to which they are to aspire. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27” 25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 10. Therefore, I write these things while absent from you, so that when I am with you I will not have to act harshly on the authority that the Lord has given me for your edification and not for your destruction.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. Therefore, I write these things while absent from you, so that when I am with you I will not have to act harshly. Now Paul comes to the conclusion of his remarks and says that he writes these things while he is still away from Corinth. Some scholars state that the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 these things) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 refers to only chapters 10 through 13.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28” 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Others think that with this summary statement Paul has in mind the entire epistle.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29” 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 However, I interpret this verse in relation to the reverberating echo of an earlier comment about his coming to Corinth (12:20, 21). In that comment, Paul expresses his fear that when he comes, he will find not everything well in the church. Paul has no interest in repeating his painful experiences in Corinth (2:1) when he visits for a third time (v. 1). He now prays that the third visit may be pleasant. (For a discussion on chronology and unity of the epistle, see the Introduction.) ) The apostle repeats the concepts of being absent from and present with the readers of his epistle (see 10:1 2, 11; 13:2). His comment that he is absent is linked to the hope that he soon will be in their midst. Paul informs the church in Corinth that on a forthcoming visit some Macedonians will accompany him (9:4).

He also writes that he is ready to visit that church for the third time (12:14; 13:1). ) This letter is written in preparation for Paul s visit, so that on his arrival he does not have to act harshly toward the Corinthians. The Greek adverb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 apotomMs) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.13|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) comes from the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to cut off) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and here implies that Paul is ready to deal severely with the people to the point of breaking relationships with them. Expecting a favorable response to his letter, Paul hopes to avoid the kind of painful clash that was his lot during his second visit. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.1.10|AUTODETECT|” b. On the authority that the Lord has given me for your edification and not for your destruction. The wording of the last part of this verse is almost identical to that of 10:8b (see the commentary). Jesus called and commissioned Paul as missionary to the Gentiles and gave him apostolic authority to do his work. The Lord gave him the power to build and to destroy, as God appointed the prophet Jeremiah to tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 1:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; see 24:6). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Even though Paul had to apply his authority in the case of the incestuous man in Corinth 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.20|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.20|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), he always sought to use authority to edify the members of the church. Jesus came to seek the lost and to lead sinners to salvation. His ambassadors strive to do likewise and dedicate their ministry to edifying the followers of Christ. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Calvin says that the gospel itself possesses authority, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30” 28) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” �� This power becomes evident in the lives of those who believe and obey the gospel; but those who refuse to listen to divine instruction face spiritual bankruptcy. No one desires the tearing down of relationships, not even God 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 18:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.30-26.18.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.30-26.18.32|AUTODETECT|” 30 32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul tore down the church. Yet he spent the rest of his life to build it up.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31” 29) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Notice, therefore, the force of the negative adverb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 not) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the last part of this verse. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 13:5 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �0 the particle followed by the present indicative of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to be) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 denotes certainty and factuality. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 $ this little particle meaning or should not be omitted in translations, for Paul is asking a rhetorical question that demands a positive answer. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.13|AUTODETECT|” �0 ���� the combination of these two words signifies unless perhaps 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 7:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ���������� the family members of this verb are well represented in the first part of this chapter: the noun ������ (proof, v. 3); the verb �������� (I test, v. 5); the adjectives ������� (failing to meet the test, vv. 5, 7) and ������� (passing the test, v. 7). Philip Edgcumbe Hughes points out that the corresponding sequence of terms in our English version & is inadequate to convey the force of the original. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32” 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �t & ����� the double negative in the subordinate clause is for emphasis: no evil at all. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33” 31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ������� this is a timeless aorist infinitive, but ������ is in the present subjunctive to express a desire for continued action. ) a� the particle should not be overlooked, for it conveys the meaning ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 like) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 as,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the sense of appearance. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 7 3 8 0 0 ���������� this noun, derived from the compound verb �������� (I take down), connotes the process of tearing something down. The noun is a synonym of ���������� (restoration) in verse 9. ) V. Conclusion ) 13:11 13 ) 11 Finally, brothers land sisters], good-by. Mend your ways, accept encouragement, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. ) 13 The grace of our lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. ) Paul s scroll is nearly filled, so that his final remarks in verses 11 and 12 are brief and to the point. In quick succession, he writes short clauses that summarize instead of explain his commands.

