Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 13:10

"For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down." — 2 Corinthians 13:10 (ASV)

Paul’s sole concern was to further and consolidate the truth of the Gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:16). Thus he was happy whenever his converts gave evidence of robust and mature Christian character. If the Corinthians were strong in Christ, he would not have to use his apostolic authority harshly but could come to them in the “weakness” of a “gentle spirit” (1 Corinthians 4:21). Such “weakness” as a result of “strength” on their part would make him rejoice. In fact, his prayer was precisely for the restoration of the Corinthians to spiritual strength and wholeness (cf. v.11; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Galatians 6:1).

If 12:20–21 expresses Paul’s fears about what he would find at Corinth on his arrival, 13:10 indicates his hope in this regard. But even here a veiled warning is registered. While the Lord had not invested Paul with apostolic authority primarily for the negative work of tearing down, if destruction had to be done before the positive task of construction, it would be reluctantly undertaken—and with the same authority (cf. 10:8).

Was Paul’s final visit to Corinth actually an unpleasant one? Though direct evidence is lacking, we have several indications that it was not unsuccessful. (1) During the visit (which lasted three months; cf. Acts 20:2–3) he wrote the Epistle to the Romans. This letter betrays some apprehension for the future (Romans 15:30– 31) but none for the present. (2) Paul would hardly have planned to visit Rome and then do pioneer evangelism in the west (Romans 15:24, 28), if the church in the city from which he was writing was in a state of disorder and disloyalty (cf. comments on 2 Corinthians 10:15–16). (3) It is clear from Ro 15:26–27 that the Corinthians heeded Paul’s appeal in 2Colossians 8–9 and completed their collection for the saints at Jerusalem. Twice Paul notes that they “were pleased” to contribute, scarcely an appropriate description unless the church in Corinth was in harmony with the promoter of the collection. (4) The very preservation of this letter argues in favor of the success of the visit promised in it.