United Commentaries

2Cor.10.1-13.13

In this section, Paul defends his ministry as an apostle.

These chapters pose several problems arising from a distinct change of tone and style. Chapters 1–9 are full of joy stemming from the reconciliation of sinners with God and of the Corinthians with Paul. Yet from this point on, Paul is on the defensive. These chapters are full of harsh words, bitter recriminations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The remarkable break at 10:1 has inspired a number of explanations: (1) These chapters might be a separate letter, perhaps the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3-4; 7:8-9). (2) It might be that, while the majority of the church members were obedient to the appeal for reconciliation, there was still a rebellious minority to whom Paul addressed these four chapters. (3) More likely, a new situation had arisen since Titus first brought back his glowing report of restored harmony (7:5-16). In this scenario, some anti-Paul missionaries had arrived in Corinth and launched a virulent campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13-15). They claimed that Paul was no real apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to come to Corinth with the gospel message since it was territory that belonged to them (10:15-16). They brought an alien message (11:4) and exercised a domineering spirit. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13-15). Paul, concerned upon hearing of this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and engages in a form of writing that is distasteful to him (11:1, 16-17; 12:1) by boasting of his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is real and powerful, yet it is conditioned and controlled by the love exhibited by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4-10).

2Cor.13.1-2

Announcing his intention to return to Corinth the third time (see study note on 12:14-15), Paul found confirmation of his plan in the Scriptures. The reason for this quotation is not clear, but perhaps, given the context of Deut 19:15, Paul wanted to warn them that every transgression (listed in 2 Cor 12:20-21) would be judged on his arrival. The two or three witnesses against the Corinthian offenders were Paul’s letters or visits and the promise of his coming the third time.

2Cor.13.3-4

Christ speaks through me: Paul represented Christ to the Corinthian congregation, and he would exercise God’s power in dealing with them.

Paul’s weakness was patterned on the humiliation of Christ, who was crucified in weakness (see 8:9). Paul’s judgment on the sinners would be tempered by the constraint of Christ’s love (5:14-21).

We, too, are weak: Paul’s humanity was frail, yet he could draw on Christ’s strength (12:10).

2Cor.13.5-6

The issue is clear cut: If they cannot recognize that Jesus Christ is living among them, they are the ones who have failed the test of genuine faith (literally are disproved). There is a play on words here: They were looking for “proof” of Paul’s apostolic authority, but Paul urges them, Test yourselves (or Prove yourselves). The lack of Christ’s presence would disprove their authenticity as Christians. But Paul himself has demonstrated that he has not failed the test of apostolic authority (literally not been disproved).

2Cor.13.7-10

Whatever the problems Paul faced at Corinth, there is no doubt about his chief desire. He cherished the highest good for these people, that they would become mature and strong. Paul was always concerned to promote the welfare of his people, even when rebuking them.

2Cor.13.7

that you will not do what is wrong: They would do wrong by embracing the false teachers who had appeared on the scene (11:5, 13-15; see study note on 10:1–13:13).

even if that makes it look like we have failed: Paul’s motivation in ministry is to be faithful, not to appear successful (1 Cor 4:2). He patterned his service on Jesus Christ himself (2 Cor 13:4), who was outwardly weak and an apparent failure in dying on the cross, but who is now victorious as he lives by the mighty power of God.

2Cor.13.9

become mature: This Greek word sometimes carries the idea of repair or completion, of restoring something to its proper condition, as in a return to good health (a related word is used in 13:11, “grow to maturity”; Mark 1:19, “repairing”; 1 Thes 3:10, “fill”; Heb 13:21, “equip”; 1 Pet 5:10, “restore”).

2Cor.13.10

Paul did not want to deal severely with the Corinthians by punishing the offenders (12:21). He wanted to exercise his apostolic authority in a positive way, but his ministry required him both to strengthen and to tear . . . down (cp. Jer 1:10).

to strengthen you (or to build you up): This is Paul’s favorite expression for a stable Christian community (see Eph 4:12), in which the Lord lives both in and among the believers (2 Cor 13:5).

2Cor.13.11-14

The letter’s conclusion includes Paul’s final appeal (13:11), greetings (13:12-13), and a blessing (13:14).

2Cor.13.11

These last words are Paul’s final instructions.

Be joyful: See also Phil 3:1; 4:4.

Grow to maturity: See study note on 2 Cor 13:9—Paul’s encouragement might be that they aim for restoration.

Encourage each other: The need for encouragement has been very prominent in 2 Corinthians, beginning with 1:3-7.

Live in harmony: Literally Be of the same mind (as in Phil 2:1-4).

2Cor.13.12-13

a sacred kiss: The kiss was a common Jewish form of salutation, not only a sign of personal affection. Common in the New Testament church (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 1 Thes 5:26; 1 Pet 5:14), it may have a significance in worship services in uniting fellow believers (the “kiss of peace”). The word for sacred (Greek hagiō) is the same word that is translated God’s people (literally the saints; Greek hagioi) in the next sentence.

God’s people here were the believers in the place from which Paul was writing in Macedonia.

2Cor.13.14

Paul closes his letter with a prayer and blessing. He invokes the three persons of the Trinity, with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (see 8:9) coming first. This is because we are always relying on Christ’s sacrificial love, which reconciles us to God the Father (5:18-21) and unites us through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit with all our fellow believers.

The love of God provides for our needs and graciously restores us to his family.

The fellowship of the Holy Spirit means our fellowship with the Spirit, who joins Christians together into a unity (Eph 4:3; Phil 2:1).