Also, verse 11 repeats words used earlier in the epistle and thus serves as a concise recapitulation of its message. ) The change in tone between the preceding paragraph, in which Paul admonishes the readers, and the letter s pleasant conclusion is obvious. This change can readily be explained if we understand that Paul uses the last lines to express his warm affection toward the Corinthians. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 11. Finally, brothers [and sisters], good-by. Mend your ways, accept encouragement, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. Finally, brothers [and sisters], good-by. The word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 finally) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.1|AUTODETECT|” is a familiar word that Paul utters at the conclusion of a discussion or a letter 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.1|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.1|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It serves to introduce a summary and is usually followed by instructions. In this instance, Paul takes leave of his readers by addressing them as brothers. The term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 brothers,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 which includes the women in the church of Corinth, communicates his deep love for the recipients of his letter. Whenever he writes this designation, he voices both tender care for his readers and simple equality; he places himself on their level. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Paul s good-by has a deeper meaning than a mere word of farewell, for the Greek word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 chairete) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.4|AUTODETECT|” conveys a measure of joy 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Throughout this epistle, Paul has demonstrated his joy in relation to the Corinthians (2:3; 6:10; 7:7, 9, 16; 13:9).Joy is one of the characteristics a sincere Christian displays even in times of hardship, oppression, sorrow, and grief. The present tense of this Greek verb indicates that the characteristic of joy must continue to be part of a Christian s life. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. Mend your ways, accept encouragement, be of one mind, live in peace. In verse 9 the apostle wrote about restoration and being made perfect. Once more he pens the same word, but now in a verb form that conveys encouragement to restore everything in the lives of the Corinthians and to strive for perfection. The present tense in the translation mend your ways ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34” 32) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� reveals Paul s hope that the Corinthians will begin to do so before his arrival. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The words ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 accept encouragement) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 translate the Greek verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 parakaleisthe) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , which is a command in the present tense of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 parakalein) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (to summon, encourage, appeal to, comfort). The translations of this particular verb are unusually varied: as a passive -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35” NASB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) or as a middle -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36” NAB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn37” NJB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref38 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn38” TNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Still other renderings are Be of good comfort (KJV, NKJV), Agree with one another -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref39 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn39” NEB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Listen to my appeal -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref40 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn40” NIV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref41 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn41” NRSV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref42 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn42” Cassirer) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Pay attention to what I have said -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref43 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn43” CEV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 see also ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref44 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn44” NCV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref45 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn45” Moffatt) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and Accept my encouragement 8 1 -1 9 0 0 God s Word) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In his epistle Paul uses the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 parakalein) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 seventeen times, but only here as a command. Elsewhere he writes the verb in the imperative with the meaning ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 encourage!) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.18|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.18|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.11|AUTODETECT|” 5:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Hence, I prefer to interpret Paul s admonition as his word of encouragement to the readers. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.2|AUTODETECT|” Next, he tells the recipients of his letter to be of one mind. This exhortation occurs often in Paul s epistles. For instance, he urges the Romans to strive for unity (12:16; 15:5) and entreats Euodia and Syntyche in Philippi to live in harmony 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.2|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.34|AUTODETECT|” ; see also 2:2). Thinking along the same lines of biblical teaching means unity in the Christian faith but not necessarily uniformity. The Reformers of the sixteenth century allowed for freedom in interpreting Scripture, yet they noted that the church may never waver on the cardinal doctrines of God s Word. Christians must stand united in heart and mind against the attacks of the evil one. They are told repeatedly to love one another 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.34|AUTODETECT|” John 13:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.8|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.5|AUTODETECT|” II John 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Also, they are unable to act by themselves, but they can rely wholly on God, who grants them his love and peace. