A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Corinthians 13

A.T. Robertson Commentary

2 Corinthians 13

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

2 Corinthians 13

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
Verse 1

"This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word established." — 2 Corinthians 13:1 (ASV)

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

Verse 2

"I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;" — 2 Corinthians 13:2 (ASV)

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

If I come again (εαν ελθω εις το παλιν). Condition of third class. The use of παλιν of itself suits the idea that Paul had not yet made the second visit as it means simply "again" or "back," but in Mt 26:44 we find παλιν εκ τριτου (again a third time) and so it is not decisive.

Verse 3

"seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:" — 2 Corinthians 13:3 (ASV)

A proof of Christ (δοκιμην του Χριστου). He will give it to them. "I will not spare." He will show that Christ speaks "in me" (εν εμο).

Verse 4

"for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you." — 2 Corinthians 13:4 (ASV)

But we shall live with him through the power of God (αλλα ζησομεν συν αυτω εκ δυναμεως θεου). So real is Paul's sense of his union with Christ.

Verse 5

"Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate." — 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ASV)

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

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