Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 13

After expressing his personal fears about the forthcoming third visit (12:20– 21), Paul issues two direct warnings relative to this issue: “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (v.1), and “On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others” (v.2).

What are the “two or three witnesses”? Some believe Paul is referring to his three comings to Corinth (two actual, one promised) as three separate witnesses at whose testimony justice would certainly fall on the dissidents at Corinth. Another possible view sees a reference to the threefold warning that Paul would not spare the Corinthians: the first was either 1 Corinthians 4:21 or the warning given on the “painful visit”; the second is the warning given here; and the final one is the proposed third visit. In any case, the general import is clear: “Sufficient warning has been given; punishment is imminent.” “Those who sinned earlier” are the immoral persons of 12:21b who did not repent during Paul’s “painful visit” and were evidently still indulging in their sexual sins. “The others” are probably those Corinthians who had been adversely influenced by the false apostles and were arrogantly fomenting unrest within the church (12:20b). Both groups receive their final warning here. If they remained unrepentant, he would be harsh in his use of authority (cf. v.10; cf. 1 Corinthians 5:5).

After expressing his personal fears about the forthcoming third visit (12:20– 21), Paul issues two direct warnings relative to this issue: “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (v.1), and “On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others” (v.2).

What are the “two or three witnesses”? Some believe Paul is referring to his three comings to Corinth (two actual, one promised) as three separate witnesses at whose testimony justice would certainly fall on the dissidents at Corinth. Another possible view sees a reference to the threefold warning that Paul would not spare the Corinthians: the first was either 1 Corinthians 4:21 or the warning given on the “painful visit”; the second is the warning given here; and the final one is the proposed third visit. In any case, the general import is clear: “Sufficient warning has been given; punishment is imminent.” “Those who sinned earlier” are the immoral persons of 12:21b who did not repent during Paul’s “painful visit” and were evidently still indulging in their sexual sins. “The others” are probably those Corinthians who had been adversely influenced by the false apostles and were arrogantly fomenting unrest within the church (12:20b). Both groups receive their final warning here. If they remained unrepentant, he would be harsh in his use of authority (cf. v.10; cf. 1 Corinthians 5:5).

It seemed as if in their immaturity the Corinthians were unimpressed by Christlike gentleness and meekness (10:1) but were overawed by arbitrary displays of power (11:20). In their misguided judgment, Paul’s gentle demeanor raised doubts about his claim to apostolic authority; he had to give them some proof that Christ in his resurrection power was speaking through him. His reply was that, though he had previously been “weak” in the Corinthian estimation (10:1, 10), his impending severity would provide sufficient proof that he was a spokesman of Christ and that Christ was powerful among them. The Corinthians had in effect challenged Christ, who would not disappoint them as he exhibited his resurrection power through his apostle.

The relationship between Christ and Paul with regard to weakness and power is now clarified. Jesus Christ was crucified because of “weakness” (GK 819); this weakness was not physical frailty or moral impotence, but the “weakness” of nonretaliation and the “weakness” of obedience to God. Christ’s “weakness” in assuming the poverty of earthly existence (8:9) and in humbling himself and becoming obedient even to death on a cross was, however, the most perfect evidence of strength. But that “weakness” of Christ is past. Now he lives a resurrection life sustained by God’s power, “the Spirit of holiness” (Romans 1:4).

As a result of being in Christ, Paul shared in the weakness of his crucified Master (cf. 12:7–10). As a result of his fellowship with Christ, he shared in the mighty power of his risen Lord, a power imparted by God. From a human standpoint, the nonassertiveness that had marked Paul’s conduct on his second visit to Corinth (cf. 10:1, 10) was simply weakness. But on his forthcoming visit, God’s power would be vigorously displayed through him in his dealings with the Corinthians.

Rather than demanding proof that Christ was speaking through Paul (v.3), the Corinthians ought to be examining themselves. Paul asks in effect: “Don’t you know yourselves sufficiently well to recognize that Christ Jesus lives within each of you [cf. Romans 8:9] and that therefore you are in the faith?” Although for the sake of emphasis he adds “unless, of course, you fail the test,” he does not really believe the Corinthians are counterfeit, and he knows that no Corinthian is likely to form such a conclusion about himself or herself.

To Paul, the Corinthians’ belief in the genuineness of their faith carried with it the proof of the genuineness of Paul’s apostleship and Gospel, for he had become their father in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 4:15). As men and women in Christ they themselves formed the verification of his credentials (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:2–3). Only if they doubted their own salvation should they doubt Paul’s claim to be a true “apostle of Christ Jesus” (1:1). If they did not fail the test, then neither did he.