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.18|AUTODETECT|” Last, the apostle instructs the Corinthians to live in peace. Mindful of dissension in the church, Paul follows Jesus by exhorting Christians to live at peace with everyone 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.18|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.11|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.50|AUTODETECT|” ; see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.50|AUTODETECT|” Mark 9:50) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.6.26|AUTODETECT|” ). It is the peace that comes from God. This is evident from the Aaronic blessing to his people: The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.6.26|AUTODETECT|” Num. 6:26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. And the God of love and peace will be with you. After writing five imperatives, Paul adds a clause that he introduces with the conjunction ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . He is not writing an afterthought but a benediction with which he and others customarily conclude their letters.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref46 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn46” 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In these writings the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the God of peace) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 occurs, but here Paul adds the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 love) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.8|AUTODETECT|” . That God is love becomes clear in the first epistle of John 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.8|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), in which the writer discusses this attribute of God. Is there any difference between the phrases ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 God of love) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 love of God) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (v. 13 [14])? The answer is no, because both words describe one of God s characteristics. God is both the source and the giver of love. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.9|AUTODETECT|” Sinful human beings daily receive God s love and peace. God is good to all 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 145:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.45|AUTODETECT|” ); he makes his sun to shine on the good and the bad and rain to fall on the just and the unjust 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.45|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:45) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But when people refuse to listen to his Word and continue to live in hatred and conflict, they fail to obtain God s love and peace. Therefore, Paul s command to live in peace is followed by his blessing of God s love and peace. His directive and his blessing should be understood as cause and effect, for love creates an atmosphere of peace. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Believers know that there cannot be pure love and abiding peace apart from God. They know that God effects reconciliation between himself and sinful humanity and that appeasement produces harmony (5:19). He grants his peace to all those who want to be reconciled to him and live in unity with one another. Hodge keenly observes, We have here the familiar Christian paradox. God s presence produces love and peace, and we must have love and peace in order to have his presence. God gives what he commands. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref47 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn47” 34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The assurance that God s love is with the Corinthians comes in the conclusion of this brief benediction: the God of love and peace ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 will be with you) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.20|AUTODETECT|” . The words echo Jesus promise at the conclusion of the Great Commission: And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.20|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). All those who listen obediently to God are confident that they are the recipients of his love and peace. The benediction is not a vague promise for the future but a sacred guarantee of abiding validity. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 12. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Most Greek New Testaments have two sentences in this verse, and so do many translations.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref48 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn48” 35) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Others divide this passage into verses 12 and 13. This means that the chapter in these translations has fourteen instead of thirteen verses. Robert Estienne in 1551 and 1555 numbered the verses of the New Testament and gave thirteen to this chapter. But in 1572, the Bishops Bible was published with fourteen verses, and most translators have adopted its numbering.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref49 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn49” 36) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� I have followed the sequence given in the Greek New Testaments. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.16|AUTODETECT|” Greeting one another with a holy kiss, a practice rooted in Jewish culture, was and still is customary and expected 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.26|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:26) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.14|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). A light touch of the lips against the cheeks, both left and right, common in many societies in the Middle East and elsewhere, was a standard practice in the early church.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref50 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn50” 37) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The kiss was devoid of erotic implications, for the epistolary writers call this practice holy. This description points to the context in which the custom occurred, namely, among the saints. It meant that the saints formed the family of God and accepted each other as brothers and sisters. The kiss signified, then, that as family these people committed themselves to promoting love, peace, and harmony in the church.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref51 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn51” 38) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The second sentence in this verse voices Paul s striving for the unity of the church. All the saints greet you probably refers to the Macedonian churches, whose members were vitally interested in the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians (9:2 5; 11:9). The word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 includes these churches and reveals harmony in the churches that Paul had founded. At the same time it implies an appeal for unity in the Corinthian congregation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 13. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Countless pastors pronounce this benediction at the conclusion of worship services. It is the blessing of the triune God to the believers who have come to worship and leave to serve. The prayer is that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit may endow the worshipers with the virtues of love, grace, and fellowship to equip them for service. Because of its trinitarian formula, this is the richest benediction in the entire New Testament. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.1-45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” The order of the trinitarian formula differs from the sequence in which the Father is first, the Son second, and the Spirit last. Here the Son precedes the Father, which indeed is unusual. Earlier in the letter Paul alludes to the Trinity in the usual order 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.1-45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:1 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ). Peter in his introduction to his first epistle mentions the Trinity in the sequence of God the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.2|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We can only surmise that Paul s emphasis on the Lord Jesus Christ caused him to mention the Second Person of the Trinity first. His emphasis on the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 our Lord Jesus Christ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is evident throughout the epistle (1:2, 3; 8:9; 11:31; 13:13). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. This clause occurs also in 8:9 and at the conclusion of many epistles.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref52 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn52” 39) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� It is a benediction formula that features the concept ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 grace,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 which must be interpreted to mean the whole blessing of redemption. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref53 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn53” 40) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.21|AUTODETECT|” �� Through his ministry, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ showered his grace upon his people by saving them from their sins 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” b. And the love of God. The grace of Jesus Christ comes first and the love of God follows. Through God s love, Christ s grace is extended to believers to be appropriated by them. God loved the world to such a depth that he gave his one and only Son for our salvation 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). R. C. H. Lenski asks, If the sinner bows his head at the pierced feet of the Lord because he is overwhelmed by the grace, shall he not be utterly lost in this ocean of the love which is as great and as blessed as God himself? ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref54 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn54” 41) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The answer is affirmative, for this divine love is granted only to those people who believe and thus are recipients of eternal life. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” c. And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. The third divine gift is fellowship, which in some translations is rendered communion. Fellowship conveys the sense of close companionship that in this case pertains to the Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart of a believer. Indeed, Paul indicates that the Spirit makes the body of the believer his dwelling place or temple 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 A question, however, is the meaning of the genitive case in the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 of the Holy Spirit) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Is it a subjective or an objective genitive? The two preceding clauses feature the subjective or possessive genitive, for Paul has in mind the grace that emanates from Jesus and the love that God grants us. But do we have the fellowship that originates with the Holy Spirit (the subjective genitive) or do we enter into fellowship with the Spirit (objective genitive)? Scholars have defended either interpretation at length, while others argue that both interpretations are valid. Writes Kruse, In any case Christians can share objectively in the Spirit only if the Spirit himself as subject makes that participation possible. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref55 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn55” 42) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 A last remark must be made concerning the words ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 be with you all) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Do they apply only to the third clause or to all three clauses? In view of Paul s other benedictions (see footnote 39), we do well to link the concluding remark to every one of the three clauses. Divine grace, love, and fellowship are extended without exception to all people who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 13:12 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �������� the aorist tense of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to greet) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 normally appears as the customary greeting at the conclusion of epistles, with the exception of III John 15, where the present imperative occurs. To greet someone is a single action, not an extended process. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ��� ���� ��������� the question of subjective or objective genitive can best be solved by accepting both. ) ��� the Majority Text concludes with the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 amen) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . But the better manuscripts fail to support this reading. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Subscripts are many and varied. One has the abbreviated heading To the Corinthians B. Another adds to this heading the name ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Philippi) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Still others list the place of composition and the writers: To the Corinthians, the second epistle, from Philippi by Titus, Barnabas, and Luke. One other witness reads, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Luke (see the KJV).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref56 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn56” 43) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The shortest subscript, To the Corinthians B, has solid manuscript support and thus appears as the title of this letter. The numerous variants are indicative of accretions and underscore our inability to affirm their veracity. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 Repeating himself, Paul informs the readers that he will pay them a visit for the third time. But this will be a visit to call forth testimony against those people who continue to live in sin. Paul has repeatedly warned them, and in his letter he again forewarns them to repent, so that upon his arrival in Corinth he no longer has to deal with problems. These people doubt that Paul speaks with the authority of Christ, but he will prove that he is no weakling. Through God s power living within him, he serves the people of Corinth. ) Paul turns matters around by exhorting the Corinthians to examine their own hearts to see if Christ Jesus lives there. The apostle does not want to see the people fail that test, for he himself did not fail it.

He pleads with them not to err but to live in the sphere of truth. His prayer is for the Corinthians to be strong and to strive for perfection. Paul writes about these matters so that when he comes to them he may find them responsive. He wants to edify them in the faith with the authority that the Lord has given him. ) The letter ends with a final appeal to strive for restoration, unity, and peace. Paul exchanges customary greetings and concludes his epistle with a trinitarian benediction that stresses divine grace, love, and fellowship. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 1 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See the commentaries of Bachmann, Barrett, Bultmann, Lietzmann, and Martin. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 2 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 SB 1:790 91. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 3 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Chrysostom, Theodoret, Calvin, Lietzmann, Plummer, Bachmann, Alford, Windisch, Allo, Grosheide, Pop, Wendland, Bruce, and Barrett. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 C. K. Barrett, Paul s Opponents in 2 Corinthians, in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Essays on Paul) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1982), pp. 76 77; see also ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Second Epistle to the Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Harper s New Testament Commentaries series (New York: Harper and Row, 1973), p. 333; Ralph P. Martin, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 2 Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Word Biblical Commentary 40 (Waco: Word, 1986), pp. 469 70; D. A. Carson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 From Triumphalism to Maturity) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984), p. 173; Victor Paul Furnish, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 II Corinthians: Translated with Introduction, Notes and Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Anchor Bible 32A (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1984), p. 575. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 5 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 E.g., references to the Pentateuch are twelve from Genesis, twenty one from Exodus, three from Leviticus, fourteen from Numbers, and twenty from Deuteronomy. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hendrik van Vliet, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.19.15|AUTODETECT|” No Single Testimony. A Study on the Adoption of the Law of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.19.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 19:15) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Par. into the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Utrecht: Kemink, 1958), pp. 2, 88. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 7 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to John Albert Bengel, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Bengel s New Testament Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. Charlton T. Lewis and Marvin R. Vincent, 2 vols. (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1981), vol. 2, p. 336; Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul s Second Epistle to the Corinthians: The English Text with Introduction, Exposition and Notes) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , New International Commentary on the New Testament series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1962), p. 476. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult John Calvin, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians and the Epistles to Timothy, Titus and Philemon) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Calvin s Commentaries series, trans. T. A. Small (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964), p. 170. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 9 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult James Denney, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Second Epistle to the Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , The Expositor s Bible series, 2d ed. (New York: Armstrong, 1900), p. 376. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 10 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Colin G. Kruse, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Second Epistle to the Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Tyndale New Testament Commentaries series (Leicester: Inter-Varsity; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987), p. 219. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 11 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Barrett interprets verse 4b eschatologically by writing that life with Christ belongs primarily to the future 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Second Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 337). The context of Paul s discourse, however, is not futuristic but corrective. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Carson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 From Triumphalism to Maturity) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 176. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” KJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 King James Version (= Authorized Version) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” NKJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New King James Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 C. F. D. Moule, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1960), p. 69. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 14 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Bruce M. Metzger, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Stuttgart and New York: United Bible Societies, 1994), p. 519. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 15 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Hermann Haarbeck, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:810; R. C. Trench, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Synonyms of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Robert G. Hoerber (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989), pp. 293 95. The verbs imply that the testing will have positive results; that is, the Corinthians will pass the test. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 16 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Jean H�ring, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Second Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , trans. A. W. Heathcote and P. J. Allcock (London: Epworth, 1967), p. 100 n. 6. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 17 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Charles Hodge, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 An Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1891; Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1959), p. 306. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” 18 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Compare Hans Windisch, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Der Zweite Korintherbrief) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Georg Strecker (1924; reprint ed., G�ttingen: Vandenhoeck und Ruprecht, 1970), p. 420. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.9|AUTODETECT|” Consult the Heidelberg Catechism, answers 1 and 32; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.27|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.8-47.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.8-47.5.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:8 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; John Calvin s motto. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Majority Text has the singular 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Moffatt) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Phillips) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 21 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.9-45.1.10|AUTODETECT|” See, e.g., ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.9-45.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:9 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.2-52.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.2-52.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:2 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 1:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Philem. 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 22 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hans Lietzmann argues that God is the subject of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to do,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 while Werner G. K�mmel objects, saying that the Greek expression ����v� ����� (to do evil) has you as subject. See ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 An die Korinther I/II) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , augmented by Werner G. K�mmel, Handbuch zum Neuen Testament 9 (T�bingen: Mohr, 1969), pp. 161, 214. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 23 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Martin, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 2 Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 481. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 24 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Barrett, Paul s Opponents in 2 Corinthians, p. 78. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 25 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Reinier Schippers, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:350. See also Gerhard Delling, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:476. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 26 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See the commentaries of Windisch (pp. 424 25), Furnish (p. 574), Martin (p. 485). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 27 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Ernest B. Allo, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Saint Paul Seconde �p�tre aux Corinthiens) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Paris: Gabalda, 1956), p. 341; F. W. Grosheide, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 De Tweede Brief van den Apostel Paulus aan de Kerk te Korinthe) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Kommentaar op het Nieuwe Testament series (Amsterdam: Van Bottenburg, 1939), p. 484; F. J. Pop, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 De Tweede Brief van Paulus aan de Corinthi�rs) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nijkerk: Callenbach, 1980), p. 397. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 28 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Calvin, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 II Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 175 76. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 29 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Carl Schneider, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 3:413. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref32” 30 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hughes, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Second Epistle to the Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 482 83 n. 178. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 31 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A. T. Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 1173; Robert Hanna, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 334. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 32 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 417. Some commentators interpret the verb as a passive ( be restored, Furnish, pp. 581 82, or be perfected, Hughes, p. 486) and then must designate God as the agent. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” NASB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New American Standard Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref36” NAB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New American Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref37” NJB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Jerusalem Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn38 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref38” TNT ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The New Translation ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn39 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref39” NEB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New English Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn40 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref40” NIV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New International Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn41 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref41” NRSV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn42 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref42” Cassirer ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A New Testament Translation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , E. Cassirer ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn43 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref43” CEV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Contemporary English Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn44 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref44” NCV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New Century Version (The Everday Bible) ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn45 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref45” Moffatt ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Bible: A New Translation, James Moffatt) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn46 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.33|AUTODETECT|” 33 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.33|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” 16:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.14.33|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 14:33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.11|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.16|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.20|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.20|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn47 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref47” 34 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hodge, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Second Epistle to the Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 311. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn48 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref48” 35 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Nes-Al, UBS, BF, Merk, Majority Text; but the TR and Souter have fourteen verses. English translations with thirteen verses are CEV, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 God s Word,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 GNB, JB, NJB, NAB, NRSV, SEB; others end the chapter with verse 14. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn49 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref49” 36 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Furnish, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 II Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 583. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn50 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref50” 37 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to John Ellington, Kissing in the Bible: Form and Meaning, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 BibTr) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 41 (1990): 409 16. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn51 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref51” 38 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See the commentaries of Denney (pp. 384 85), Martin (p. 502), Grosheide (p. 486); but Pop (p. 399) expresses some reservation. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn52 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” 39 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.18|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.28|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.18|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.23|AUTODETECT|” . See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn53 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref53” 40 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Calvin, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 II Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 176. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn54 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref54” 41 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 R. C. H. Lenski, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Interpretation of St. Paul s First and Second Epistle to the Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Columbus: Wartburg, 1946), pp. 1340 41. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn55 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref55” 42 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Kruse, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Second Corinthians) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.14|AUTODETECT|” , p. 224. See Ralph P. Martin, The Spirit in 2 Corinthians in Light of the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.14|AUTODETECT|” 2 Corinthians 13:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Eschatology and the New Testament: Essays in Honor of George Beasley-Murray) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. W. H. Gloer, Festschrift for G. R. Beasley-Murray (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1988), pp. 113 28. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn56 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref56” 43 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Metzger, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Textual Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 519. )